Higher Art and Design SQA

This subject is broken down into 37 topics in 2 modules:

  1. Expressive Art and Design Studies 12 topics
  2. Optional Questions 25 topics
Study this subject in the Adapt App →
  • 2
    modules
  • 37
    topics
  • 13,637
    words of revision content
  • 1+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

A preview of Higher Art and Design SQA in the Adapt app

Adapt is a revision planning app with full content coverage and unlimited past paper questions for 1,200+ GCSE and A Level subjects.

Study this subject in the Adapt app →

Art and Design

Expressive Art and Design Studies

Mandatory Question: Use of Materials

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Mandatory Question: Use of Materials

Understanding Art Materials

  • Differentiate between various art materials such as watercolours, oil paints, acrylics, charcoals, pastels, and inks.
  • Understand the unique properties of each medium, e.g. texture, luminosity, opacity etc.
  • Recognise the way different materials interact with various surfaces, their drying times, and how these factors influence their use in artwork.

Tools and Equipment

  • Explore the purpose and application of various tools, including brushes of different shapes and sizes, palettes, palette knives, sponges, and others.
  • Understand the role of varnishes and fixatives in preserving artworks.
  • Consider the significance of digital tools and machines (such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and graphic tablets) in contemporary art practices.

Techniques

  • Recognise the variety of techniques that can be used with different materials, including blending, layering, scumbling, glazing, and others.
  • Understand how different techniques create different effects and convey various emotions or impressions.
  • Understand the implication of mixed media artwork, combining different materials and techniques.

Material Safety

  • Learn about common hazards and safety precautions when using different art materials.
  • Understand the importance of correct storage and disposal of art materials.
  • Gain knowledge on healthy workspace principles, such as adequate ventilation, proper lightening and ergonomic practices.

Experimentation and Evaluation

  • Encourage experimentation with different materials and techniques to develop a personal style and voice.
  • Practice reflecting on and critiquing artwork, considering how the use of materials contributes to the overall effect of a piece.
  • Understand the concept of artistic decisions, including the rationale in choosing certain materials.

Course material for Art and Design, module Expressive Art and Design Studies, topic Mandatory Question: Use of Materials

Art and Design

Optional Questions

Optional Question: Location

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Optional Question: Location

Understanding Location in Art

  • The location can denote the physical space where the art takes place. It contributes significantly to the overall mood, context, narrative, and aesthetic of a piece.
  • It can be a specific, recognisable place or a non-specific, generalised environment.
  • The location can be real, imagined, or symbolic. The artist's depiction can vary from realistic to abstract, based on their intent.

Methods of Conveying Locations

  • Perspective: Using linear perspective, aerial perspective, and scale can create a sense of depth and distance, thus giving an impression of a particular location.
  • Colour and Light: The use of specific colours and the direction and intensity of light can suggest different times of day, seasons, or climate conditions, which are related to location.
  • Textures and Details: The representation of distinctive details or textures – e.g., architecture, vegetation, and terrain – can indicate a specific location.
  • Cultural Symbols: Certain patterns, objects, and figures can represent a specific culture or nation, providing a hint about the location.

The Role of Location in Composition

  • The location plays a critical part in establishing the context and setting the scene in a piece of artwork.
  • It can create a certain atmosphere or emotion related to the subject of the piece.
  • It can add depth and complexity to a composition.
  • It can also amplify the narrative and theme of the work.

Location in Practice

  • In Landscape Art, the location becomes the primary subject, capturing the beauty and essence of a particular place.
  • In Portrait Art, the background can provide information about the sitter's environment and lifestyle.
  • In Still Life, the location might be suggested subtly through items that hint at a particular location, such as fruits from a specific region.
  • In Abstract Art, location can be suggested in more conceptual or symbolic ways.

Evaluating the use of Location

  • An effective use of location will enhance the viewer's understanding of the artwork and deepen the narrative.
  • It should integrate seamlessly with the other elements in the composition, contributing to the overall aesthetic and mood.
  • The location should not distract from the main subject, but rather complement and underscore it.
  • It should stimulate the viewer's senses, making them feel visually present in the location portrayed.

Course material for Art and Design, module Optional Questions, topic Optional Question: Location

Can I trust Adapt’s expertise?

Adapt is already used by over 600,000 students and trusted by over 3,000 schools. Our exam-specific content and assessments are meticulously crafted by expert teachers and examiners.

Find out more about the Adapt app →

Planner

An always up-to-date revision timetable.

A personalised, flexible revision timetable that stays up-to-date automatically.

Content

All the exam resources, in one place.

Over 20,000 topics broken down into manageable lessons with teacher-written, exam-specific lessons.

Assessment

Past-paper questions, with instant feedback.

Unlimited past paper questions with instant examiner feedback on how to improve.

Progress

Track progress, together.

Progress tracking to stay motivated, with real-time updates to the Parent Portal.

Download the app today to start revising for free.