Principles of art: volume
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create volume in two and three dimensional work.
Key learning points
- Volume is the amount of space occupied by an object or figure in three dimensions: height, width and depth
- Volume is an element of visual expression that can be appreciated in a real or figurative way
- The illusion of volume can be created in a two-dimensional work
Keywords
Volume - how much space an object takes up. Includes height, width and depth
Bust - a sculpted or cast representation of a human head and neck
Chiaroscuro - an Italian word meaning 'light-dark'
Contour - a line that helps describe the outline and 3D form
Common misconception
Lines create an edge but they don't create volume.
Contour lines and directional hatching lines can be used to describe the volume of a 3D object in a 2D drawing.
Teacher tip
Painting clay with dark acrylic and dry brushing with a light colour can quickly complete the busts.
Equipment
Clay, clay tools or diy tools, pencils, paper. Optional: cameras and lights
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the statement to the correct effect of balance:
Balance in art helps the viewer’s eye move around smoothly.
An imbalanced work can show unsettled feelings.
Having equal visual weight makes a piece feel balanced and harmonious
Q2.Which best describes balance in art?
Q3.Why might an artist make a piece intentionally imbalanced?
Q4.What does balanced artwork often do?
Q5.Which element is most important in creating visual balance?
Q6.Match the type of balance with its characteristic:
Mirror images on both sides
Different elements of equal visual weight
Elements placed to create tension
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the term to its meaning:
Lines that describe the outline and 3D form
Extreme light and dark combination that creates contrast
A 3D depiction of the head and neck
The three-dimensionality of an object or image
Q2.Which statement best describes ‘volume’ in art?
Q3.Which technique helps show volume in 2D artworks?
Q4.Which of these is an example of a clay bust?
Q5.Match the term to how it helps create volume:
Shows where the light hits, creating shadow.
Outlines the shape and the space around creating contrast
Creates dark shadows and highlights on a 2D surface
Describe the 3D form using lines
Q6.How does chiaroscuro help show volume in art?
To help you plan your 9 art and design lesson on: Principles of art: volume, 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: volume, 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.