STILL LIFE (Upper Key Stage 2)

Teaching Pack

5 Lesson Presentation Slides
Knowledge Organiser
Medium Term Planning
Teaching resources
Additional Presentation: Elements of Art
Additional Presentation: Using Sketchbooks
Additional Presentation: 5 Minute Drawing
Additional Presentation: Art Museums
Additional Presentation: Still Life Museum

Unit Overview

Sequence of Learning for Teachers

In this unit of work children explore ideas and techniques of still life composition. They learn the different techniques that artists use when creating still life compositions using a variety of paint media. As part of this unit of work, children study some of the still life compositions of iconic painters including Patrick Caulfield and Paul Cezanne. Children then apply the knowledge and techniques that they have learnt when creating their own authentic still life painting as the creative outcome at the end of the unit.

This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following convergent task sessions:

Session 1: Still life composition technique: Using shapes in a composition
Session 2: Still life composition technique: Overlapping objects to give a feeling of depth
Session 3: Still life composition technique: Open and closed composition
Session 4: Still life composition technique: Reflecting light to give a feeling of depth

Creative Outcome (Divergent task) – Masterpiece Activity

The unit of work completes with the creative outcome (divergent task) activity that can be delivered over two or more sessions. These sessions can also be used for children to complete activities from sessions 1-4. For this activity children arrange a still life composition by applying the techniques that they have learnt as part of the convergent tasks. Having created the still life composition, they then paint a still life choosing which media to work in and which painting style/technique to apply. As part of the masterpiece activity, children create and decorate a frame for their still life painting.

The creative outcome activity provides an opportunity for children to apply their knowledge, skills and understanding from previous sessions in this unit of work. Through the creative outcome children will develop their creativity and understanding of the creative process by combining their imagination with the knowledge they have acquired.

Learning Sequence

Session 1

In this session children are introduced to the genre of still life painting and four composition techniques that artist use when creating still life paintings. The session then focuses on the technique of using shape in still life composition and learn about the still life compositions of the British artist Patrick Caulfield. Children create a simple still life composition using shapes and in the style of the artist Patrick Caulfield.

Session 2

In this session children consolidate their knowledge of still life painting. This session focuses on the technique of overlapping objects in a still life composition to create the illusion of depth. Children practise overlapping items using collage techniques and then use this activity for the basis of a simple overlapping still life composition.

Session 3

In this session children further consolidate their knowledge of still life painting. This session focuses on the technique of open and closed composition and allows the children to arrange objects to create their own still life composition. When they have completed their arrangement children paint their still life using watercolours.

Session 4

In this session children consolidate their understanding of creating tints and shades of a colour using ready-mix or acrylic paints. They then apply this knowledge when painting a simple still life to understand how artists use tints and shades to show how light reflects of objects and gives a sense of depth in paintings.

Creative Outcome

For the creative outcome children are challenged to create their own authentic still life masterpiece to display in the class still life art gallery

For this activity children arrange a still life composition by applying the techniques that they have learnt as part of the convergent tasks. Having created the still life composition, they then paint a still life choosing which media to work in and which painting style/technique to apply. As part of the masterpiece activity, children create and decorate a faux frame for their still life painting.

ART ACADEMY