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Lesson 5 of 6
  • Year 10

Light and dark in 3D Design

I can review the range of ways artists have been inspired by light and dark in 3D desgin.

Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
  • Year 10

Light and dark in 3D Design

I can review the range of ways artists have been inspired by light and dark in 3D desgin.

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

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Artists and designers use light and dark to create mood, atmosphere and visual contrast in 3D design.
  2. Light and shadow can be used to define form, space and focal points, helping guide the viewer’s attention in a design.
  3. The interaction between materials and light, such as transparency, reflection and texture, can affect the outcome.

Keywords

  • Contrast - the difference between elements (like light and dark or rough and smooth) that makes parts of an artwork stand out

  • Directional light - a focused beam of light that shines in a specific direction

  • Ambient light - the general, soft light in a space that comes from indirect sources

Common misconception

Light in 3D design is only functional, used just to illuminate an object.

While light can serve a practical purpose, in 3D design it is also a creative tool. It influences mood, draws attention to key areas and enhances the way forms and textures are perceived. Light can be as expressive as colour or shape.


To help you plan your year 10 art and design lesson on: Light and dark in 3D Design, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Access to the internet or a library of art books. Sketchbook or paper for recording ideas, pencils, pens.

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.
Match the terms to their definitions:

Correct Answer:Focal point,The part of an artwork that draws attention first

The part of an artwork that draws attention first

Correct Answer:Design,Turning ideas into practical products

Turning ideas into practical products

Correct Answer:Craft,Creating objects by hand

Creating objects by hand

Correct Answer:Art,Human creative activities and their results

Human creative activities and their results

Q2.
Which word best describes the difference between light and dark areas in art?

colour
Correct answer: contrast
form
transparent

Q3.
The of an object means its three-dimensional shape and structure.

Correct Answer: form, 3d form, 3d shape

Q4.
Which term means 'allowing light to pass through so objects behind can be seen'?

contrast
form
tone
Correct answer: transparent

Q5.
What is 'tone' in art?

A design process
A type of craft material
Correct answer: The colour’s lightness or darkness
The shape of an object

Q6.
What is the main purpose of a focal point in a design?

To confuse the viewer
Correct answer: To draw attention to a key area
To hide details
To make the design symmetrical

Additional material

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