Art and Design · Year 6 · The Curated Exhibition · Summer Term

Talking About Our Art: Explaining Choices

Learning to describe our artworks using art vocabulary and explaining the choices we made during the creative process.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• KS2: Art and Design - Evaluating and Developing Ideas
• KS2: Art and Design - Literacy in Art

About This Topic

This unit focuses on developing Year 6 students' ability to articulate their artistic process and intentions. Students learn to use precise art vocabulary to describe their work, moving beyond simple descriptions to analytical commentary. They will explore how to explain the inspiration behind their pieces, detailing the influences that shaped their creative decisions, whether from personal experiences, other artists, or specific themes.

Furthermore, students will practice describing the technical aspects of their art, including the materials used and the specific techniques employed. This involves understanding how different media and methods contribute to the overall effect of the artwork. A key element is also guiding students to consider the viewer's experience, prompting them to think about what they want their audience to notice, feel, or understand upon encountering their creations. This process cultivates critical thinking and self-reflection.

Active learning is particularly beneficial here because it grounds abstract concepts of artistic expression in tangible practice. When students are actively engaged in creating and then immediately discussing their work, the connection between intention, process, and outcome becomes clear. This hands-on approach makes the learning of art vocabulary and evaluative skills more meaningful and memorable.

Key Questions

1. Explain what inspired you to create this piece of art.
2. Describe the techniques and materials you used in your artwork.
3. Discuss what you want viewers to notice or feel when they look at your art.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Art is just about making pretty things; there's no need to explain it.

What to Teach Instead

Students often believe art is purely subjective and requires no justification. Through guided discussions and peer feedback activities, they learn that explaining their choices enhances understanding and appreciation of the artwork, connecting their creative process to specific intentions.

Common Misconception

Using fancy art words makes art better, even if I don't understand them.

What to Teach Instead

Some students may use art vocabulary superficially. Activities like the 'Technique Show-and-Tell' encourage them to connect specific terms to their practical application, demonstrating genuine understanding of how materials and methods influence the final piece.

Active Learning Ideas

Artist's Statement Gallery Walk

Students display their finished artworks. Each student writes a short artist's statement explaining their inspiration, materials, and intended message. The class then walks around, reading the statements and leaving constructive feedback on sticky notes.

45 min·Individual

Technique Show-and-Tell

Students select a specific technique or material they used in their artwork. They prepare a brief demonstration or explanation for the class, highlighting why they chose that particular method and its effect on their piece.

30 min·Small Groups

Viewer Interpretation Debate

After students present their work and intentions, the class discusses what they observe and feel. Facilitate a debate where students present their interpretations, comparing them to the artist's stated intentions and discussing any discrepancies.

40 min·Whole Class

Frequently Asked Questions

How can students effectively use art vocabulary?

Encourage students to use a glossary of art terms relevant to the unit. Provide sentence starters for discussing inspiration, materials, and techniques. Regular practice in describing their own work and the work of others, supported by teacher feedback, builds confidence and accuracy.

What is the purpose of an artist's statement?

An artist's statement provides context and insight into a piece of art. It explains the artist's motivations, the creative process, and the intended meaning or emotional response. It helps viewers connect with the artwork on a deeper level by understanding the artist's perspective.

How does explaining art choices help students develop as artists?

Articulating their choices forces students to reflect critically on their work, solidifying their understanding of artistic principles. This self-awareness allows them to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and make more informed decisions in future projects, fostering intentionality and growth.

What if students are shy about sharing their artwork?

Start with low-stakes sharing, perhaps in pairs or small groups. Use anonymous feedback methods initially, like written comments. Gradually build confidence by celebrating all efforts and focusing feedback on the process and choices rather than just the final aesthetic outcome.