ART EXAM PREPARATION GUIDANCE

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ART EXAM PREPARATIONGUIDANCE

• A checklist for students of GCSE A Level Art

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• 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.
• 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,
• Use strong directional light (a window or reading
  lamp) to show clear differences between light and
  dark areas
• 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)
• Use digital photography to support your studies
  Photographs taken from different angles by
  yourself and developed with Photoshop count as
  observation
• 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

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THE VISUAL ELEMENTS
TONE Show a range of tones from dark to light
LINE Show varied line strength quality
ANNOTATION Comment thoughtfully on your progress.
PERSPECTIVE Show an awareness of 3 dimensions and
perspective techniques
COLOUR Show an understanding of colour e.g.
Warm,Cold/Colour Harmony etc.
SHAPE Show a considered use of outline and shape
COMPOSITION Use the space of each page
effectively to organise your studies
DIRECTIONAL LIGHT Show an awareness of strong
side lighting
COMPOSITION show your awareness of the impact of
different arrangements
TEXTURE Ensure you consider different textures
surfaces.
VIEWPOINT Ensure a variety of different
viewpoints
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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.
ANNOTATION Comment thoughtfully on your progress.
VIEWPOINT Ensure a variety of different
viewpoints
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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COLOUR Show an understanding of colour e.g.
Warm,Cold/Colour Harmony etc.
ANNOTATION Comment thoughtfully on your progress.
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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
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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.
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COLOUR Show an understanding of colour e.g.
Warm,Cold/Colour Harmony etc.
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DIRECTIONAL LIGHT Show an awareness of strong
side lighting
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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
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TONE Show a range of tones from dark to light
COLOUR Show an understanding of colour e.g.
Warm,Cold/Colour Harmony etc.
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ART HISTORY Show connections with the work of
artists who have influenced you. Learn from them
but dont copy exactly
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ART HISTORY Show connections with the work of
artists who have influenced you. Learn from them
but dont copy exactly
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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
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MIXED MEDIA Pencil, watercolour, conte crayon,
white acrylic
TEXTURE Experiment with different materials to
create surfaces and textures
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COMPOSITION The arrangement of images, shapes
and objects within the picture frame
COMPOSITIONAL STUDIES You need to show your
awareness of the effect of different arrangements
within a frame
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PHOTOGRAPHY Use photography creatively
interpret and develop but avoid copying
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TEXTURE Experiment with different materials to
create surfaces and textures
MIXED MEDIA Pencil, watercolour, oil pastel,
conte crayon, white acrylic
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TYPE/ FONTS Consider the use of words and
lettering styles
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COMPOSITION show your awareness of the impact of
different arrangements
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SURFACES Experiment with different
drawing/painting surfaces and media
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COMPOSITION Experiment with alternative
compositions and arrangements
MIXED MEDIA Be creative with different surfaces
and collage effects
OBSERVATION Work from real objects
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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
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SURFACES Experiment with different
drawing/painting surfaces and media
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MIXED MEDIA Watercolour, chalk, oil pastel
MIXED MEDIA STUDIES Combine different materials
and media to add power and strength to your work
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PHOTOGRAPHY Use photography creatively
interpret and develop avoid copying
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COLLAGE/MONTAGE Photographs can be drawn on and
painted over for creative effect
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PHOTOSHOP Use Photoshop to manipulate and add
originality to your images. Layers, transparency,
filters
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PHOTOGRAPHY Use strong directional light to add
drama to your images
PHOTOGRAPHY Use photography creatively
interpret and develop avoid copying
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FINAL COMPOSITION
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FINAL COMPOSITION
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FINAL COMPOSITION
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FINAL COMPOSITION
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FINAL COMPOSITION
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FINAL COMPOSITION
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A2 Student Controlled Test
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A2 Student Controlled Test
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A2 Student Controlled Test
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Student Name Date..
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 2
Assessment Objective 3
Assessment Objective 1
Assessment Objective 4
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
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
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