Elements of Cubism

Unit: Exploring Picasso's Acrylics

Lesson 2 of 10

Duration: 90 minutes Class Size: 12 students Year Level: 10

Learning Area

Visual Arts

Australian Curriculum Alignment

Content Descriptions

Years 9 and 10 Visual Arts

AC9AVA10E01: Investigate the ways that artists across cultures, times, places and/or other contexts develop personal expression in their visual arts practice to represent, communicate and/or challenge ideas, perspectives and/or meaning.
AC9AVA8D01: Experiment with visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials to develop skills (as extension for some students).
AC9AVA10A01: Explore how artists manipulate visual conventions and use innovative techniques to represent subject matter and ideas.

General Capabilities Addressed

Critical and Creative Thinking (analyzing artworks, exploring Cubism’s compositional elements)
Personal and Social Capability (discussions and peer feedback)
Literacy (vocabulary development with dyslexia-friendly text strategies)
Intercultural Understanding (understanding Picasso’s context within Cubism, a significant art movement)

Lesson Rationale

In this second lesson of the unit, students build upon their introduction to Picasso and acrylics by deeply analysing Cubism’s key compositional elements — particularly focusing on shapes and forms. This aligns with the Australian Curriculum’s focus on understanding expressive conventions and how visual artists communicate ideas. The class will engage in conversations and practical activities to cater to a range of abilities and learning preferences.

WALT (We Are Learning To)

Analyse the compositional elements that define Cubism.
Explore how Picasso uses shapes and forms to create Cubist artworks.

Success Criteria

Students will:

Identify and describe key characteristics of Cubism including fragmented shapes, multiple viewpoints, and abstract forms.
Create a comprehensive visual map that details Cubist characteristics observed, using provided templates if required.
Demonstrate understanding through group discussion and peer feedback.

Differentiation

Templates for visual maps provided to students needing more structure.
Dyslexia-friendly reading options: use of clear fonts, coloured paper options, and simplified descriptive text to support comprehension.
Encouragement of verbal responses or drawing for students who express better orally or visually.
Extension tasks for advanced learners: sketching a Cubist inspired quick study using acrylic colours after the visual map activity.

Materials Needed

Projector and screen or printed images of Picasso’s Cubist paintings
A3 paper for visual maps
Visual map templates (with labelled sections for shapes, forms, viewpoints, composition)
Pencils, coloured markers, and acrylic paints for sketching (optional extension)
Dyslexia-friendly printed reading sheets on Cubism's elements
Whiteboard/flip chart for brainstorming
Sticky notes for peer feedback

Lesson Structure

Introduction (15 minutes)

Hook & Context (5 mins)

Begin with an engaging question: “What do you see when you look at Picasso’s Cubist paintings?”
Show slides/images of key Cubist works by Picasso (e.g., Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, Girl with a Mandolin).
Briefly recap previous lesson’s focus on Picasso and acrylics.

Dyslexia-friendly reading (10 mins)

Distribute simplified, dyslexia-friendly text sheets explaining key Cubist elements: fragmentation, multiple perspectives, geometric shapes, and abstract forms.
In pairs, students read aloud or silently, supported by teacher facilitation in reading where needed.

Main Activity (50 minutes)

Group Discussion and Brainstorm (15 mins)

Lead a whole-class discussion to collate observations about Cubism’s compositional elements. Teacher records key points on whiteboard.
Encourage students to articulate ideas, promote peer sharing to suit conversational teaching style.

Visual Mapping Task (30 mins)

Provide students with A3 paper and visual map templates outlining categories: Shapes, Forms, Viewpoints, Composition characteristics.
In pairs or individually (based on ability), students create their visual maps to organise what they've learned about Cubism.
Students who need structure use the template; others may create freeform maps adding drawings and examples.

Peer Feedback (5 mins)

Students display their visual maps and add sticky notes with positive comments or questions on peers’ maps.

Plenary (25 minutes)

Gallery Walk and Reflection (15 mins)

Students walk around viewing each other’s work.
Teacher facilitates a reflective conversation on how Picasso’s use of shapes and forms challenges traditional representation in art.

Class Discussion and Recap (10 mins)

Revisit the WALT and Success Criteria on the board.
Ask students to share how their understanding of Cubism has deepened.
Reinforce vocabulary and concepts orally.

Assessment and Feedback

Formative assessment based on participation in discussion, quality and clarity of visual maps, and engagement in peer feedback.
Teacher anecdotal notes during group discussions and visual map presentations to monitor understanding and misconceptions.
Use visual maps as evidence of student's analytical learning progression on Cubism.

Extensions and Homework

For interested students: create a small Cubist-style acrylic painting using shapes explored today as homework or extended activity next lesson.
Research another Cubist artist besides Picasso and prepare a short oral summary for future sharing.

Reflection Notes for Teacher

Monitor group talk to ensure all voices are included, particularly students who prefer verbal expression over writing.
Use positive reinforcement to build confidence and encourage risk-taking in art exploration.
Adjust use of acrylics in follow-up lessons based on student readiness and interest.

This lesson plan integrates the Australian Curriculum’s emphasis on using visual conventions and critical analysis of artworks, and caters sensitively to student ability, promoting enjoyable dialogue and hands-on learning, reflective of your teaching style and the needs of Year 10 students.

Teaching Instructions