Connecting and combining: trials and experiments with materials
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can experiment with combining materials and making a paint pour.
Key learning points
- Artists often spend time experimenting with the physical properties of materials, such as texture and malleability.
- Mixing different materials (e.g. paint and objects, or fabric with metal) allows artists to discover new visual effects.
- 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.
Teacher tip
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.
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does scale refer to in art?
Q2.Why is composition important in art?
Q3.How do the principles of art influence an artwork?
Q4.How does an artist’s choices affect the viewer?
Q5.A stack of sweets can show form in art by using and shadow to make sweets look three-dimensional.
Q6.What does unity in art mean?
To help you plan your 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...
To help you plan your 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.
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 4 art and design lessons from the First sustained project: working from a theme unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.