GCSE
“Every action’s an act of creation.” Alexander Hamilton
I picked art GCSE because I’ve always had a passion for art. I saw the chance of creating art as a school subject and I couldn’t miss it. The thing I loved most about the course was working with a variety of different materials and discussing art with my friends, classmates and my teacher. The theme I explored the most was probably abstract art - there’s just something about it that catches my attention. My greatest achievement was probably getting a very good grade on my mock exam. I have developed as an artist by choosing different artists, also my teacher who always gave me good feedback when I needed it. I hope to share my art with the world some day, something everyone can see and get inspired. I would like to thank all of my classmates for making the lesson more fun, my mother for always buying the materials I needed, and my art teacher, Mrs Ridgway, for providing me with feedback that has significantly developed my work, and just being an amazing teacher. Shoutout to Miss Dinar for always helping me with materials and shoutout to my cat in Kazakhstan for always being my biggest inspiration.
“From my rotting body, flowers shall grow and I am in them and that is eternity.” Edvard Munch
What first drew me to art was my love for animals and fantasy creatures. Art was a way for me to express and appreciate my interests in both real life and in books. The things I have found most rewarding in art was being able to look back at my work and see my improvement- being able to tell what techniques I changed or improved. This course has helped me develop as an artist by making me more confident in my use of materials and more thoughtful in my exploration of ideas. I have learned how to better plan ahead in my art and how to work more quickly while maintaining a good quality of work. What I enjoyed the most about this course was stepping out of my comfort zone and exploring different mediums I otherwise wouldn’t have tried, such as clay and cardboard which I enjoyed much more than I expected. In the future, I hope to pursue art as more of a side hobby, a way of escaping the stresses of everyday life and taking time to appreciate the smaller things that pique my interest or inspire me.
“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” Oscar Wilde
I chose GCSE Art because I have always been inspired by artists and their ability; the earliest inspiration was seeing an art museum in Italy as a child and being awed by all the classical pieces with details impossible to the human eye, wondering how a human could create them. Throughout the course, I explored themes such as abstract art, semi-realism, texture, and reflection using mirrors. I experimented with materials including watercolours, acrylic paint, and oil pastels, which helped me become more confident working in mixed media. Lisa Baker particularly inspired me to develop my work further into abstract art and encouraged me to take creative risks with colour and texture. The most rewarding part of the course has been seeing how much I have improved technically and creatively. I feel I have developed significantly as an artist, especially in my observational skills, and ability to communicate ideas visually. One of my greatest achievements has been creating work that feels personal and expressive while experimenting outside my comfort zone. In the future, I hope to continue developing my artistic skills alongside my other ambitions. Finally, special thanks to Mrs Ridgway, my friends, and family for always supporting and encouraging my work throughout the course.
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” Dr seuss
I chose GCSE Art because art has always fascinated me, especially from a young age. I spent countless hours perfecting pieces, and although those long hours sometimes affected my passion, my interest in art never truly disappeared. As a child, I was convinced I would become an artist, often asking my parents for “just one more hour” to finish a drawing. I loved the sense of achievement and recognition that came from completing a piece. Throughout the course, I enjoyed exploring new techniques, artists, and styles while working alongside creative students with fresh ideas. I explored themes such as Natural Forms, Sweets, Flowers, and Reflections. One of my favourite artists was an unknown artist I discovered on Pinterest who captured beauty through decayed flowers. I enjoyed creating artist studies inspired by her work and experimenting with expressing emotion and life through subjects often seen as lifeless. I also experimented with materials including silk, bleach, and ink, which helped me discover new ways of creating art. Looking back at my progress has been the most rewarding part of the course, as I can clearly see how much I have grown into a more openminded and well-rounded artist.
“We have no limits to this world, we’re only limited by our imaginations.” Bob Ross
I chose GCSE art because I’ve always been interested in the creative side of things- both in and out of school. My interest comes from my mom who is a graphic designer and runs her own home based business which has inspired my passion from a young age. I enjoyed the exam project the most which pushed me to experiment with a medium I had never used before- clay. Throughout the course, I explored my themes which varied from natural forms to shells through paper sculptures, textiles (my previous specialty) and abstract art. Studying artists like Lisa Baker challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, even though I usually prefer expressive realism, not abstract, but experimenting with abstract helped me to refine my skills. My greatest achievement was my mock piece which involved hours of crochet work at home, though time consuming it earned me a grade 9. Since starting the course, I've become more confident experimenting with materials and ideas. I plan to take art at A Level and hope to pursue a creative career, possibly running or contributing to a home based business like my mom’s. Finally, a big thank you to Mrs Ridgway for her constant guidance and unwavering support throughout my GCSE years.
