Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 7
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Visual Art
Previous Lesson: Still Life Drawing & Painting: Proportion and Use of Space.
Topic: IMAGINATIVE COMPOSITION
Subject Matter: Meaning of imaginative composition, characteristics of imaginative composition.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define imaginative composition.
State the characteristics of a good imaginative composition.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of imagination in creating artworks.
Develop interest in creating compositions based on stories or ideas.

Psychomotor Domain:

Create a simple imaginative composition based on a story or idea.
Apply principles of focus, variety of form, and colour distribution in their work.

Share ideas for visualising scenes from stories.
Engage constructively in classroom discussions about artistic interpretation.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Visual Art for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 2

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Cartridge paper
Brushes
Water colours
Drawing board
A storybook or prepared story text

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how to create art from their own ideas and stories, rather than just copying what they see. It enables them to develop their creativity and express personal interpretations through visual means, which is important for artistic development.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of drawing, painting, and colour mixing. They are also familiar with different art materials.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

IMAGINATIVE COMPOSITION

Meaning of Imaginative Composition

Imaginative composition is the creation of an artwork that originates entirely from the artist’s mind, ideas, memories, or stories, rather than from direct observation of a physical subject. It involves visualising a scene or concept and translating it into a visual form.

Characteristics of Imaginative Composition

A good imaginative composition often exhibits the following characteristics:

Compositional Accuracy – The elements within the artwork are well-arranged and balanced to create a harmonious and visually pleasing whole.
Colour Distribution – Colours are used effectively and balanced throughout the composition to create mood, emphasis, and unity.
Focus – There is a clear focal point or main subject that draws the viewer’s eye and conveys the central idea of the composition.
Variety of Form – The artwork incorporates different shapes, sizes, and textures to add interest and dynamism.
Draughtsmanship – The skill and accuracy in drawing the figures, objects, and elements within the composition are evident.

Steps in Creating an Imaginative Composition

The following steps can guide the creation of an imaginative composition:

Read or listen to the story/idea carefully.
Visualise the most interesting scene or moment from the story.
Select the main action, objects, and characters to be included.
Arrange these elements on the paper to create a balanced composition.
Establish a clear focal point to guide the viewer’s eye.
Consider the balance and distribution of colours to enhance the mood and narrative.
Sketch the composition lightly, then add details and colour using appropriate techniques.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates a short, engaging story and asks pupils to close their eyes and picture a particular scene from the story.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively to the story and try to visualise the described scene in their minds.
Learning Point: Pupils activate their imagination and connect with the concept of visualising ideas.

Step 2: Explanation of Imaginative Composition

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines imaginative composition, explaining that it is creating art from one’s mind, ideas, or stories, rather than drawing what is directly seen.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and contribute their understanding of creating art from imagination.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of imaginative composition.

Step 3: Discussion of Characteristics

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the key characteristics of a good imaginative composition, such as compositional accuracy, colour distribution, focus, variety of form, and draughtsmanship.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarity, and take notes on the characteristics.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the qualities of effective imaginative art.

Step 4: Practical Demonstration

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modelling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to start an imaginative composition on a drawing board, using the earlier narrated story as inspiration. The teacher shows how to select the main action, arrange objects, create a focal point, and consider colour balance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration carefully, paying attention to the steps and techniques.
Learning Point: Pupils see a practical application of the concepts discussed.

Step 5: Pupils’ Practical Work

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher instructs pupils to begin creating their own imaginative compositions based on a story or an idea, encouraging them to focus on compositional principles. The teacher moves around to provide individual guidance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils select a scene or idea and start sketching their imaginative compositions, applying the learned characteristics.
Learning Point: Pupils practice creating imaginative artworks.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is imaginative composition?
Mention three characteristics of a good imaginative composition.
List two steps involved in creating an imaginative composition.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarising
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of imagination in art. The teacher assigns homework, asking pupils to complete their imaginative compositions at home.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and are encouraged to continue practicing.

Lesson Keywords

Imaginative – Related to imagination; creating new ideas or images in the mind.
Composition – The arrangement of elements within an artwork.
Artwork – A creation of artistic merit.
Focus – The main point or area of interest in a composition.
Draughtsmanship – The skill of drawing or sketching.

Differentiation

For struggling learners, the teacher will provide simpler stories or more direct prompts, offering one-on-one guidance during the practical session. Advanced learners will be encouraged to explore more complex narratives or abstract ideas, focusing on intricate details and advanced colour blending techniques in their compositions.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to express their unique interpretations. Provide a variety of stories or themes to choose from to cater to different interests. Emphasise that there is no single “right” way to create an imaginative composition, but rather principles that guide effective visual storytelling. Displaying examples of imaginative compositions by different artists can also inspire pupils.