ART EXAM PREPARATION
GUIDANCE
A checklist for students of GCSE
& A Level Art
1. Select your ‘subject matter’ or ‘objects’ as the starting point. You must work
from direct observation in the early stages of your preparation. Once
selected, focus on these objects – do not introduce too many completely
different objects. Your subject matter/choice of objects should be as
visually interesting as possible. A poor choice here could limit the
success of your work. Ask your teacher for advice on your choice.
2. Make at least 5 A3 pages (or 10 A4 pages) from real life of your chosen
subject. These should be in materials and media you are familiar with e.g.
Pencil, Conte Crayon, Charcoal, Watercolour,
3. Use strong directional light (a window or reading lamp) to show clear
differences between light and dark areas
4. Experiment with compositional studies; at least 5 A3 pages (or 10 A4
pages) this means try out different arrangements of your subject matter in
a specific format/rectangle (see example)
5. Use digital photography to support your studies: Photographs taken from
different angles by yourself and developed with Photoshop count as
observation
6. Relate your drawings/studies to the work of another artist/artists who
has worked from similar ‘subject matter’. Do not copy his/her work directly
but learn from and experiment with the techniques
THE VISUAL ELEMENTS
LINE Show
varied line
strength &
quality
ANNOTATION
Comment
thoughtfully on
your progress.
PERSPECTIVE
Show an
awareness of 3
dimensions and
perspective
techniques
SHAPE: Show a
considered use
of outline and
shape
COMPOSITION:
show your
awareness of
the impact of
different
arrangements
COLOUR: Show an
understanding of
colour e.g.
Warm,Cold/Colour
Harmony etc.
DIRECTIONAL
LIGHT Show an
awareness of strong
side lighting
VIEWPOINT: Ensure a
variety of different
viewpoints
TONE: Show a
range of tones
from dark to light
COMPOSITION: Use
the space of each
page effectively to
organise your studies
TEXTURE:
Ensure you
consider
different textures
& surfaces.
LINE Show
varied line
strength &
quality. Keep
your marks
inventive
TONE: Show a
range of tones
from dark to light
TEXTURE:
Ensure you
consider
different textures
& surfaces
qualities
COLOUR: Show an
understanding of
colour e.g. Warm,
Cold/Colour Harmony
etc.
VIEWPOINT: Ensure a
variety of different
viewpoints
ANNOTATION
Comment
thoughtfully on
your progress.
The words in COLOUR that we have highlighted indicate areas where we think
you are making good progress. The words in COLOUR that are not highlighted
are areas that may need further development. Your teacher will discuss these
ideas with you and suggest ways of improving.
LINE: In your work you have used LINE with fluency, confidence, accuracy
and originality. Your use of LINE shows very good control with subtle
variations of strength and pressure. Lines can be thin, thick or wide,
interrupted (dotted, dashed, broken, etc.), blurred or fuzzy, controlled,
freehand, parallel, hatching, meandering, and spiralling.
TONE: In your work you have used TONE effectively showing an awareness of
directional light, an ability to create gradations of tone showing the illusion of
3 dimensional form and the use of strong tonal contrast to create a dynamic
visual impact.
TEXTURE: In your work you have used different materials effectively to create
different textures (surface qualities) including hard, soft, rough & smooth.
Your work shows successful experimentation and an ability to select
appropriate examples. Examples of materials used: pen, pencil, crayon,
chalk, pastels, collage, print, clay
SHAPE: In your work you have shown an ability to identify, record and use 2
dimensional shapes effectively. You have the ability to create shapes that
give the illusion of 3 dimensional form.
SPACE: In your work you have shown a clear understanding of how to create
the illusion of 3 dimensional space. Your work displays knowledge of
perspective and how this can be used to create the illusion of depth and
distance. You understand how to use vanishing points, diminishing size and
atmospheric (tonal/aerial) perspective to enhance your work.
FORM: This refers to objects which have width, length and depth. This is
different from the ‘illusion’ of 3 dimensional form. In your work you have shown an
ability to create successful 3 dimensional forms using a range of materials
including, card, string, paper, wire, clay etc.
COLOUR: In your work you have shown an ability to use colour selectively. You
have shown an awareness of the role of contrasting, harmonious, primary,
secondary and complementary colours. You know how to darken (shade) and
lighten (tint) colours appropriately. You are aware of the emotional impact of
colour, reflecting moods and feelings (cold and warm colours). Your work displays
an ability to create areas of both flat and modulated colour. You are also able
to use colour to create spatial effects.
ART HISTORY (Context): In your work you have made thoughtful
connections with the work of other Artists and Art movements. You have
shown a clear understanding and appreciation of different styles,
methods, techniques and working practices. This is reflected in both
discussion and practical outcomes.
ICT: In your work you have shown effective use of ICT. You have used the
following computer programmes to support and develop your work
(Photoshop, PowerPoint, Elements Premiere). Some of the techniques use
include: cutting, pasting, cropping, merging, composing and working with
layers and text. You have a good understanding of how to use the internet for
research purposes.
ANNOTATION
Comment
thoughtfully on
your progress.
COLOUR: Show an
understanding of
colour e.g.
Warm,Cold/Colour
Harmony etc.
ANNOTATION
Comment
thoughtfully on
your progress.
