Question 1: Describe in your own words what the technique of 'dry brushing' involves and what effect it creates in a painting.

Answer: Dry brushing involves using a brush with very little paint on it to create scratchy, textured strokes. It produces a rough, textured effect and is often used to add highlights or texture.

Question 2: Explain the difference between 'glazing' and 'scumbling' in painting techniques.

Answer: Glazing involves applying thin, transparent layers of paint over a dry layer to create depth and luminosity. Scumbling is applying a thin, opaque layer of dry or semi-dry paint over a dry surface, creating a broken, textured effect.

Question 3: Identify three tools or implements that can be used for applying paint in different textures and describe the effect each produces.

Answer: A flat brush creates broad, smooth strokes; a sponge produces a mottled, textured effect; a palette knife can be used to spread or scrape paint, creating sharp edges or textured surfaces.

Question 4: Sketch a simple landscape scene and demonstrate the use of 'wet-on-wet' painting technique in the sky area.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a basic landscape with clouds or sky, with smooth blending of colors where the wet paint overlaps, creating soft transitions and a seamless sky.

Question 5: Draw a still life composition featuring a variety of objects (e.g., a fruit, a bottle, and a cloth). Label the different objects clearly in your sketch.

Answer: A successful sketch would show a clear arrangement of a fruit, a bottle, and a piece of cloth, with attention to shapes and proportions. Labels should identify each object distinctly.

Question 6: What is the purpose of using a 'wash' in watercolor painting, and how does it differ from thicker paint application?

Answer: A wash involves applying a diluted layer of paint to create a transparent, even color background or tone. It differs from thicker paint application, which is more opaque and textured.

Question 7: Describe how layering different opaque and transparent paints can affect the final appearance of a painting.

Answer: Layering transparent paints allows light to pass through, creating depth and luminosity. Opaque paints cover underlying layers completely, adding texture and solid color, which can be used to build up complex effects.

Question 8: Design and sketch a decorative border pattern that could be used in a painting or illustration. Use repeating shapes or motifs, and indicate how you would vary the brushwork or paint application for different effects.

Answer: A well-executed border design would include repeating motifs such as flowers, geometric shapes, or swirls. Variations in brushwork could include fine lines, textured fills, or contrasting colors to add interest.

Question 9: Identify and explain two common mistakes artists might make when mixing paints for a smooth gradient.

Answer: One mistake is mixing too few shades, resulting in abrupt color changes. Another is not blending the colors thoroughly, which can cause visible streaks and uneven transitions.

Question 10: Discuss why it is important to consider light and shadow when using painting techniques to create depth.

Answer: Light and shadow help to create the illusion of three-dimensionality on a flat surface. Proper use of shading can make objects appear more realistic and spatially convincing.