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Lesson 7 of 11
  • Year 10

Connecting and combining: trials and experiments with materials

I can experiment with combining materials and making a paint pour.

Lesson 7 of 11
New
New
  • Year 10

Connecting and combining: trials and experiments with materials

I can experiment with combining materials and making a paint pour.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Artists often spend time experimenting with the physical properties of materials, such as texture and malleability.
  2. Mixing different materials (e.g. paint and objects, or fabric with metal) allows artists to discover new visual effects.
  3. Artists may develop techniques specific to the materials they are using, including pouring, dripping, or layering.

Keywords

  • Explore - to try out ideas, materials, or techniques

  • Combination - joining two or more different materials, techniques, or ideas

  • Layering - building up an artwork by adding one material or colour on top of another

Common misconception

A common misconception about paint pouring is that it’s purely random and anyone can do it without skill.

In reality, while paint pouring involves chance, artists use technique, colour theory and control to create intentional and successful compositions. It’s both creative and technical.


To help you plan your year 10 art and design lesson on: Connecting and combining: trials and experiments with materials, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Paint pouring is messy so it is advisable to have protective table coverings and aprons. Coconut hair serum is optional. One small squirt into the top of the prepared cups of layered paint will help to create many cells. Pupils may need to work collaboratively dependent on the space available.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Paint, trays, cups, stirrers, lubricant, PVA, acrylic paint, wooden board, canvas or card, heat gun, protective clothing.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

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

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What does scale refer to in art?

The texture of a surface
Correct answer: The size of one object in relation to another
The mood of the artwork

Q2.
Why is composition important in art?

It makes the artwork easier to sell to a gallery
Correct answer: It helps guide the viewer’s eye and creates visual interest
It limits the artist’s creativity and exploration

Q3.
How do the principles of art influence an artwork?

Correct answer: They create structure and guide how the elements are arranged.
They tell the viewer exactly what to feel.
They decide what tools the artist must use.

Q4.
How does an artist’s choices affect the viewer?

They only show what materials were available
They make the artwork harder to understand
Correct answer: They influence the emotions and thoughts the viewer experiences

Q5.
A stack of sweets can show form in art by using and shadow to make sweets look three-dimensional.

Correct Answer: light, tone

Q6.
What does unity in art mean?

Correct answer: All parts of the artwork work together to feel complete and harmonious
Making sure the artwork is perfectly symmetrical
Including as many different styles as possible in one artwork

Additional material

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