Drawing and Painting

    OCR
    GCSE

    Candidates must demonstrate the ability to record observations from primary sources using varied drawing media, establishing a foundation for visual enquiry (AO3). This recording must inform the iterative development of ideas, where experimentation with painting techniques—such as glazing, impasto, or scumbling—is refined relative to selected contextual sources (AO1, AO2). The process culminates in a resolved outcome that synthesizes technical proficiency with conceptual intent, evidencing a personal and meaningful response (AO4).

    0
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    4
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Demonstrate sustained investigation of sources (AO1) by deconstructing the technique of chosen artists, not just reproducing their imagery.
    • Evidence rigorous refinement (AO2) of media; credit portfolios that explicitly document the iterative improvement of specific painting or drawing techniques.
    • Record observations (AO3) through primary sources; penalize reliance on low-quality secondary imagery where direct observation was feasible.
    • Present a resolved outcome (AO4) that visually synthesizes the preparatory research and experimentation phases, demonstrating mastery of visual language.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "Your technical skill with acrylics is evident; now annotate your process to explain the specific adjustments made to viscosity and layering."
    • "Artist research is descriptive; upgrade this to analysis by explicitly testing their specific brushwork techniques in your own samples."
    • "You have recorded the form accurately; to access higher mark bands, vary your mark-making to communicate the surface texture more effectively."
    • "The final composition is strong, but the link to your initial artist research is tenuous; explicitly reference your source material in the final evaluation."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Demonstrate sustained investigation of sources (AO1) by deconstructing the technique of chosen artists, not just reproducing their imagery.
    • Evidence rigorous refinement (AO2) of media; credit portfolios that explicitly document the iterative improvement of specific painting or drawing techniques.
    • Record observations (AO3) through primary sources; penalize reliance on low-quality secondary imagery where direct observation was feasible.
    • Present a resolved outcome (AO4) that visually synthesizes the preparatory research and experimentation phases, demonstrating mastery of visual language.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Annotate explicitly to justify selection of materials; explain why acrylic was chosen over watercolour for the final piece to satisfy AO2.
    • 💡Ensure primary source photography is personally taken and manipulated; examiners penalize unedited stock internet imagery under AO3.
    • 💡Treat the sketchbook as a working document; cross-reference pages to show the evolution of a specific visual idea from concept to realization.
    • 💡Focus on 'quality of line' and 'tonal depth' in drawing tasks rather than just outline accuracy.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Producing biographical artist research pages that fail to inform subsequent practical experimentation.
    • Submitting a final piece that lacks a clear visual lineage from the preparatory sketches and media trials.
    • Over-reliance on blending tools in pencil drawing, resulting in a loss of textural definition and mark-making evidence.
    • Failing to annotate the decision-making process regarding the selection or rejection of specific materials.

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

    Read Study Guide

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Visual Recording and Observation (AO3)
    Media Experimentation and Refinement (AO2)
    Contextual Integration and Analysis (AO1)
    Realisation of Intentions (AO4)

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Develop
    Refine
    Record
    Present
    Investigate
    Explore

    Ready to test yourself?

    Practice questions tailored to this topic