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Art

Mark Makers: Exploring Different Ways to Create Texture

Overview

Students explore how changing the type of mark (dots, lines, shapes) can represent different textures and surfaces.

Learning Objective
Students understand how different types of marks can be used to create a variety of textures in drawings.

Resources needed

  • Paper
  • Pencils
  • Optional: pens or markers

Lesson stages

0 / 12 done
  1. 1 Introduce different mark types: dots, lines, zigzags, spirals.
  2. 2 Discuss how marks can suggest textures (e.g. dots for rough, smooth lines for soft).
  3. 3 Students experiment with each mark type.
  4. 4 Create a 'texture library' on the page.
  5. 5 Discuss which marks best represent certain textures.
  6. 6 Students choose an object or idea.
  7. 7 Fill the drawing using different mark types for texture.
  8. 8 Encourage variation and control.
  9. 9 Midway check: identify textures.
  10. 10 Students refine their work.
  11. 11 In pairs, students describe textures they see.
  12. 12 Discuss: which marks were most effective?

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Limit to one type of mark.
  • Create a texture collage.
  • Use only black and white.
More information

Teach: mark, texture, surface, pattern, rough, smooth. Use frames: 'I used… marks to show…'.

Provide mark examples to copy. Allow larger drawing areas.

Can students use different marks to show texture? Can they explain their choices?

Draw in sand using sticks.

Students may use the same mark repeatedly without variation.

Mark making is fundamental to drawing and helps develop control and creativity.

Activity details
Primary Medium 30 minutes no prep Solo, Pairs Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Texture Mark Making Line Variety Surface Design