This Art and design scheme of work video helps pupils apply their knowledge of colour mixing and painting techniques to create a finished still life piece.

The video begins by guiding children to organise the materials they need, based on the painting technique they’ve chosen. They’ll either use a reference photo or arrange the real objects again to match their original composition.

Pupils are reminded to focus on showing light and dark areas by mixing tints and shades. The goal is to make the objects look three-dimensional, so they should keep contrasts and avoid letting colours blur into each other too much. They begin painting one area of their sketch, continuing to observe where the light falls and where shadows appear. The video encourages children to stand back from their work now and then to check if they’re achieving a 3D effect. Once the painting is dry, pupils can create a frame.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Year 4 Light and dark unit.

See more of our Year 4 Art and design scheme of work.

Art and design, Year 4, Painting and mixed media: Light and dark, Lesson 5: Still life.