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Lesson 6 of 11
  • Year 10

The work of artists and designers: principles of art

I can analyse how the principles of art and choices made by the artist impact the viewer.

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Lesson 6 of 11
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  • Year 10

The work of artists and designers: principles of art

I can analyse how the principles of art and choices made by the artist impact the viewer.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Analysing the principles of art in artworks provides a framework for understanding how visual elements are organised
  2. Gain a deeper understanding of the artist's creative choices and the impact of those choices on the viewer.

Keywords

  • Principles of art - the ways in which artists organise visual elements to create impact

  • Composition - the arrangement of visual elements in an artwork to create a unified and effective whole

  • Choices - the deliberate decisions an artist makes

Common misconception

Balance means everything must be perfectly symmetrical.

Balance can be symmetrical, but it can also be asymmetrical or radial. Asymmetrical balance uses different elements on each side to create visual stability.


To help you plan your year 10 art and design lesson on: The work of artists and designers: principles of art, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Enable pupils to record their artist analysis in the most appropriate way for them whether that's written, verbal or digital.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Pen, pencil sketchbook or paper, equipment for recording verbally, if 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

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6 Questions

Q1.
What does composition refer to in visual art?

The type of paint used
Correct answer: The way elements are arranged in an artwork
The materials an artist chooses

Q2.
Which question is most helpful when analysing the mood of an artwork?

Correct answer: What colours and lighting has the artist used?
How long did the art take to make?
Which materials were used?

Q3.
What impact do jagged or zigzag lines often have in an artwork?

They make the scene feel peaceful and still
They suggest order and symmetry
Correct answer: They can create a sense of tension, chaos, or energy

Q4.
If an artist uses personal objects (like clothing or letters) in a mixed-media work, what could that communicate?

That the artist ran out of art supplies
Correct answer: That the theme is about identity, memory, or personal history
That they prefer 3D art

Q5.
Why might an artist choose to use recycled materials in a sculpture about the environment?

Recycled materials are easier to use
To show off their crafting skills
Correct answer: The materials directly support the message of sustainability and reuse

Q6.
What might an artist suggest by trapping objects in ice in their artwork?

Correct answer: The objects are preserved or frozen in time
The objects are invisible
The objects are meant to be eaten

Additional material

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