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Year 8 - Art and design

Abstract marks: respond to stimuli by painting

Abstract painting: sustainable materials

Unit Summary

Pupils will develop their understanding of abstract painting and make more sophisticated connections. They will build confidence in taking risks with new ideas, look at different tools and techniques, and learn to communicate with symbols and marks.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to understand what mark making is and can use it to respond to different stimuli by painting.

Key Notes

  • Colours are a vehicle for expressing emotion, we can use shapes and marks to describe an experience.
  • Sound, such as a thunderstorm, provides a stimulus to which we can respond quickly and with energy.
  • We can apply paint using a variety of tools to create texture in response to natural stimuli.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • texture: the way something feels or looks. Texture can be real, you can feel it with your hands, or visual, it looks textured, but it's actually smooth.
  • gestural: the physical motion of applying paint, creating dynamic and energetic marks
  • layering: building up different marks, colours, and textures to add depth and meaning

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Mark-making is only needed in abstract work.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

Colours are a vehicle for expressing emotion, we can use shapes and marks to describe an experience. Sound, such as a thunderstorm, provides a stimulus to which we can respond quickly and with energy.

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

the way something feels or looks. Texture can be real, you can feel it with your hands, or visual, it looks textured, but it's actually smooth.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Mark-making is only needed in abstract work. Correction: Artists use different marks to express emotions, create mood, and bring their artwork to life.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 Art and design guide library.