Long before museums and galleries existed, the very first artists were creating images on cave walls using natural pigments like charcoal and crushed earth. These artworks, found in places such as Lascaux in France, are over 17,000 years old and often show animals, hunting scenes, and symbolic markings.
Cave paintings weren’t just decoration — they were a way of telling stories, sharing knowledge, and connecting with the world around them. Artists used simple shapes, repeated marks, and limited colours, yet their work still feels powerful today.
What’s interesting is that these early artists didn’t worry about perfection. Instead, they focused on communication and meaning, something that is still at the heart of art today.
This week’s homework connects to these origins by encouraging students to simplify what they see and think about how images can tell a story. It reminds us that art doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful — sometimes the simplest marks are the most powerful.
Inspiration: Early human mark-making
Task Focus: Storytelling through symbols
🌱 Start Here:
Draw animals or symbols using simple shapes and lines
🌿 Build It:
Create a scene using repeated symbols and limited colours
🌳 Take It Further:
Develop a narrative artwork using composition, texture, and earthy tones
Reflect:
“What story does my artwork tell?”
While this activity is a great starting point, many students benefit from hands-on guidance, personalised feedback, and a supportive studio environment.