Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 6
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Visual Art
Curriculum Theme: Drawing and Painting Techniques
Previous Lesson: Life Drawing: Limbs, Head and Torso Sketches.
Topic: STILL LIFE DRAWING & PAINTING
Subject Matter: Meaning of still life drawing and painting (creating images of arranged non-living objects), proportion, uses of space, good distribution of colors (and painting colors).

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define still life drawing and painting.
Explain the principles of proportion and use of space in still life composition.
Identify key aspects of good colour distribution and blending in painting.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of balance and harmony in still life art.
Show interest in creating their own still life compositions.

Psychomotor Domain:

Draw and paint a simple still life composition.
Apply the correct principles of spacing, proportion, and colour distribution in their artwork.

Share observations and ideas about still life artworks.

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
https://www.studentartguide.com/articles/still-life-drawing-ideas
https://www.artistsnetwork.com/art-mediums/painting/still-life-painting-tips/

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Pencils, drawing boards, erasers
Drawing paper/sketch pads
Poster colours or watercolour paints
Paint brushes of various sizes
Water containers, palette
Actual still life objects (e.g., fruits, bottles, fabrics, simple household items)
Chart showing examples of still life compositions

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how to arrange and represent non-living objects in art. It enables them to develop their observational skills and apply artistic principles like proportion, space, and colour to create visually appealing artworks. These skills are fundamental for further artistic development.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have prior knowledge of basic drawing techniques, shading, and an understanding of primary and secondary colours.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

STILL LIFE DRAWING & PAINTING

Meaning of Still Life Drawing and Painting

Still life drawing and painting is a genre of art that depicts inanimate objects, typically common everyday items, which are either natural (food, flowers, dead animals) or man-made (vases, books, coins). These objects are arranged by the artist into a composition.

Elements of Still Life Composition

Effective still life composition involves careful arrangement of objects to create visual interest and balance. Key elements include:

Proportion: This refers to the relative size of parts of a whole. In still life, it means ensuring that objects are drawn or painted in their correct sizes relative to each other, avoiding disproportionate representations.
Use of Space: This involves how the area within the artwork is utilized.

Spacing: The distance between objects. Good spacing prevents objects from appearing cramped or too far apart.
Balance: The visual weight of elements in a composition. It can be symmetrical (even distribution) or asymmetrical (uneven but balanced).
Overlap: When one object partially covers another. This creates a sense of depth and dimension.
Focal Point: The area in the composition that draws the viewer’s eye first. This is usually the most important or interesting part of the arrangement.
Rhythm: The repetition of elements to create a sense of movement.
Unity: How all the elements work together to create a cohesive whole.

Colour Distribution and Blending in Still Life Painting

Effective use of colour adds realism, mood, and depth to still life paintings. Important aspects include:

Tone (Value): The lightness or darkness of a colour. Varying tones create a sense of three-dimensionality.
Shading: The use of darker tones to create the illusion of depth and form, indicating areas where light does not directly hit.
Highlights: The brightest spots on an object where light directly reflects. These add sparkle and make objects appear shiny or wet.
Colour Harmony: The pleasing combination of colours in a composition, often achieved using complementary, analogous, or monochromatic schemes.
Blending: The smooth transition between different colours or tones to create a natural look.
Hue: The pure colour itself (e.g., red, blue, green).
Saturation: The intensity or purity of a colour.

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 greets the pupils and reviews their previous lesson on basic drawing. The teacher then introduces the topic “Still Life Drawing & Painting” by showing examples of still life artworks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, briefly recall the previous lesson, and observe the still life examples.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of still life and connect it to their prior knowledge of drawing.

Step 2: Meaning of Still Life Drawing and Painting

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of still life drawing and painting, emphasizing that it involves arranged inanimate objects. The teacher gives examples of common objects used.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, define still life in their own words, and identify objects suitable for still life.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what still life drawing and painting entails.

Step 3: Proportion and Use of Space in Composition

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the principles of proportion and use of space (spacing, balance, overlap, focal point) in still life composition using charts or actual object arrangements. The teacher demonstrates how these elements affect the overall composition.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstrations, ask questions, and discuss how to apply these principles.
Learning Point: Pupils learn how to arrange objects effectively to create a balanced and interesting still life composition.

Step 4: Colour Distribution and Blending

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates good colour distribution and blending techniques, focusing on tone, shading, and highlights, using a pre-drawn still life or a quick sketch. The teacher shows how light source affects these elements.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration, ask for clarifications, and discuss the impact of colour on realism.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how to use colour effectively to create depth and form in still life painting.

Step 5: Practical Demonstration by Teacher

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher sets up a simple still life arrangement and demonstrates a quick drawing and basic painting of the arrangement, emphasizing the application of proportion, space, and colour principles.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils closely observe the teacher’s practical demonstration, noting the steps and techniques.
Learning Point: Pupils see a practical application of the concepts taught.

Step 6: Pupil Practice

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to set up their own simple still life arrangements (if materials allow for individual setups) or work from a central arrangement. Pupils begin sketching and applying initial colours, with the teacher providing individual feedback.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils start practicing drawing and painting their still life compositions, applying the learned principles.
Learning Point: Pupils begin to apply their knowledge practically.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

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

What is still life drawing and painting?
Mention three elements of still life composition.
Explain the terms ‘proportion’ and ‘overlap’ in still life.
How do tone and highlights contribute to a still life painting?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key learning points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of observation, composition, and colour application in still life. The teacher assigns homework for pupils to complete a still life drawing or painting.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and are encouraged to continue practicing.

Lesson Keywords

Still Life – A work of art depicting inanimate objects.
Proportion – The relative size of parts within a whole.
Composition – The arrangement of elements in an artwork.
Focal Point – The main area of interest in a composition.
Tone – The lightness or darkness of a colour.
Shading – The use of tones to create depth and form.
Highlights – The brightest areas on an object due to light reflection.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage more complex still life arrangements or challenge them to experiment with different lighting conditions. For pupils needing more support, the teacher can provide simpler arrangements, more direct guidance, and focus on one compositional element or colour technique at a time.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure a variety of still life objects are available for demonstration and pupil practice. Emphasize the importance of observation before drawing or painting. Encourage pupils to experiment with different viewpoints for their compositions.