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Lesson Note on Techniques In Painting: Pictorial Painting Methods for SS1

This lesson note on Techniques In Painting for SS1 explains dry, wet, glazing, impasto, fresco and tempera methods.

ByPublishedJan 31, 2026Reading7 minComments0

Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 5
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Painting And Decoration
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Color Mixing And Matching: Color Schemes And Sources of Colors.
Topic: TECHNIQUES IN PAINTING
Subject Matter: Dry painting, wet painting, glazing, impasto, fresco, tempera

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

  • Define painting techniques such as dry painting, wet painting, glazing, impasto, fresco, and tempera.
  • Identify examples of each painting technique.
  • Explain the characteristics of different painting techniques.

Affective Domain:

  • Appreciate the diversity of painting techniques.
  • Show interest in exploring various painting methods.

Psychomotor Domain:

  • Demonstrate basic understanding of how different paints are applied.
  • Apply knowledge to distinguish between painting styles.

Social Domain:

  • Discuss the application of various painting techniques with peers.
  • Collaborate in identifying suitable techniques for different artistic expressions.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

  • 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Cultural and Creative Arts (Senior Secondary Education).
  • Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary School Painting And Decoration.
  • Oyelola, P. (2007). Cultural and Creative Arts for Senior Secondary Schools. University Press PLC.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Oil paints
  • Crayons
  • Watercolors
  • Brushes of various sizes
  • Painting surfaces (e.g., paper, cardboard)
  • Examples of paintings illustrating different techniques (pictures or actual artworks).

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding painting techniques helps pupils appreciate how artists create different effects and textures in their artworks. This knowledge enables them to identify and discuss various art styles, which is important for their development in painting and decoration.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of different types of paints and art materials.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

TECHNIQUES IN PAINTING

Dry Painting

Dry painting involves applying paint or pigment without a significant amount of liquid medium. The paint is used in a dry or semi-dry state.

The following are common mediums for dry painting:

  • Crayons
  • Pastels (oil pastels, soft pastels)
  • Charcoal
  • Pencils (coloured pencils)

Wet Painting

Wet painting involves applying paint with a significant amount of liquid medium. This allows for smooth blends, washes, and fluid effects.

The following are common mediums for wet painting:

  • Watercolors
  • Oil paints (when thinned)
  • Acrylics (when thinned)
  • Inks

Glazing

Glazing is a painting technique where a thin, transparent layer of paint is applied over an opaque layer. This allows the underpainting to show through, creating luminosity, depth, and subtle colour changes.

The following are characteristics of glazing:

  • Transparency
  • Adds richness and subtle colour changes
  • Often used with oil paints

Impasto

Impasto is a painting technique where paint is applied on the surface in very thick layers, usually thick enough that the brushstrokes or palette knife marks are visible. This creates a textured and three-dimensional effect.

The following are characteristics of impasto:

  • Creates texture and physical dimension
  • Adds an expressive quality to the artwork
  • Often used with oil and acrylic paints

Fresco

Fresco is a wall painting technique where pigment is applied to wet lime plaster. As the plaster dries, the pigment becomes permanently bound to it, making the painting very durable.

The following are types of fresco:

  • Buon fresco (true fresco): Paint applied to wet plaster.
  • Fresco secco (dry fresco): Paint applied to dry plaster (less durable).

The following are characteristics of fresco:

  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Requires quick execution due to the drying plaster

Tempera

Tempera is a permanent, fast-drying painting medium consisting of coloured pigment mixed with a binder, typically egg yolk. It was widely used before the advent of oil painting.

The following are characteristics of tempera:

  • Dries quickly
  • Produces sharp, precise details
  • Has a matte finish
  • Commonly used before the advent of oil painting

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 asks pupils about different types of paints they know and how they are used. The teacher then introduces the topic “Techniques in Painting” and states the lesson objectives.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge of paints and are introduced to the lesson topic.

Step 2: Dry Painting

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what dry painting is, mentions common mediums, and shows examples using crayons or pastels.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation, observe the examples, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept and materials associated with dry painting.

Step 3: Wet Painting

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains wet painting, describes its characteristics, and demonstrates with watercolors or thinned oil paint.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, listen to the explanation, and note the differences from dry painting.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about wet painting and the effects it produces.

Step 4: Glazing and Impasto

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visual Aid
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines glazing and impasto, explaining their distinct characteristics. The teacher shows visual examples (pictures or actual samples) to highlight the transparency of glazing and the texture of impasto.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss the differences in texture and appearance between glazing and impasto, based on the examples shown.
Learning Point: Pupils differentiate between glazing and impasto techniques.

Step 5: Fresco and Tempera

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Historical Context
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains fresco and tempera techniques, highlighting their historical significance, materials, and unique characteristics. The teacher shows images of artworks created using these techniques.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation, note key characteristics, and observe the historical examples.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the material and historical aspects of fresco and tempera.

Step 6: Discussion and Material Identification

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Engagement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various painting materials (oil paints, crayons, watercolor, brushes) and asks pupils to identify which materials are best suited for which painting technique discussed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss and identify the appropriate materials for specific techniques.
Learning Point: Pupils connect different painting materials to the techniques they enable.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

  1. Define dry painting and wet painting.
  2. Mention two mediums used for dry painting.
  3. Explain glazing in painting.
  4. What is impasto?
  5. State two characteristics of tempera painting.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarisation/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key painting techniques discussed in the lesson. The teacher assigns homework: Research famous artists known for using impasto or fresco techniques and note their artworks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their learning and are encouraged to extend their knowledge.

Lesson Keywords

  • Dry painting – Applying paint or pigment without a significant amount of liquid medium.
  • Wet painting – Applying paint with a significant amount of liquid medium, allowing for blends and washes.
  • Glazing – A thin, transparent layer of paint applied over an opaque layer to create depth and luminosity.
  • Impasto – A technique involving very thick application of paint, leaving visible brushstrokes or palette knife marks.
  • Fresco – A wall painting technique where pigment is applied to wet lime plaster.
  • Tempera – A fast-drying painting medium where pigment is mixed with a binder, typically egg yolk.

Differentiation

For visual learners, ample examples of paintings and demonstrations will be provided. Auditory learners will benefit from discussions and clear verbal explanations. Kinesthetic learners will be engaged through handling materials and encouraged to try simple practical applications if time permits. Advanced learners will be encouraged to research historical contexts and specific artists associated with each technique. Struggling learners will receive simplified definitions and one-on-one support during activities.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure to have clear visual aids, whether actual materials or images, to illustrate each technique effectively. Encourage pupils to describe what they see and how the different techniques impact the final artwork. Facilitate an interactive learning environment where pupils can ask questions and discuss their observations.

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Lesson Note on Techniques In Painting: Pictorial Painting Methods for SS1
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