Principles of art: mass
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use visual weight to create a typographic design
Key learning points
- Mass relates to solid matter, but in an artistic sense it refers to visual weight
- Objects with more mass are more likely to grab the viewer's attention
- Graphic design uses mass to determine what will carry the most significant visual weight
Keywords
Mass - how heavy or solid an object feels or looks.
Visual weight - how heavy or light an element looks in an image
Negative space - the empty space around objects in an artwork
Typography - the style and arrangement of text in design
Common misconception
An object has the same mass whether in real life or in a 2D representation.
Whilst an object in real life may have a certain physical mass, if it is depicted in an image its visual weight might not represent this physical mass accurately. Especially compared to other items. This is due to the use of visual elements.
Teacher tip
This lesson demonstrates how to work with a gelli plate or just with stencils. You can make DIY gelli plates with many tutorials available online. A damp cloth is best used to clean the plate and roller and to tidy up edges. Some glossy magazines work better for gelli prints than others.
Equipment
Acrylic paint, roller, paper, oil pastels, magazines, glue, scissors, sponge, cloth, Optional: gelli plate
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the element with how it creates rhythm:
Leads the eye across the artwork.
Creates mood changes
Forms patterns that guide movement.
Q2.How does rhythm affect a viewer's experience of an artwork?
Q3.Match the word with its description:
Repeated motifs for continuity
Arrangement of elements for structured flow
Difference of shapes or colour for visual interest
Q4.What is mass?
Q5.Rhythm in art often resembles what musical concept
Q6.Typography refers to the style and arrangement of in design.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does 'visual weight' refer to in art?
Q2.Which object is most likely to draw attention?
Q3.How does negative space affect visual weight?
Q4.Which design element helps prioritise information?
Q5.Match the keyword to the definition
How heavy or solid an object feels or looks.
The empty space around objects in an artwork.
The style and arrangement of text in design.
How heavy or light an element looks in an image.
Q6.How does a heavy-looking object typically behave in a composition?
To help you plan your 9 art and design lesson on: Principles of art: mass, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 art and design lesson on: Principles of art: mass, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 art and design lessons from the The principles of art unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.