Mass, shape, volume and depth
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use unconventional materials to explore mass, shape, volume and depth
Key learning points
- Mass, shape, volume and depth are used to draw the viewer’s attention to certain areas, enhancing the composition.
- Depth can help to establish the relationship between different elements, making the composition more dynamic.
- Variations in volume and depth can create visual intrigue, making a piece more engaging to look at.
Keywords
Mass - the sense of weight or heaviness of an object or element, making it feel solid and substantial
Shape - a 2D area with a defined boundary, such as a circle
Volume - the amount of space an object occupies, giving it a three-dimensional, chunky, or filled appearance
Depth - the perception of space within an artwork, making things look far away or close up
Spatial relationship - the position of objects, relative to each other in a scene, to create depth and balance
Common misconception
In 3D or sculptural work, mass is just about how much it weighs and its physical presence.
Mass can be symbolic due to the materials used. Materials can carry more or less visual weight.
Teacher tip
Select a set of unconventional materials suitable for your group that challenge pupils to think about creating mass, depth, shape and volume in your specialism.
Equipment
Choose materials suitable for the theme, project or specialism that create textures and visual weight.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is an element of art?
Q2.What is the difference between 2D and 3D art?
Q3.Match the art tool to its main use:
Q4.Which of these is an example of using light and shadow in art?
Q5.Which of these best describes a composition in art?
Q6.Why might an artist use perspective?
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Mass, shape, volume and depth, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Mass, shape, volume and depth, 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 Foundation workshops: revisiting elements of art and principles of art unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.