COMPOSITION & LAYOUT
Ensure you use all of the space
effectively. Empty space has to
have a visual purpose or it
suggests an inability to
complete work
TEXTURE: Use lively
brush marks. The way
you apply the paint can
add interest and subtlety
to your work
COLOUR: Show an
understanding of
colour e.g.
Warm,Cold/Colour
Harmony etc.
COLOUR: Show an
understanding of
colour e.g.
Warm,Cold/Colour
Harmony etc.
DIRECTIONAL
LIGHT Show an
awareness of strong
side lighting
COLOUR: Show an
understanding of
colour e.g.
Warm,Cold/Colour
Harmony etc.
TONE: Show a
range of tones
from dark to light.
On this study, the
highlights (lighter
tones) need to be
more visible. Try
chalk, oil pastel,
white acyrlic
EXPERIMENTATION:
A successful series of
observational studies
TONE: Show a
range of tones
from dark to light
COLOUR: Show an
understanding of
colour e.g.
Warm,Cold/Colour
Harmony etc.
ART HISTORY: Show connections with
the work of artists who have influenced
you. Learn from them but don’t copy
exactly
ART HISTORY: Show connections with
the work of artists who have influenced
you. Learn from them but don’t copy
exactly
LINE QUALITY: Show a lively approach to
observation and line drawing; develop your own style
of mark-making
DRAWING AT SPEED: Draw
fast to create a sense of
energy, movement and life
TEXTURE: Experiment with different materials to
create surfaces and textures
MIXED MEDIA: Pencil,
watercolour, conte crayon, white
acrylic
COMPOSITIONAL STUDIES: You
need to show your awareness of the
effect of different arrangements within
a frame
COMPOSITION: The
arrangement of images, shapes
and objects within the picture
frame
PHOTOGRAPHY: Use
photography creatively –
interpret and develop but
avoid copying
MIXED MEDIA: Pencil,
watercolour, oil pastel, conte
crayon, white acrylic
TEXTURE: Experiment with different materials to
create surfaces and textures
TYPE/ FONTS: Consider
the use of words and
lettering styles
COMPOSITION:
show your
awareness of
the impact of
different
arrangements
SURFACES:
Experiment with
different
drawing/painting
surfaces and media
OBSERVATION: Work from real
objects
MIXED MEDIA: Be creative
with different surfaces and
collage effects
COMPOSITION:
Experiment with
alternative
compositions and
arrangements
ANNOTATION Comment
thoughtfully on your progress. This
student is very conscientious but
has probably written more than is
necessary
COMPOSITION: Use
the space f each page
effectively to organise
your studies
SURFACES:
Experiment with
different
drawing/painting
surfaces and media
MIXED MEDIA
Watercolour,
chalk, oil pastel
MIXED MEDIA STUDIES
Combine different materials and
media to add power and strength to
your work
PHOTOGRAPHY: Use
photography creatively –
interpret and develop
avoid copying
COLLAGE/MONTAGE
Photographs can be
drawn on and painted over
for creative effect
PHOTOSHOP: Use Photoshop to
manipulate and add originality to your
images. Layers, transparency, filters
PHOTOGRAPHY: Use strong
directional light to add drama to your
images
PHOTOGRAPHY: Use
photography creatively –
interpret and develop
avoid copying
FINAL COMPOSITION
FINAL COMPOSITION
FINAL COMPOSITION
FINAL COMPOSITION
FINAL COMPOSITION
FINAL COMPOSITION
A2 Student
Controlled Test
A2 Student
Controlled Test
A2 Student
Controlled Test
Student Name……………………
GCSE/AS/A2 ART EXAM PREPARATION CHECKLIST
Date:……………………………..
TO ACHIEVE A GRADE C OR HIGHER YOU MUST BE ABLE TO ANSWER YES TO ALLOF THESE QUESTIONS
Assessment Objective 1
1. Have you produced 5 to
10 pages of high quality A4
observational studies and
first-hand
drawings/paintings?
YES
NO
Assessment Objective 2
5. Have you written
comments and made
notes about your
preparation studies?
YES
2. Have you produced 5 to
10 pages of A4 mixed
media and experimental
studies in your preparation
work.?
YES
YES
3. Have you produced your
own photographs, colour
samples, techniques etc?
YES
NO
4. Have you used exciting
and creative mark-making
techniques in your studies?
YES
NO
YES
9.
NO
7. Have you made
written notes about the
artists you are using the
department assessment
sheets. Do not simply
copy out biographical
details. Write your own
views/thoughts about the
work?
YES
8.
NO
6. Have you shown
examples of other artists
work in your studies,
revealing an
understanding of style
and technique?
NO
Assessment Objective 3 Assessment Objective 4
YES
Have you reviewed
and modified your
work showing
progress and
change, leading to a
final conclusion.
NO
Have you
experimented with
different materials
and techniques in
the preparatory
stages of your work?
It is important to
show skill and
expertise in a limited
range of media.
NO
10. Have you adapted
the style of other
artists and used their
methods and
approaches in your
work
YES
NO
11. Evaluation: Have
you written your
opinions & views
about your own
images and that of
other artists whose
work you may be
using as a reference?
This should be
completed after the
controlled test.
YES
NO
Circle yes or no for each question and then either congratulate yourself or panic! Ask your teacher to explain any
question you do not understand
NO