Developing use of materials and techniques

Student example of colour and monochrome studies in pencil, pen and ink and in wash showing building details — Image caption,
This student artwork combines different techniques in one development study - this can save time and make comparing techniques easier

Early development is an opportunity to try out materials and techniques that are new to you or that you may not be confident with.

You have nothing to lose at this stage - some studies will be more succesful than others.

You can save time by trying a few different techniques on one development study. This can be done by splitting it into sections and applying different materials in each section.

Alternatively, you may draw a development study, but only work up a small section in a selected technique.

Choosing materials and techniques to develop

Think about techniques which will let you develop your intended style and help you to to communicate your theme effectively.

Image caption,
Derbyshire Landscape, William Harold S. Bunce, 1961, oil on board

Natural forms. Drawings paintings and patterns including a bird, a beetle and eyes. — Figure caption,
Experiment with different materials and techniques to recreate the artistic element your are exploring in your subject matter, as this student's piece shows

A student inspired by this landscape might try to create a similar mood by exploring different types of paint, such as acrylic and , perhaps applied on black paper.

They may also choose to explore dry media which can be used in an expressive manner, such as oil pastel, charcoal and chalk. Some printmaking techniques may also be appropriate.

Another area to explore could be using different thicknesses of paint or painting onto different materials to develop varied textures.

��ý

Developing ideas - AQADeveloping use of materials and techniques