Optional Question: Techniques

Understanding Techniques in Artwork

Techniques are the methods and processes artists use to create their works.
They can range from traditional methods such as painting and sculpting to modern digital techniques.
The choice of technique can greatly influence the outcome of the art and is a primary component of personal style.

Drawing Techniques: These include hatching (creating tone using parallel lines), cross-hatching (crossed lines to generate a denser tone), stippling (using dots for tone) and scribbling.
Painting Techniques: Examples are impasto (thick paint for texture), glazing (thin, semi-transparent layers), scumbling (semi-transparent layers atop others for haze effect), and tenebrism (sharp contrast between light and dark elements).
Sculpture Techniques: Techniques like carving (subtractive method), modelling (malleable material into desired form), casting (liquids into a mould), and assembling (combining various items) are used.
Printmaking Techniques: Including but not limited to etching, woodcut, lithography, and screen-printing.

Art techniques determine the materiality of an artwork. The choice of technique can be used to highlight specific materials or to manipulate how the materials are perceived.
Techniques can add physical texture to an artwork, making it more tactile and visually intriguing.
The choice of technique is a major factor in creating mood or atmosphere, as different techniques can embody different emotions.

In Photography, techniques may cover shot composition, lighting, focus, and post-production adjustments.
In Graphic Design, artists use techniques like vector graphics, typography, and colour strategy.
In Fine Art, techniques related to specific mediums like oil paint or clay are explored.
In Digital Art, techniques may involve 3D modelling, digital painting, vector art, and digitally-created animations.

Examine how the artist’s choice of technique influences the overall work, from the visual impact to the connection with the viewer.
Analyse what different techniques contribute to the theme or story of the work.
Consider if the artist used the technique effectively to achieve their expressive intent.
Reflect on how the technique provides contextual information about the artwork, such as the time and place of its creation or the artist’s cultural background.