Drawing

OCR

GCSE

Drawing serves as the fundamental mechanism for recording observations, exploring ideas, and communicating visual intent within the creative process. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in a range of media, utilizing mark-making to define form, texture, and tonal value with precision and intent. The practice encompasses both objective recording from primary sources and experimental abstraction to convey conceptual meaning. Mastery requires the synthesis of technical control with expressive quality, evidencing a deliberate selection of tools to suit the subject matter.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Evidence purposeful recording of observations (AO3) using varied mark-making techniques to capture form, tone, and texture accurately.
Utilise drawing as an analytical tool to deconstruct primary sources rather than merely copying secondary images.
Demonstrate refinement (AO2) by experimenting with diverse drawing media (e.g., charcoal, ink, graphite, digital) to establish a personal visual language.
Link drawn studies directly to the investigation of artists or contextual sources (AO1), showing understanding of their stylistic qualities.

Example Examiner Feedback

Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

"Your tonal range is limited; increase contrast to better define the three-dimensional form and light source."
"You have copied the image accurately, but now use drawing to analyse the structure rather than just the outline."
"Experiment with mark-making; move beyond continuous line to explore cross-hatching or stippling for texture."
"Connect this drawing explicitly to your chosen artist; annotate how their technique influenced your specific media application."

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Evidence purposeful recording of observations (AO3) using varied mark-making techniques to capture form, tone, and texture accurately.
Utilise drawing as an analytical tool to deconstruct primary sources rather than merely copying secondary images.
Demonstrate refinement (AO2) by experimenting with diverse drawing media (e.g., charcoal, ink, graphite, digital) to establish a personal visual language.
Link drawn studies directly to the investigation of artists or contextual sources (AO1), showing understanding of their stylistic qualities.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Prioritise primary source observation; drawings from life demonstrate higher perceptual skills than copies of flat images.
💡Use rapid, gestural sketches to document initial thoughts alongside sustained, detailed studies to show breadth of recording.
💡Annotate drawings to explain the choice of media and the specific visual qualities being recorded (e.g., 'using cross-hatching to mimic the artist's etching style').
💡Ensure drawing is present throughout the portfolio, not just in the initial research phase, to evidence ongoing refinement.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Heavy reliance on low-quality secondary sources or internet printouts instead of direct observation from primary sources.
Producing highly finished drawings without evidence of the developmental process, experimentation, or risk-taking.
Superficial copying of artist styles without demonstrating an understanding of the underlying technique or intent.
Failing to annotate drawings to explain the specific visual qualities being recorded or the media choices made.

Study Guide Available

Comprehensive revision notes & examples

Read Study Guide

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Mark-making and Tonal Value

Linear Perspective and Spatial Depth

Observational Recording from Primary Sources

Experimental Media and Mixed Media Integration

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Record

Develop

Refine

Explore

Present

Investigate

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic