About this Unit
In this hands-on, exploratory unit, students will investigate the formal elements of art—colour, line, shape, texture, pattern, and form—through a creative journey that transforms flat, two-dimensional materials into dynamic three-dimensional sculptures. Beginning with simple card, students will draw a variety of lines, textures, and shapes using pencils and markers. They will then apply colour theory by painting their drawn designs with primary, secondary, complementary, warm, cool, and contrasting colours, demonstrating control, creativity, and understanding of colour relationships.
Once their surfaces are fully developed with expressive patterns and textures, students will cut their card into organic and geometric shapes, and then bend, twist, roll, fold, and interlock these shapes to explore how flat materials can be manipulated into three-dimensional forms. These forms will be assembled using glue or staples to construct abstract sculptures that emphasise rhythm, movement, and visual balance.
Throughout this creative process, students will:
- Experiment with a range of lines (thick, thin, broken, undulating, concentric, tapering)
- Explore textures, both drawn and implied
- Apply learned colour theory with intention
- Practice transforming shapes into forms, understanding the difference between 2D and 3D
- Reflect on their creative choices, describing how the formal elements contribute to mood and visual impact
By the end of the unit, students will have a deeper understanding of how artists use the formal elements to communicate ideas visually. They will develop confidence in manipulating materials, express individuality in their abstract designs, and recognise that even simple materials can be transformed into expressive and imaginative artworks.
Kev Watson Visual Arts & Digital Design K-12 