Lesson Plan: Creating Textured Art with Mixed Media

Grade Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Subject: Visual Arts
Duration: 4-5 class periods (approximately 45 minutes each)

Objective:
Students will explore the concept of texture in art by creating mixed-media artworks that incorporate various materials and techniques. They will learn how to use texture to add depth, interest, and emotional impact to their art, experimenting with a variety of materials to achieve different effects.

Materials Needed:

• Canvas or heavy-duty paper (at least 9"x12")
• Acrylic or tempera paints
• Brushes, palette knives, and sponges
• Textured materials (e.g., fabric, sandpaper, tissue paper, burlap, string, lace, aluminum foil, etc.)
• Found objects (e.g., buttons, beads, leaves, small sticks)
• Glue, gel medium, or Mod Podge
• Scissors and utility knives (used under supervision)
• Markers, colored pencils, or crayons for additional detail
• Rulers and measuring tape (optional for planning and layout)
• Sketch paper and pencils for planning

Vocabulary:
Texture: The perceived surface quality of a work of art, which can be tactile (felt) or visual (suggested through use of line, shape, or color).
Mixed Media: An art technique that involves combining different artistic media in a single artwork.
Relief: A sculptural technique where the sculpted elements remain attached to a solid background, creating a raised effect.
Collage: An artistic composition made by assembling different materials onto a surface, often used in mixed-media art.
Impasto: A technique where paint is laid on thickly so that it stands out from the surface, creating a textured effect.

Lesson Activities:
Day 1: Introduction to Texture and Mixed Media

Warm-Up Discussion (10 minutes):
Begin with a discussion about texture in art. Ask students to describe textures they encounter in everyday life and how those textures make them feel.
Introduce the concept of mixed-media art and discuss how artists use different materials and techniques to create texture in their work. Show examples of textured art, such as works by Vincent van Gogh (impasto technique) or contemporary mixed-media artists.

Exploration of Materials (15 minutes):
Present the variety of materials available for the project. Allow students to explore these materials, considering how they might use them to create texture in their artwork.
Discuss the importance of combining materials in creative ways to enhance the overall composition and emotional impact of the artwork.

Brainstorming and Sketching Ideas (20 minutes):
Have students brainstorm ideas for their mixed-media artwork. They should consider a theme or concept they want to express and how different textures can support that theme.
Students will then sketch their ideas on paper, planning out the composition, textures, and materials they will use.

Day 2: Building the Base and Adding Texture
Creating the Base Composition (15 minutes):
Students will begin by creating the base of their artwork on canvas or heavy-duty paper. This could involve painting a background, layering large pieces of fabric, or arranging textured materials.
Emphasize the importance of composition and how the arrangement of elements can guide the viewer’s eye.

Applying Texture with Mixed Media (30 minutes):
Once the base is complete, students will start applying various materials to create texture. Encourage them to experiment with layering, building up materials, and combining different textures for a dynamic effect.
Provide guidance on how to securely attach materials using glue, gel medium, or Mod Podge, ensuring the artwork is stable and durable.

Day 3: Enhancing with Paint and Detail

Adding Paint and Color (25 minutes):
Students will enhance their mixed-media artwork by adding paint. Discuss how color can be used to emphasize texture, create contrast, or unify different elements of the composition.
Encourage students to experiment with techniques like dry brushing, sponging, or impasto to add additional layers of texture with paint.
Detailing and Refining (20 minutes):

Students will continue to refine their artwork by adding details with markers, colored pencils, or additional mixed-media elements. They should focus on how these details enhance the overall texture and contribute to the theme or mood of the piece.

Day 4: Finalizing and Displaying the Artwork
Final Touches and Review (30 minutes):
Students will complete their mixed-media artworks, adding any final touches and ensuring that all materials are securely attached. Encourage them to step back and evaluate their work for balance, texture, and overall impact.
Discuss how to finish the artwork with a protective layer of Mod Podge or another sealant if needed, especially if using delicate or loose materials.

Preparing for Display (15 minutes):

Once the artworks are complete, students will prepare them for display. This could involve mounting them on a backing board, writing a title or artist statement, or arranging them in a way that enhances their presentation.
Day 5: Art Showcase and Reflection

Classroom Art Gallery (20 minutes):

Arrange the completed mixed-media artworks in a classroom gallery. Allow students to walk around and view each other’s work.
Encourage students to ask questions about the materials and techniques used and to share what they find interesting about each piece.
Class Critique and Reflection (25 minutes):

Facilitate a class critique where students can discuss their work and the work of their peers. Focus on how effectively students used texture and mixed-media techniques to convey their themes or ideas.
Conclude with a reflection activity where students write about their experience creating textured art with mixed media, what they learned about combining materials, and how they can apply these skills to future projects.

Assessment:
Participation: Engagement in discussions, material exploration, and the critique session.
Artwork: Evaluation based on creativity, use of texture, integration of mixed-media materials, and overall craftsmanship.
Reflection: Quality of the student’s written reflection and their ability to articulate their process and learning outcomes.

Extensions:
Collaborative Textured Mural: Students can work together to create a large-scale mixed-media mural that incorporates different textures and materials, reflecting a shared theme or message.
3D Mixed-Media Sculptures: Explore creating three-dimensional mixed-media sculptures that focus on texture and form, expanding the concept of textured art into the realm of sculpture.

Modifications:
Provide additional guidance and support for students who may struggle with the creative process, such as offering templates or step-by-step instructions.
Allow advanced students to experiment with more complex compositions or to incorporate additional layers of mixed media, such as digital elements or found objects.

Conclusion:
This lesson plan introduces middle school students to the concept of texture in art through the creation of mixed-media artworks. By experimenting with different materials and techniques, students will learn how to use texture to add depth, interest, and emotional impact to their art. The project encourages creativity, exploration, and reflection, making it an engaging and educational experience for students.