New
New
Year 9

Principles of art: volume

I can create volume in two and three dimensional work.

New
New
Year 9

Principles of art: volume

I can create volume in two and three dimensional work.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Volume is the amount of space occupied by an object or figure in three dimensions: height, width and depth
  2. Volume is an element of visual expression that can be appreciated in a real or figurative way
  3. 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.


To help you plan your year 9 art and design lesson on: Principles of art: volume, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Painting clay with dark acrylic and dry brushing with a light colour can quickly complete the busts.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Clay, clay tools or diy tools, pencils, paper. Optional: cameras and lights

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the statement to the correct effect of balance:
Correct Answer:Guide composition,Balance in art helps the viewer’s eye move around smoothly.

Balance in art helps the viewer’s eye move around smoothly.

Correct Answer:Create emotional tension,An imbalanced work can show unsettled feelings.

An imbalanced work can show unsettled feelings.

Correct Answer:Create stability,Having equal visual weight makes a piece feel balanced and harmonious

Having equal visual weight makes a piece feel balanced and harmonious

Q2.
Which best describes balance in art?
The artist’s choice of colours
Correct answer: The visual weight and its distribution
The size of the canvas used
Q3.
Why might an artist make a piece intentionally imbalanced?
To create harmony
Correct answer: To show unsettled or chaotic feelings
To make the artwork look more colourful
Q4.
What does balanced artwork often do?
Confuse the viewer
Correct answer: Lead the viewer’s eye smoothly around the piece
Use only symmetrical shapes
Q5.
Which element is most important in creating visual balance?
Correct answer: Shape and size of elements
Brightness of background
The material of the surface
Q6.
Match the type of balance with its characteristic:
Correct Answer:Symmetrical,Mirror images on both sides

Mirror images on both sides

Correct Answer:Asymmetrcal,Different elements of equal visual weight

Different elements of equal visual weight

Correct Answer:Imbalanced,Elements placed to create tension

Elements placed to create tension

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the term to its meaning:
Correct Answer:Contour lines,Lines that describe the outline and 3D form

Lines that describe the outline and 3D form

Correct Answer:Chiaroscuro,Extreme light and dark combination that creates contrast

Extreme light and dark combination that creates contrast

Correct Answer:Bust,A 3D depiction of the head and neck

A 3D depiction of the head and neck

Correct Answer:Volume,The three-dimensionality of an object or image

The three-dimensionality of an object or image

Q2.
Which statement best describes ‘volume’ in art?
The shape of drawings on paper
Correct answer: The space an object takes up in 3D
The colours used in sculpture
Q3.
Which technique helps show volume in 2D artworks?
Correct answer: Shading and tone
Bright colours
A smooth surface
Q4.
Which of these is an example of a clay bust?
A flat portrait painting
Correct answer: A 3D sculpture of a person's head
A drawing of a face with contour lines
Q5.
Match the term to how it helps create volume:
Correct Answer:Light source,Shows where the light hits, creating shadow.

Shows where the light hits, creating shadow.

Correct Answer:Negative space,Outlines the shape and the space around creating contrast

Outlines the shape and the space around creating contrast

Correct Answer:Shading,Creates dark shadows and highlights on a 2D surface

Creates dark shadows and highlights on a 2D surface

Correct Answer:Contour lines,Describe the 3D form using lines

Describe the 3D form using lines

Q6.
How does chiaroscuro help show volume in art?
By using bright colours everywhere
Correct answer: By contrasting light and dark to suggest form
By outlining shapes with thick lines

Additional material

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