Year 7 - Art and design
The elements of art: shape and form
The elements of art
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
Pupils will develop an understanding of the basic elements of art and learn how artists use these elements in different ways in their work. In the unit, pupils will answer questions as they look at the elements through a variety of processes to identify how they are used in different art forms.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to turn flat shapes into three-dimensional forms by folding, cutting and building a paper sculpture.
Key Notes
- Shape is 2D and flat, whereas form is 3D and relates to the actual or perceived mass of an object
- We can use shape in our work to create interesting compositions
- Sculptures are a 3D form and can be made from a variety of interesting materials
- We can build larger forms by using repetition of shape.
Vocabulary To Learn
- shape: a two-dimensional, flat form defined by a line around the outer edge, limited to height and width.
- form: a three-dimensional element that has height, width and depth (either real or perceived)
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Shape and form are the same thing.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Shape is 2D and flat, whereas form is 3D and relates to the actual or perceived mass of an object. We can use shape in our work to create interesting compositions.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'shape'
a two-dimensional, flat form defined by a line around the outer edge, limited to height and width.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Shape and form are the same thing. Correction: Shape is flat and 2D, like a drawing. Form is 3D and has depth — you can see or feel it from different angles.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 7 Art and design guide library.