This Art and design video supports Year 4 pupils in exploring different ways artists can use paint to create tone. Children investigate how a range of painting techniques can be used to show highlights, shadows and midtones, helping objects appear more realistic and three-dimensional.

The video demonstrates three contrasting approaches to painting tone: smooth blending, impasto and expressive brushstrokes. Pupils observe how each technique creates a different visual effect and how artists can make creative choices about the way they apply paint.

Children are encouraged to look carefully at a three-dimensional object and identify areas of light and shadow before experimenting with different tonal techniques. Through observation and practical exploration, they develop an understanding of how paint can be manipulated to create form, texture and depth.

This video supports Kapow Primary’s Year 4 Painting and mixed media: Light and dark unit and helps children build confidence in experimenting with paint while developing their understanding of tone and artistic techniques.

Explore the accompanying Year 4 Painting and mixed media: Light and dark resources.

• Year 4 Art and design scheme of work.