Mastering Scale & Light

Curriculum Area

A-Level Art and Design

• Exam Board: AQA
• Unit: Personal Investigation
• Focus: Drawing and Exploration Techniques

Objective

Main Objective

Students will understand and apply the principles of scale drawing and lighting in their artwork, reflecting A-Level standards in Art and Design.

Specific Outcomes

1. Develop an understanding of how scale can alter perception and impact composition in art.
2. Experiment with lighting techniques to enhance their scale drawings, focusing on shadow and highlight to convey depth and form.

Materials Needed

• A3 sketching paper
• Graphite pencils (various hardness)
• Charcoal sticks
• Erasers
• Desk lamps
• Assorted objects (for creating shadows)

Lesson Breakdown

Introduction (30 seconds)

1. Greeter: Welcome students and briefly introduce the session focus on scale and lighting.
2. Context: Explain the role of scale in composition and how lighting impacts mood and perception in art, tying it to famous examples (e.g., works by Caravaggio).

Activity (2 minutes)

1. Scale Drawing Exploration (1 minute):

   • Task: Students select an object and sketch it in different scales on the A3 paper, exploring how size variation affects detail and perception.
   • Tip: Encourage rapid sketching to focus on differences in scale rather than intricate detail.

2. Lighting Experiment (1 minute):

   • Setup: Place desk lamps to cast varied shadows and highlights on the sketched objects.
   • Task: Students draw over the scaled sketches using charcoal to emphasise shadows and highlights, observing how light direction transforms the object’s form.
   • Discussion: Briefly discuss how shadow adds drama and depth (chiaroscuro).

Conclusion (30 seconds)

1. Reflection:
   • Encourage students to look critically at their sketches and discuss how scale and lighting alter the perception of the object.
2. Feedback:
   • Ask students to share one insight or challenge faced during the activity.

Assessment

• Observation: Monitor student engagement and skill application during activities.
• Journaling: Ask students to write a short reflection on how they might use these techniques in a future piece.

Differentiation

• Advanced Students: Challenge them by introducing complex objects with multiple shadow outcomes.
• Support for All: Provide adjustable lamp settings to experiment with various light intensities.

Homework/Extension

• Task: Select a piece of art that uses scale and lighting effectively. Write a short analysis focusing on how these elements contribute to its impact.

By focusing on active participation and reflective critical thinking, this lesson plan fulfils components of the A-Level Art and Design curriculum while stimulating students' creativity and technical skills in drawing.