Hand rendered working methods: dry media
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore dry media techniques to create varied textures, tones, and expressive graphic designs.
Key learning points
- Dry media techniques such as hatching, cross-hatching and smudging can be used to create varied textures and tones.
- Different dry materials such as pencils, pens, markers and pastels can be used to convey texture and mood.
- Dry materials are ready to use immediately, making them beneficial for quick sketches and on-the-go work.
Keywords
Dry media - non-liquid materials such as pencils, charcoal, pastels, and graphite sticks, used to create marks on paper
Hatching - a drawing technique where parallel lines are used to create shading or texture
Cross-hatching - a method of shading or texture that uses intersecting sets of parallel lines to build up tones and create depth
Smudging - the technique of using fingers, blending stumps, or tissue to blur and soften the edges of marks to create smooth tonal transitions
Tonal range - the range of light to dark tones that can be achieved in a piece of artwork, essential for creating depth and volume
Common misconception
Dry media can only be used for fine, detailed work.
Dry media is highly versatile and can be used for bold, expressive textures and atmospheric effects, not just for precision.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to experiment with different pressures and techniques. Show how light pressure creates subtle gradients, while heavy pressure brings out bold, dramatic textures. Remind them that dry media is not just for detail - bold, expressive work is just as valuable!
Equipment
HB, 2B, 4B, 6B pencils, charcoal sticks, chalk or oil pastels, graphite sticks, putty rubbers and standard erasers, blending stumps or tissues. Pens, markers, coloured pencils. Cartridge paper.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each term to its correct definition.
The thickness of paint affecting visibility
Merging colours smoothly
Applying washes over dry layers
Q2.Which of the following is NOT wet media?
Q3.The technique of applying one layer of colour over another to create depth is known as .
Q4.What does the "wet-on-wet" technique involve?
Q5.Expressive mark-making can include:
Q6.When using wet media, the process of merging two colours smoothly is called .
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following materials is NOT considered dry media?
Q2.What happens when you press harder with a pencil or charcoal?
Q3.Which technique involves creating tone using dots?
Q4.Why is tonal range important in dry media drawing?
Q5.Which technique creates tone using overlapping lines in different directions?
Q6.Which tools could you use for blending tones made with dry media tools?
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Hand rendered working methods: dry media, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Hand rendered working methods: dry media, 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 Graphic Communications unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.