Lesson summary
Nature is filled with marks, patterns and beautiful designs that occur naturally and evolve rather frequently.
In this art lesson, students are invited to investigate visual patterns and how repetitive marks are used to create patterns and designs. While viewing the works of Joshua Yeldham, students will discover the combination of elements, shapes and line (in regular and irregular arrangements) that create patterns. The class will take on the role of an artist and create their own patterns and artwork and apply meaning to their intentions while observing nature.
Learning intentions:
Students will...
- investigate the meaning of patterns and mark-making
- create patterns and apply meaning to their artwork.
Success criteria:
Students can...
- articulate the difference between patterns and mark-making
- discuss the different ways that specific artists use pattern work and create marks
- create patterns that reflect the natural environment.
Lesson guides and printables
Curriculum links
Select your curriculum from the options below.
Lesson details
Curriculum mapping
Australian Curriculum content descriptions:
Years 5 & 6 Visual Arts:
- Develop and apply techniques and processes when making their artworks (ACAVAM115)
Years 7 & 8 Visual Arts:
- Develop ways to enhance their intentions as artists through exploration of how artists use materials, techniques, technologies and processes (ACAVAM119)
- Practise techniques and processes to enhance the representation of ideas in their art-making (ACAVAM121)
- Analyse how artists use visual conventions in artworks (ACAVAR123)
- Identify and connect specific features and purposes of visual artworks from contemporary and past times to explore viewpoints and enrich their art-making, starting with Australian artworks including those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (ACAVAR124)
Syllabus outcomes Stage 3: VAS3.1, VAS3.2, VAS3.3, VAS3.4
Syllabus outcomes Stage 4: 4: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6
General capabilities: Literacy, Personal and social Capabilities, Critical and Creative Thinking
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability
Relevant parts of Year 5 & 6 achievement standards:
By the end of Year 6, students explain how ideas are represented in artworks they make and view. They describe the influences of artworks and practices from different cultures, times and places on their artmaking. Students use visual conventions and visual arts practices to express a personal view in their artworks. They demonstrate different techniques and processes in planning and making artworks. They describe how the display of artworks enhances meaning for an audience.
Relevant parts of Year 7 & 8 achievement standards:
By the end of Year 8, students identify and analyse how other artists use visual conventions and viewpoints to communicate ideas and apply this knowledge in their art making. They explain how an artwork is displayed to enhance its meaning. They evaluate how they and others are influenced by artworks from different cultures, times and places. Students plan their art-making in response to the exploration of techniques and processes used in their own and others’ artworks. They demonstrate use of visual conventions, techniques and processes to communicate meaning in their artworks.
This lesson is part of the wider unit of work Lord Howe Island – Artist in residence
Time required: 100 mins
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion and encourage students to consider letting go of perfectionism and to be present
Resources required
- A device capable of presenting a video to the class and downloading a booklet about Joshua Yeldham
- Large sheets of paper suitable for painting and sketching (to be pasted into the art portfolio)
- Pattern making materials (pen, ink, pencil, paint, paintbrush etc)
- Portfolio or booklet dedicated to the Joshua Yeldham art lessons
- Student resource booklet: Joshua Yeldham Student Resource
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- Communication
- Creativity
- Cultural understanding
- Digital literacy
- Social skills
Additional info
If you would like to access additional information about Joshua Yeldham and the photographs of his wonderful exhibition 'Providence'. Please visit the Arthouse Gallery website: Joshua Yeldham - Providence (arthousegallery.com.au/exhibitions/joshua_yeldham/providence) and the artist's website: Joshua Yeldham (www.joshuayeldham.com.au) for exhibitions and his wonderful book: Surrender (joshuayeldham.com.au/the-books). Providence and Surrender were completed during and after his Artist Residency on Lord Howe Island and during his stay at the Capella Lodge (capellalodge.com.au) on Lord Howe Island.
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