This Art and design shows the children how brushmarks and colour can be used to communicate ideas about identity. Through a clear demonstration, the children learn how to cut and arrange sections of a portrait photograph before combining them with expressive painting.

The video encourages the children to experiment with the size, direction and application of their brushstrokes, considering whether they want them to feel energetic, bold, calm or gentle. They also explore how colour can support the effect they want to create. By producing two contrasting portraits, the children compare how their artistic choices affect the finished artwork and what each version might communicate about their identity or personality.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Art and design painting videos, which support teachers in developing confidence and subject knowledge as they help children explore artistic processes and communicate their ideas through art.

See more of our Year 5 Art and design scheme of work.

• Art and design, Year 5, Painting and mixed media: Expressive portraits, Lesson 3: Expressive painting.
• Art and design, Year 5, Painting and mixed media: Expressive portraits.