Fran Salter 02
Animal Portraits
To create a mixed-media portrait of an animal using collage, mark-making, oil pastels, and acrylic paint.
In this project, students were challenged to create a mixed-media portrait of an animal of their choice. The first lesson focused on experimenting with mark-making techniques using ink and unconventional tools such as sticks, feathers, and other everyday objects to create a range of interesting textures.
In the second lesson, students transformed their textured sheets into a collage, forming the base of their animal portrait. In the following lessons, students developed the facial featuresusing oil pastels to explore and capture a range of colours. These more technical lessons supported the development of fine motor skills and a deeper understanding of colour theory.
In the final stage of the project, students used acrylic paint to add additional texture and depth to their work. This project provided an introduction to a variety of media and techniques, helping Year 7 students build confidence in their ability to create an expressive, mixed-media artwork.
"This scheme of work is highly accessible for students. The first lesson really engages learners, which leads to stronger participation in following sessions. The element of choice empowers students to take ownership of their work, and by the end of the project, many began to show a real desire to refine and improve their art."