Recording observations

Student pen and ink wash pot studies — Image caption,
Try and capture visual elements like proportion and form in your drawings and use annotation for recording your ideas and intentions, as this student artwork show

Notes and colour pencil observational drawings of a shell, a leaf, a rock and a mushroom — Figure caption,
Produce observational drawings of your subject matter using artistic materials of your choice, like this student has done

It is important to observe your sources and stimuli closely. Make a mental note of general , overall shape, size, fall of light, colour and shadows, or other visual characteristics such as surface texture, before starting a study.

When studying the work of other artists, designers and craftspeople really examine their use of media and materials, techniques, visual elements and design principles.

Observations can be recorded using images, models and words. Examples of observations are:

detailed analytical studies
photographs, quick sketches, small 3D models or maquettes based on primary or secondary sources
mixed media studies recording textures, colour, design or patterns from what you are observing

To convey your ideas, observations and intentions successfully, you need to refine your practical skills with your chosen media and materials.

Drawing to record observations

Drawings could be quick sketches, or a more sustained approach to show you are refining your ideas and skills. You should select a medium or process based on the , and work from a range of stimulus material.

Using photography to record observations

It's easy to take a digital photograph of something and print the picture, but you must show that you have developed your skills of selection and control.

You should consider the subject matter and of your image, and the effects of different lighting and . You should think about how you will print and present your photographs.

Experiment with , framing, and focus in order to create a more atmospheric, expressive or stylised image.

Checklist

When recording observations have you:

recorded objects, artefacts, people and places?
used the work of artists, designers and craftspeople?
selected and experimented with different media?
made detailed analytical studies?
made quick sketches, taken photographs or produced models or samples?

When drawing to record observations have you:

selected appropriate media and techniques?
looked carefully at your subject?
recorded formal or visual qualities such as line, tone or texture?
developed and refined your skills?
worked from a range of sources and stimulus material?

When using photography to record observations have you:

selected and framed your subject carefully?
chosen interesting viewpoints?
explored elements of visual language such as colour, tone and form?
controlled composition?
controlled focus, , lighting and exposure?

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Recording and observing - AQARecording observations