Question 1: Describe the difference between blending and dry brushing in painting techniques. Provide examples of when you might use each method.

Answer: Blending involves smoothly mixing colors to create gradients or soft transitions, often used for realistic skin tones or skies. Dry brushing uses minimal paint on a dry brush to create textured, rough effects, suitable for adding texture to surfaces or backgrounds.

Question 2: Explain what is meant by 'glazing' in painting and how it can affect the final appearance of a piece.

Answer: Glazing involves applying transparent or semi-transparent layers of paint over dry layers to build depth, richness, and luminosity. It can make colors appear more vibrant and add a sense of glow or atmosphere.

Question 3: Sketch a simple landscape scene using only the technique of stippling (dotting) to create texture and shading. Use a large blank space for your drawing.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a landscape with areas of stippling used to depict different textures: densely packed dots for shadowed areas, lighter dots for highlights, and varied dot sizes to suggest depth and detail.

Question 4: Identify and describe two different tools or brushes used in painting, and explain how each can influence the technique or effect of your artwork.

Answer: A flat brush is broad and rectangular, ideal for bold strokes and filling large areas quickly. A fan brush has spread-out bristles, perfect for blending, creating textures like foliage or fur, and softening edges.

Question 5: Design and sketch a pattern for a decorative border using only cross-hatching techniques. Use the entire space provided for your pattern.

Answer: A successful sketch would display a repeating pattern with cross-hatched lines creating texture and shading, showing variation in line density to suggest depth and contrast.

Question 6: What is the purpose of using a palette knife in painting, and how does it differ from using a brush?

Answer: A palette knife is used to apply thick layers of paint, create texture, and make bold, expressive strokes. Unlike a brush, it can be used to scrape, spread, or carve paint, adding a three-dimensional quality.

Question 7: Describe how layering transparent glazes can influence the luminosity and depth of a painting.

Answer: Applying multiple transparent glazes allows light to pass through the layers, reflecting back from the underlying colors. This creates a luminous, glowing effect and adds depth as each layer modifies the appearance of the previous ones.

Question 8: Create a quick sketch of a still life object (e.g., a fruit or a vase) demonstrating the use of color blocking to establish the composition. Use the entire space for your sketch.

Answer: A good sketch will clearly define the shapes with bold color blocks, establishing the overall composition and light source, before adding details and shading.

Question 9: Explain the technique of scumbling and how it can be used to create texture or atmosphere in a painting.

Answer: Scumbling involves applying a thin, opaque layer of lighter or contrasting paint over a dry, darker layer, using a scrubbing motion. It creates a soft, textured effect, often used to suggest mist, clouds, or rough surfaces.

Question 10: Discuss how the choice of colour palette can affect the mood or atmosphere of a painting. Provide two example scenarios.

Answer: A cool colour palette with blues and greens can create a calm, serene mood, suitable for tranquil landscapes. Warm colours like reds and oranges evoke energy, warmth, or tension, ideal for vibrant scenes or emotional expressions.