This Art and design scheme of work teacher video helps support pupils as they begin to explore abstraction through observational drawing.

In this lesson, pupils select a close-up image of an animal and use a viewfinder to choose four sections to draw. This technique helps them zoom in on interesting textures and patterns while developing their ability to observe details. Children will draw their chosen sections in four equal squares. The lesson uses oil pastels to create strong colours and rich texture. Children are encouraged to blend colours with their fingers and use pencils or tools to draw into the surface, building detail. If oil pastels aren’t available, colouring pencils or paint can be used instead.

Throughout the video, children are reminded to observe closely and take their time, focusing on replicating the texture and shape they can see, not what they think they know.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Year 4 Fabric of nature unit. The four drawings made in this session will be used in the next lesson to develop a bold abstract textile design.

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

Art and design, Year 4, Craft and design: Fabric of nature, Lesson 2: One picture, four views.