Mixed Media Techniques

Overview

In this 45-minute session (Lesson 7 of 10) from the unit Wandi: Art and Change, Year 3 students will explore mixed media techniques by combining drawing, painting, and collage. They will apply previously learnt skills to creatively express change, illustrating Wandi’s journey through their artwork.

This lesson aligns closely with the Australian Curriculum v9 for Year 3 Arts, focusing on techniques in visual arts and personal expression, supporting development of creative and critical thinking skills.

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Australian Curriculum Alignment

Strand: The Arts > Visual Arts
Year Level: Year 3

Content descriptions:

• ACAVAM110: Use materials, techniques and processes to explore visual conventions when making artworks (e.g. combining media, layering).
• ACAVAM111: Develop skills in using visual arts equipment and materials safely and appropriately.
• ACAVAR112: Create visual artworks to communicate ideas to an audience.
• ACAVAR113: Reflect on ideas, artworks and processes to interpret and respond (developing personal expression).

Achievement Standard Highlights for Year 3:

• Students create visual artworks using a variety of materials and techniques including mixed media.
• They use elements such as colour, shape and texture to convey ideas and experiences.
• They discuss their artwork and reflect on the artistic process and meaning.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Combine drawing, painting, and collage techniques to create a mixed media artwork.
• Express the theme of change by representing aspects of Wandi’s journey visually.
• Develop skills in layering and combining different art materials safely and creatively.
• Reflect on their creative choices in relation to the theme and techniques used.

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Resources and Materials

• Drawing paper (A4 or larger)
• Pencils and coloured pencils
• Watercolour paints and brushes
• Collage materials (magazine cutouts, coloured paper, fabric scraps)
• Glue sticks and scissors
• Aprons or smocks for painting
• Examples/images of Wandi and previous lesson artworks for inspiration

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Lesson Plan Structure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Recap previous lessons on drawing, painting and collage techniques.
• Briefly discuss Wandi’s journey, focusing on the theme of change (cultural, personal, environmental).
• Explain that today they will combine these techniques in one artwork to express this theme creatively.
• Show an example of a mixed media artwork inspired by Wandi’s journey.

2. Demonstration (5 minutes)

• Demonstrate combining media: layering pencil drawing with watercolour washes and adding collage elements.
• Discuss how different materials can create texture and meaning (e.g. torn paper can show change, layered paint can show progression).
• Model safe and appropriate methods for gluing and painting.

3. Main Activity: Mixed Media Creation (25 minutes)

• Students use pencils to sketch an initial concept representing Wandi’s journey/change.
• Add watercolour paint applied loosely to build colour and mood.
• Glue collage materials to add texture and visual interest, representing aspects of change or story elements (e.g. nature, community).
• Teacher circulates to support skill development, encourage creative choices, and manage materials use.

4. Reflection and Sharing (7 minutes)

• Students pair up and share their artworks, describing what techniques they used and how their piece represents change.
• Ask students what they enjoyed or found challenging about combining different media.
• Invite a few students to briefly share with the whole class.

5. Cleanup (3 minutes)

• Guide students to carefully clean brushes, put away materials and tidy their workspaces.

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Assessment and Feedback

• Formative: Observing students’ ability to combine drawing, painting, and collage techniques appropriately.
• Formative: Listening to students’ reflections to assess understanding of theme and creative expression.
• Encourage self and peer feedback focusing on use of materials, technique, and how effectively their artwork expresses change.

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Differentiation and Engagement Tips

• Provide scaffolded examples for students needing visual guidance, e.g., simple collage shapes or step-by-step painting.
• Challenge advanced students to innovate in layering techniques or symbolic representation of Wandi’s journey.
• Use group discussion to enhance vocabulary around artwork and theme (e.g., texture, layering, expression).
• Incorporate Indigenous perspectives related to Wandi's story respectfully, perhaps including pattern or colour symbolism.

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Additional Notes

• Emphasise creative risk-taking, supporting students to experiment without fear of mistakes.
• Tie in language skills by encouraging descriptive vocabulary when students explain their work.
• Link to personal and social learning by discussing how change is a part of everyone’s story, including Wandi’s.

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This lesson plan balances technical skill development, personal expression and cultural storytelling firmly rooted in the Australian Curriculum V9 visual arts standards for Year 3 students. It encourages holistic learning through hands-on making, reflection, and communication tailored to their developmental stage.

If you would like, I can also help draft materials like student worksheets or reflection prompts to accompany this lesson.