Question 1: Describe the process of creating a wash in watercolor painting. What tools and materials would you use, and how does the technique affect the appearance of your artwork?

Answer: A wash involves applying a thin, transparent layer of diluted paint across the surface. Typically, you use a brush and water to dilute the pigment, spreading it evenly. This technique creates a soft background or gradient effect, useful for skies or large color fields.

Question 2: Explain the difference between glazing and scumbling in oil painting techniques. How does each method influence the final look of a painting?

Answer: Glazing involves applying transparent layers of thin paint over dry layers to deepen colours and create luminous effects. Scumbling involves brushing dry, opaque or semi-opaque paint over a dry layer with a scrubbing motion to create texture and a sense of depth.

Question 3: Identify and describe three different brushwork techniques used in acrylic painting to create texture.

Answer: Dry brushing, which uses a dry brush to create rough, textured strokes; stippling, which involves dabbing the brush to create dotted textures; and impasto, where thick layers of paint are applied to give a three-dimensional surface.

Question 4: Sketch a simple landscape scene showing a sky, some trees, and a body of water. Use different painting techniques discussed to suggest texture and depth in your drawing.

Answer: A sketch with a gradient sky (using a wash or blending), textured trees (using stippling or dry brushing), and a reflective water surface (smooth blending) demonstrating varied application of painting techniques.

Question 5: Draw a detailed close-up of a flower petal. Use shading and blending techniques to show the petal’s delicate texture and light reflection.

Answer: A detailed sketch of a flower petal with smooth shading to depict the soft, translucent texture, highlighting areas where light hits and shadows deepen, demonstrating blending and gradation skills.

Question 6: Describe how you would use the technique of impasto to add interest to a landscape painting. What effect does this technique create?

Answer: Impasto involves applying thick layers of paint with a palette knife or brush, creating a textured, three-dimensional surface. In landscapes, it can highlight elements like foliage or rocky surfaces, adding physical texture and visual interest.

Question 7: Identify the key differences between using a sponge and a dry brush when applying paint. What effects can each technique produce?

Answer: A sponge creates mottled, textured effects and can be used for backgrounds or natural textures. A dry brush produces scratchy, textured strokes suitable for rough surfaces or adding texture over dry paint layers.

Question 8: Sketch a still life composition of three objects (e.g., a bowl, a book, and a fruit). Indicate areas where you would use glazing to enhance colour depth.

Answer: A sketch with objects arranged in a composition, with specific areas marked where transparent glazes would be applied to enrich colour and create a sense of luminosity, particularly on shiny or curved surfaces.

Question 9: Explain the purpose of underpainting in the preparation of a painting. How does it influence the final artwork?

Answer: Underpainting is a monochromatic or toned layer applied before the final colours. It helps establish composition, values, and mood, providing a foundation that guides subsequent layers, ensuring better colour harmony and depth.

Question 10: Draw a textured surface, such as bark or fabric, using cross-hatching or stippling techniques to suggest roughness or pattern.

Answer: A detailed sketch showing the surface with repeated cross-hatched lines or stippling to indicate texture, creating visual interest and a sense of tactile quality.