Recording from observation and first-hand sources | Art and design

Starter quiz

Match these terms with the correct definition.
- Observation
  
  ⇔
  
  noticing details to gain information or understanding ✓
- Stimulus
  
  ⇔
  
  a source of inspiration or reference that sparks ideas for artwork ✓
- Perspective
  
  ⇔
  
  how you see something and the technique for creating depth in art ✓
- Art elements
  
  ⇔
  
  components like line, shape, tone, colour, and texture used in art ✓
Playful exploratory ways of artists working could include:
- Discovering the qualities of materials through trial and error. ✓
- Copying the exact style of famous artists.
- Experimenting with new techniques to create unexpected results. ✓
- Following strict rules and guidelines without change.
Fill the gap: Traditionally, perspective refers to the technique of creating the illusion of depth and space by making objects ______ as they get farther away.
- 'smaller' ✓
Which of the following are common ways artists record from observation?
- Looking at an object, person, or scene in front of them ✓
- Using a pre-drawn or secondary image
- Reading a description of the scene
- Sketching, drawing, modelling or painting what they see ✓
Perspective can refer to both an artistic technique and a way of thinking. Which of the following statements best describes these meanings?
- Perspective in art refers to the technique used to show depth and distance ✓
- Perspective is only used in drawing and has no connection to opinion
- Perspective in art is about how we view the world and interpret what we see ✓
- Perspective is a way of measuring how far away objects are from each other
Regular ______ helps artists understand their choices.
- 'reflection' ✓

Worksheet

Loading worksheet ...

Presentation

Loading presentation ...

Video

Lesson Details

Key learning points

Observation helps artists capture nuances in subjects, whether through detailed forms or more playful, exploratory ways.
Perspective shapes how we see the world, both in our physical position and in how we approach drawing tasks.
Recording from observation allows artists to explore different perspectives through the materials used.

Common misconception

Exploring different perspectives just means drawing the object from different angles.

To explore perspectives, you also need to change how you look at the object—by positioning yourself differently, changing your distance, or experimenting with different materials and techniques. It's about seeing the object in new ways.

Keywords

Perspective - is the way you see or understand something, based on your point of view or experiences.
Observation - is the act of noticing or paying attention to details in order to gain information or understand something.
Stimulus - a source of inspiration or reference that sparks ideas for artwork, such as a real-life object, scene, or image.