Fine Art preparation

Fine Art: Preparation for A level study

Please see accompanying PowerPoints for visual prompts.

TASK 1

Tuning into your senses.

You are challenged to turn the world upside down, question the reality you exist in, exploring the possibilities that can arise when you challenge rules or boundaries and really tune in to your senses.

What if… you could only see in one tone or hue of a colour? …the speed in which you processed images was slowed down, like the shutter speed on a camera? …you were upside down? …you could only engage with the world through sounds and echoes, like the sensitive hearing range of a bat? …your vision was completely blurred? …you could only ‘see’ the world through written words describing your surroundings? …you could only interact with the world from the point of view of lying down, flat on the floor, looking at the ceiling? …you experienced the world through taste or colour, similar to synesthesia?

YOUR TASK: Create 5 pieces of artwork which individually respond to each of the senses in isolation. In total you will complete 5 pieces of artwork using any art materials of your choice; drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, collage, textiles, digital media, animation, 3D, printing ect. Really try to record and communicate that sense and the experiences you encounter. What is it like to smell freshly cut grass? How can you show what chocolate tastes like? If you could see your favourite song in colours and shapes would it look like?

The 5 senses are listed below, complete one piece of work for each sense using any media of your choice:

• Sight
• Smell
• Hearing
• Touch
• Taste

TASK 2

Imagination vs Observation.

For this task you will complete two drawing. The aim is to notice the differences between drawing from your imagination vs drawing from observation. Whilst creating your drawing be mindful of the difference in accuracy and the way you interpret and record an idea with and without the use of a primary/ secondary source.

 Your first task is to choose something that you wish to draw. You will complete two drawings of the same thing. It could be an object, a landscape, or a person.

IMAGINATION DRAWING: Firstly, you will draw your chosen object from your imagination, you are not allowed to look at an image of what you are trying to draw or the object itself. You are required to reply only on your memory.

OBSERVATION DRAWING: Now for your second response you can work from an image or from direction observation of what you are going to draw. You are now able to observe the lines, shapes, tones and colours which should lead to greater accuracy.

EVALUATE: Stand back and observe your two drawings. Make some notes on your observations using the following questions to prompt you:

• What differences do you see? Which do you prefer? How did your technique change? Which is more accurate? What assumptions did you make when drawing from your imagination? What are the benefits of drawing from observation?

TASK 3

Create an art journal

The powerpoint takes you through up to 30 pages of sketchbook work, where you explore a different theme per page. Try and utilise the styles of the artists presented for each page to widen your understanding of materials and your skills using them.

• You will need to purchase an A4 sketchbook for this – try Amazon and ensure your paper is 130gsm or over for good paper quality.

Try to be as creative as possible with materials and also with your presentation. Try out lots of methods to see what your personal style is.

• Remember, a sketchbook is a place where you make MISTAKES – do not only present ‘perfect’ work, this is not the purpose of them! Show your imagination and confidence to try out new ideas and methods.