Experiment with collage
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a layered collage with contrasting textures, shapes, and colours, while incorporating black and white photography to enhance depth and composition.
Key learning points
- Experiment with overlapping materials to create depth. Layers can add complexity and intrigue to the artwork
- Use contrasting colours, textures, and shapes to create visual interest and draw the viewer’s eye
- Consider visual weight, symmetrical or asymmetrical balance when arranging elements to achieve a harmonious composition
Keywords
Visual weight - the perceived "heaviness" of an element in the artwork, which is influenced by its size, colour, or placement
Asymmetry - a layout where elements are not mirrored but still balanced through visual interest
Composition - the arrangement of elements in an artwork
Common misconception
The main subject photo should completely dominate the composition.
The photograph should interact with the background, not overpower it. The transparency of acetate or digital opacity allows the viewer to still appreciate the layers beneath. The photograph should complement the painted background, not mask it.
Teacher tip
Greater contextual information on the artists work can be found in the additional materials. You may wish to alter the imagery to better fit your project themes.
Equipment
Paints, paintbrushes, collage papers, scissors, glue, acetate or tracing paper sheets, printed black & white photographs or digital access to take photos. Optional: access to digital editing software.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the term to its correct definition.
Q2.Which of the following is an example of a complementary colour pair?
Q3.A well-arranged helps guide the viewer’s eye around the artwork.
Q4.Which are most likely to given an object the appearance of more visual weight?
Q5.In a collage, overlapping elements can help create a sense of ...
Q6.What is the main purpose of using contrast in a collage?
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Experiment with collage, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Experiment with collage, 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 Fine Art unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.