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Year 10 - Art and design

Connecting and combining: trials and experiments with materials

First sustained project: working from a theme

Unit Summary

This is an independent, pupil-led unit where pupils develop their own creative process. Having learned the key components of shaping an artistic voice, they will now make choices about themes, techniques, and processes, articulating and evaluating their artistic journey.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to experiment with combining materials and making a paint pour.

Key Notes

  • 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.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 Mistakes To Avoid

  • A common misconception about paint pouring is that it's purely random and anyone can do it without skill.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key 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.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'explore'

to try out ideas, materials, or techniques.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: A common misconception about paint pouring is that it's purely random and anyone can do it without skill. Correction: 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.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Art and design guide library.