ART EXAM PREPARATIONGUIDANCE

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

LINE Show varied line strength & quality

TONE: Show a range of tones from dark to light

TEXTURE: Ensure you consider different textures & surfaces.

SHAPE: Show a considered use of outline and shape

THE VISUAL ELEMENTS

VIEWPOINT: Ensure a variety of different viewpoints

COLOUR: Show an understanding of colour e.g. Warm,Cold/Colour Harmony etc.

PERSPECTIVE Show an awareness of 3 dimensions and perspective techniques

DIRECTIONAL LIGHT Show an awareness of strong side lighting

ANNOTATION Comment thoughtfully on your progress.

COMPOSITION: Use the space of each page effectively to organise your studies

COMPOSITION: show your awareness of the impact of different arrangements

LINE Show varied line strength & quality. Keep your marks inventive

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.

TONE: Show a range of tones from dark to light

TEXTURE: Ensure you consider different textures & surfaces qualities

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.

COLOUR: Show an understanding of colour e.g. Warm,Cold/Colour Harmony etc.

ANNOTATION Comment thoughtfully on your progress.

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

EXPERIMENTATION:

A successful series of observational studies

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

COLOUR: Show an understanding of colour e.g. Warm,Cold/Colour Harmony etc.

TONE: Show a range of tones from dark to light

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

TEXTURE: Experiment with different materials to create surfaces and textures

MIXED MEDIA: Pencil, watercolour, oil pastel, conte crayon, white acrylic

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 STUDIES

Combine different materials and media to add power and strength to your work

MIXED MEDIA

Watercolour, chalk, oil pastel

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 photography creatively – interpret and develop avoid copying

PHOTOGRAPHY: Use strong directional light to add drama to your images

FINAL COMPOSITION

FINAL COMPOSITION

FINAL COMPOSITION

FINAL COMPOSITION

FINAL COMPOSITION

FINAL COMPOSITION

A2 Student Controlled Test

A2 Student Controlled Test

A2 Student Controlled Test

1. Have you produced 5 to 10 pages of high quality A4 observational studies and first-hand drawings/paintings?

YES NO

2. Have you produced 5 to 10 pages of A4 mixed media and experimental studies in your preparation work.?

YES NO

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

Assessment Objective 2 Assessment Objective 3 Assessment Objective 4

8. Have you reviewed and modified your work showing progress and change, leading to a final conclusion.

YES NO

9. 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.

YES NO

5. Have you written comments and made notes about your preparation studies?

YES NO

6. Have you shown examples of other artists work in your studies, revealing an understanding of style and technique?

YES 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 NO

GCSE/AS/A2 ART EXAM PREPARATION CHECKLIST

TO ACHIEVE A GRADE C OR HIGHER YOU MUST BE ABLE TO ANSWER YES TO ALLOF THESE QUESTIONS

Assessment Objective 1

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

Student Name……………………

Date:……………………………..