Art Gcse advice

Hi!
I am wondering if any post or studying art students could share any advice with me. I am currently predicted a grade six in art and am wondering if there’s any small tips or tricks anyone could advise! Thanks so much!
Lucy

Hi!
I am wondering if any post or studying art students could share any advice with me. I am currently predicted a grade six in art and am wondering if there’s any small tips or tricks anyone could advise! Thanks so much!
Lucy

Hi @LucyJaneS,
I did my GCSEs when they were letters, and I got an A*. I think something that contributed to that grade was not being scared to experiment. Even if things didn't turn out well, I would document them and annotate them. What worked and what didn't. Why did it work or not work. What did I learn from it?
Try different mediums and techniques to show the variety of skills you have but also if something works really well for you, stick with that. Experimenting will eventually lead to you finding what your style might be and that can always change. Something I had in mind and is something I remember my teachers and then lecturers telling me is to make sure I include all my thoughts and processes. Think of it as 'If I gave this sketchbook to someone who knows nothing about art or what you are studying, would they get your processes and how they led to the final outcome?'
Lastly, I was and still am a very visual person so my inspiration was always in the form of imagery and I would include a lot of artist work, analysis of their work and even copies of their work to show experimentation. I then would say what I am taking from it and even what I don't like about it. If relevant, I would also do primary research! Everyone has different opinions and showcasing that is important! Best of luck! 🙂
Hope this helps, ^Zac

Hey!! I did my GCSE's last year and I got a 9... my teachers would always highlight the importance of being able to explain your thought processes! When doing a piece show some experimentation (composition, colour scheme, media, etc) and annotate your opinion, what you like and dislike, and what made you change / stick with your original idea.
I think pushing media variety throughout your sketchbook is super important for showing off your skills as an artist and sets you apart as it shows risk-taking and well rounded skill, which the examiners will value no matter what your exam board is - even if you don't like the outcome, keep it in the book and the discuss that.
Discussing and analysing other artists pieces as well and how you intend to use them for inspiration is crucial to your artist research - don't be afraid to say you hate it either!
I hope that's somewhat useful! I'd also say never rush anything because people can tell!! Consistency is crucial in Art. Good luck! Enjoy your summer <3

Hi!
I am wondering if any post or studying art students could share any advice with me. I am currently predicted a grade six in art and am wondering if there’s any small tips or tricks anyone could advise! Thanks so much!
Lucy

Hey @LucyJaneS!
Have you checked out any GCSE Art Sketchbook tours on YouTube? I remember watching these when I sat my Art GCSE and they were incredibly useful in giving me ideas of new techniques and extra work I could add to my own sketchbooks.
Make sure you're including both lots of contextual references (artists/illustrators) and first-hand references (photos you've taken yourself). Write annotations beside each on why you found them important and what you think of the work itself.
Hope this helps and best of luck with GCSE Art! 🙂
Eve (Kingston Rep).