GCSE Fine Art WJEC

Fine Art: Drawing

Section: Basic of Drawing

• Drawing is a fundamental skill in fine art. It involves creating pictures on surfaces using lines or marks.
• Materials used in drawing can range from graphite pencils, charcoal, coloured pencils, to chalks and inks.
• The basis for successful drawing lies in observation. Careful observation of the subject matter is vital in bringing out the details and establishing proportions correctly.

Section: Elements of Drawing

• Line is an important element of drawing. Lines define shapes and provide the framework for your drawing.
• Shape and form refer to the area enclosed by lines. Shapes are two-dimensional (length and width), while forms are three-dimensional (length, width and depth).
• Texture in drawing refers to the perceived surface quality of your work. It could be implied by using lines and shading.
• Perspective in drawing provides the illusion of depth and distance. It's what makes a two-dimensional drawing appear three-dimensional.
• Shading or value deals with the lightness or darkness of areas in a drawing. It helps in creating depth and dimension.

Section: Techniques in Drawing

• Stippling entails creating a pattern using small dots to suggest depth and form.
• Hatching and cross-hatching involve creating density and shadow using repetitive lines.
• Blending is a technique used to produce smooth transitions between tones.
• Scumbling is a method where a thin or broken layer of colour is brushed over another colour.

Section: Styles in Drawing

• Realistic style involves creating drawings that are highly detailed and closely resemble real-life objects.
• Abstract style doesn't try to represent an accurate depiction of reality. Instead, it uses shapes, colours, forms and gestural marks to achieve its effect.
• Surrealist style is characterised by bizarre, dream-like imagery.
• Cubist style abstracts form by viewing the subject from multiple viewpoints simultaneously.

Section: Evaluating Drawings

• When evaluating a drawing, composition, proportions, use of space, balance of elements, and use of shading or colour should be considered.
• Personal interpretation and style also play a big role in the value of a drawing.
• Being able to constructively critique your own work or the work of others is an important skill in fine art.