“I don't paint dreams or nightmares, I paint my own reality.” Frida Kahlo
I’ve been painting since I was 3, maybe not as good as I am now, but still painting. I’ve always had a great imagination, I paint to make my thoughts more fathomable to people around me and sometimes to myself. I think all great artists are sensitive, and that people should stop saying that sensitivity is their weakness. If I wasn’t sensitive, none of this would be here for an audience to ponder at. I really enjoyed portraiture the most, specifically working with mixed media and really thinking outside of the box. I am very nostalgic, so the nostalgic portraiture project is one that I hold very close to my heart, of all my favourite people, present and past. The reactions of my portraiture subjects and my work has been the most rewarding. I think I have a deeper understanding of the world around me through art. I hope to be a great artist someday, known for my sensitivity and depth in work. Thank you to Maram, for being the first person to see my work every single time. My dad, for buying me an endless amount of supplies even when I don’t need it. Thank you to everyone who kept pushing me to keep painting, I won’t ever stop.
“If you want something done right, do it yourself.” Charles-Guillaume Etienne
What made me choose GCSE Art was my passion for art since I was young. I have always enjoyed being creative and showing my ideas through drawing and painting, which is why I picked this subject. One part of the course I enjoyed most was making artist copies and trying different techniques and styles. Studying the work of Lisa Baker helped me understand composition, layering, and colour better, and it encouraged me to be more confident in my own work. During the course, I explored themes like everyday objects, patterns, and repetition, which helped me create more interesting pieces using my own photographs and observations. I enjoyed turning my first paintings into detailed final pieces by mixing inspiration from artists with my own style. This helped me grow in confidence and improve my skills by experimenting with materials, textures, and layouts. My biggest achievement was seeing how much my creativity and artistic skills improved from the start of the course to the end. I am thinking about continuing art in the future so I can keep learning new techniques and grow more as an artist. I also appreciated the support and feedback from Mrs Prinsloo throughout the whole course experi
“When I picture my life without art, I feel as empty as the blank canvas I always start with.” Olivia Collier
It all started when I was not even one year old and my mom brought me some finger paints and covered a table with paper. After that art has been everything to me: a hobby, a skill, a way to express myself and so much more. That's why when the moment came to pick our GCSEs, I had no doubts that I was going to pick Art as a subject. I enjoyed every minute of being in the art studio. From vegetables to cans to traditional architecture - it was all a beautiful journey that I went through experimenting with different techniques and materials: acrylic paint, clay, cardboard, paper and also just a pencil. My greatest reward was witnessing my progress. I’ve become confident in my art and have found my own art style and matured as an artist. This course is definitely not the end of my art journey. I cannot imagine my life without art and you’ll definitely see me in the studio in the future, rather as a designer or just a lifelong hobby. I wouldn’t have gotten here without Mrs Ridgway, and also all my past art teachers as well; as well as my parents.
“Head in the clouds but my gravity centered.” The Neighborhood
I chose art because I have always enjoyed drawing and creativity since I was young. Art is the thing I do when I need to relax or express myself. I really enjoyed the way I can see my art develop through the months, the difference from my starting piece to my finishing one. I explored themes of buildings, artefacts and jewellery, all of these themes allowed me to look into structure, detail, and culture. I focused a lot on culture through my different projects. Artists who helped me develop my work are Jean-Marc Plumauzille where I did my first 3D project, and a mix of Ana Falceta and Angie Anderson for my project using stitching. I experimented with cardboard, mixed media, and stitching in most of my final pieces. My greatest achievement in art is seeing my improvement from the beginning of the course to the end. I have developed most in experimenting new styles that I am not comfortable with, and understanding the ideas behind different art pieces. I am considering taking art further into structural and more hands-on projects. I would like to thank my art teacher Mrs. Prinsloo for helping me get out of my comfort zone and progressing in my art.
