Art and Design GCSE
Primary Source
What Primary Source means in Art and Design GCSE, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Primary Source
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Subject matter that the artist observes directly from life, rather than from a photograph or another artist's work.
Subject matter that is observed directly from life, first-hand, rather than from a photograph or screen.
Topics that use Primary Source
- Art, Craft and Design (Title Overview) (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Fine Art – Drawing (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Transcription
- Chiaroscuro
- Composition
- Cross-Hatching
- Mark-making
- Contour Line
- Gestural Mark-Making
- Mixed Media
Using Primary Source in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
Practise Art and Design questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Art and Design GCSE terms7 days Premium · Then free forever · No card, no charge