Principles of art: variety
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand and apply variety in my artwork
Key learning points
- Variety is the use of different elements to create visual interest and complexity in a work
- Variety can be achieved by using different colours, shapes, sizes, textures, lines and materials
- Variety can be created by contrasting elements such as light/dark, rough/smooth, or large/small
Keywords
Variety - using different elements to create visual interest and complexity in a work
Abstract - uses the elements of art, to create ideas or feelings rather than realistic pictures of things.
Contrast - when you place very different things next to each other to make each one stand out more.
Juxtapose - to put two different things side by side to highlight how they are different
Common misconception
For artwork to employ variety, it needs to be overwhelming or not unified.
Artwork that employs variety can do so in a unified way to still create work that is cohesive.
Teacher tip
It will help if you have a range of found objects or materials with relief surfaces that you can print with. Examples include - bubblewrap, relief wallpaper, pen lids, rulers, shoes, packaging, string etc.
Equipment
Paint, dry media, roller, printing ink, relief materials - bubble wrap, textured wallpaper etc, paper, glue, pens, ruler.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the art element to its description:
a mark made on a surface that joins different points
a hue created by light reflected off something and back to the eye
how something feels
Q2.What is the purpose of composition in art?
Q3.What is the primary goal of achieving unity in art?
Q4.Arrange these steps for examining an artwork:
Q5.Which printing method involves carving a design into a surface?
Q6.Composition is the of different elements such as colour and shape within an artwork.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How does variety contribute to an artwork?
Q2.Which of the following can artists experiment with to add variety?
Q3.Match the term with its description:
using different things next to each other to make each one stand out
to put two different things side by side to show they are different
using different elements or styles to make a piece interesting
the arrangement of the elements in an artwork
Q4.Where does complexity in art often come from?
Q5.Which is not an example of contrast?
Q6.Abstract artists ...
To help you plan your 9 art and design lesson on: Principles of art: variety, 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: variety, 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.