Making Textured Art Using Found Objects and Paint
Objective
Students will create textured artwork by applying paint with various objects to explore different mark-making techniques.
Materials
- tempera paint
- paper plates
- white paper
- sponges
- cotton swabs
- cardboard pieces
Hook
Hold up a sponge and ask students to predict what kind of mark it would make if dipped in paint. Let one student demonstrate on the whiteboard, then reveal several mystery objects hidden in a box that they'll use to paint with today.
Main Activity
Students receive white paper and access to paint on paper plates. They experiment with creating different textures and patterns by dipping various objects in paint and pressing or dragging them across their paper. They explore how sponges create bumpy textures, cotton swabs make dots and lines, and cardboard edges create straight marks. Students fill their entire paper with different textured sections, discovering how each tool creates unique effects. They work standing at tables, moving around to try different objects and compare techniques with classmates.
Discussion Questions
- Which object created the most interesting texture and why?
- How did the marks change when you pressed harder or softer?
- What real things in nature have textures similar to what you created?
- Which texture would be good for painting tree bark or ocean waves?
- How is painting with objects different from painting with brushes?
Exit Ticket
Draw a quick sketch showing your favorite texture you created today and write one word describing how it feels.
Differentiation
Support: Provide fewer object choices and demonstrate each technique step-by-step, allowing students to practice on scrap paper first before creating their final artwork.
Extension: Challenge students to combine multiple objects in one section to create complex textures, or have them create a simple picture using only textured marks instead of brush strokes.
