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EnglandVisual Arts

Drawing and Recording Skills

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What makes a strong A-Level sketchbook, and how does it carry the assessment objectives?

Keeping a sketchbook: using the sketchbook as the working record where recording, experimentation, research and development are evidenced and annotated.
An Edexcel A-Level Art and Design guide to keeping a sketchbook. Explains why the sketchbook is where AO1, AO2 and AO3 are evidenced, how to balance recording, experimentation and research, how to annotate so a marker can follow your thinking, and how to use the sketchbook to drive a project forward.
12 min answer →

How do you draw accurately from observation, and what techniques build that skill?

Observational drawing: drawing accurately from first-hand observation using measuring, sighting, negative space, and a range of timed and tonal studies.
An Edexcel A-Level Art and Design guide to observational drawing. Explains how to draw accurately from first-hand observation using sighting and measuring, comparing angles and proportions, drawing negative space, and using gesture, contour and tonal studies to build the core recording skill (AO3).
13 min answer →

How do perspective and proportion create convincing space and accurate figures?

Perspective and proportion: linear perspective (one, two and three point), the horizon and vanishing points, foreshortening, and proportional systems for the figure and objects.
An Edexcel A-Level Art and Design guide to perspective and proportion. Explains one, two and three point linear perspective, the horizon line and vanishing points, atmospheric perspective, foreshortening, and proportional systems for drawing the figure and objects accurately.
12 min answer →

What is the difference between primary and secondary sources, and how do you gather and use them well?

Recording from primary and secondary sources: gathering first-hand (primary) material and selecting secondary sources, and combining them to build a personal visual resource.
An Edexcel A-Level Art and Design guide to recording from primary and secondary sources. Explains the difference between first-hand (primary) and secondary sources, why primary recording is valued, how to gather your own photographs, drawings and objects, and how to select and combine secondary sources responsibly.
12 min answer →