Unit 1: Studio Inspiration and Techniques

This unit focuses on using sources of inspiration and ideas as the basis for artworks and exploring a wide range of materials and techniques as tools for translating ideas, observations and experiences into visual form. Students also explore the ways in which artists from different times and locations have interpreted ideas and sources of inspiration and used materials and techniques in the production of artworks.

Areas of study

• Researching and recording ideasMaterials and techniques
• Studio practice
• Interpreting art ideas and use of materials and techniques

There are three outcomes:

• On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify sources of inspiration and artistic influences and outline individual ideas, art forms and aesthetic qualities, and translate these into visual language.
• On completion of this unit the student should be able to produce at least one finished artwork and progressively record the development of their studio practice, conveying individual ideas through the exploration of materials and techniques in the selected art form/s.
• On completion of this unit the student should be able to discuss the artistic practice of artists from different times and cultures, their sources of inspiration, materials and techniques for at least two artworks by each artist.

Unit 2: Studio Exploration and Concepts

This unit focuses on establishing and using a design process to produce artworks. The design process includes the use of sources of inspiration, experimentation with materials and techniques, and the development of aesthetic qualities and potential solutions prior to the production of artworks. Students also develop skills in the visual analysis of artworks. Artworks from different times and locations are analysed to understand artists’ ideas and the creation of aesthetic qualities and identifiable styles.

Areas of study

• Exploration of studio practice and development of artworks
• Ideas and styles in artworks

There are two outcomes:

• On completion of this unit the student should be able to develop an individual exploration proposal to form the basis of a studio process, and from this produce and document a variety of potential directions in a visual diary for at least one artwork.

• On completion of this unit the student should be able to compare a range of historical and contemporary art periods, styles or movements, and analyse the ways in which artists communicate ideas, develop styles and demonstrate aesthetic qualities in artworks.

Unit 3: Studio Practices and Processes

This unit focuses on the implementation of an individual studio process leading to the production of a range of potential directions. Students develop and use an exploration proposal to define an area of creative exploration. They plan and apply a studio process to explore and develop their individual ideas. Analysis of these explorations and the development of the potential directions is an intrinsic part of the studio process to support the making of finished artworks in Unit 4.

Areas of study

• Exploration proposal
• Studio process
• Artist and studio practise

There are three outcomes:

• On completion of this unit the student should be able to prepare an exploration proposal that formulates the content and parameters of an individual studio process including a plan of how the proposal will be undertaken.
• On completion of this unit the student should be able to progressively present an individual studio process recorded in written and visual form that produces a range of potential directions, and reflects the concepts and ideas documented in the exploration proposal and work plan.
• On completion of this unit the student should be able to examine the practice of at least two artists, with reference to two artworks by each artist, referencing the different historical and cultural context of each artwork.

Unit 4: Studio Practice and Art Industry Contexts

This unit focuses on the planning, production and evaluation required to develop, refine and present artworks that link cohesively according to the ideas resolved in Unit 3. To support the creation of artworks, students present visual and written evaluation that explains why they selected a range of potential directions from Unit 3 to produce at least two finished artworks in Unit 4. The development of these artworks should reflect refinement and skilful application of materials and techniques, and the resolution of ideas and aesthetic qualities discussed in the exploration proposal in Unit 3

Areas of study

• Production and presentation of artworks
• Evaluation
• Art industry contexts

This unit has three outcomes:

• On completion of this unit the student should be able to present at least two finished artworks based on selected and evaluated potential directions developed through the studio process, which demonstrate refinement and application of materials and techniques, and that realise and communicate the student’s ideas expressed in the exploration proposal.

• On completion of this unit the student should be able to provide visual and written documentation that identifies and evaluates the extent to which the artworks reflect the selected potential directions, and effectively demonstrates a cohesive relationship between the works.

• On completion of this unit the student should be able to compare the methods used by artists and considerations of curators in the preparation, presentation, conservation and promotion of specific artworks in at least two different exhibitions.