“We’re way more alike than we are different.” Chrisina Koch
From a young age, I've always had an interest in art and creativity. Something that made Art GCSE unique was that I could experiment with media instead of going over notes all the time. It was a nice change and made lessons a lot more fun. I also really enjoyed meeting new people and becoming close with my classmates. I explored themes like jewellery, cans under the theme of reflections, and masquerade ball objects, which I found really unique and interesting. Out of all the artists I studied, Maria Grossbaum was my favourite, because I enjoy working in 3D, especially with clay and incorporating beads into my work. One of my greatest achievements has been building up the confidence to share my artwork. Art has helped me become more confident in my creativity, and now I'm more comfortable experimenting with new ideas. I hope to pursue a future involving art and continue developing my skills. I would like to thank Mrs Prinsloo, Mrs Ridgway and Ms Danar for their feedback, which really helped me improve my work. I’d also like to thank my friends for always supporting and appreciating my art, and my parents and siblings for never doubting me.
"Don't ever let somebody tell you you can't do something." The Pursuit of Happiness
I chose to do GCSE Art because I wanted a way to express my feelings and found a sense of peace in creating art. It became something personal to me, especially through drawing portraits, where small details can show subtle emotions. What I enjoyed most about the course was developing a more refined and individual style. I focused on light watercolour washes combined with fine pen work, creating soft but detailed pieces. I explored themes of identity and emotion, often focusing on faces and expressions. Artists like Roman Gulman influenced my work, particularly in how emotion can be built through layering and mixed media.I experimented with watercolour, fineliner, and controlled dripping techniques to add texture while keeping a delicate feel. My greatest achievement was producing final pieces that felt meaningful and intentional, rather than just technically accurate. Since starting the course, I’ve become more confident, patient, and willing to take creative risks. I’ve also developed a clearer personal style. I’m considering taking art further, as it’s something I genuinely enjoy and find calming. Special thanks to Mrs Ridgway for her constant support and encouragement.
“Stop wishing, Start Working.” Leah Hussain
Art has been a hobby of mine since childhood. In my old school, art was treated as a reward after quizzes or tests rather than a regular subject, which made me value it even more. I was never drawn to one specific art style, but I became passionate about creating realistic artwork. My goal has always been to make paintings so detailed and lifelike that they resemble real photographs. Throughout this course, I enjoyed observational work the most because it allowed me to focus on detail and continuously improve my pieces. I also liked experimenting with different themes, mediums, and techniques, including ink, acrylic, oil pastel, charcoal, clay, CDs, and foam. Exploring how colour and mood influence art helped me develop creatively and expand my skills. Although I appreciate many styles of art, I have never been interested in abstract art because I find it too simple to create yet difficult to interpret. My greatest achievement is being able to look at my finished pieces with pride, especially when they exceed my expectations. Overall, I have improved greatly as an artist, learned to use materials more effectively, and will continue working toward creating hyper-realistic paintings.
Art has always been my hobby since I was a child because it was my own way of expressing myself when I didn’t have the words to. The thing I enjoyed the most was the friends I made along the way, and discovering artists and their styles. I explored the themes of flowers, jewellery, fruits and vegetables throughout my work. The artist that mainly helped me develop my work was Lisa Baker because thanks to her I understood abstract art better and I also used different materials like ink and pens over my paintings. My biggest achievement was my final piece for my mocks in December because I put the most effort into it and it turned out nicely. My painting skills improved a lot ever since I started the course, and also how I understand color theory improved a lot and put it more in. I'm not thinking of taking art further, but I do plan on keeping it as a hobby. Thanks to Sofia for making art such a fun class and shoutout to Merna for helping me out in my work.
LUCIA 15
“And sometimes I have kept my feelings to myself, because I could find no language to describe them in.” Jane Austin
But then there was art which allowed me to see beauty in ordinary, often overlooked objects. Over the past two years, I have challenged myself, stepped outside my comfort zone, and, most importantly, expressed my feelings. Ideas I once thought were impossible or strange became creative and meaningful through art. This process helped me realise the depth of my passion and confirmed why I chose this subject. I especially valued the freedom the course gave me while exploring themes such as shells, still life, and fruit and vegetables. Studying artists like Lisa Baker helped shape me into the artist I wanted to become. Her use of layering made me more confident, showing me that there was no such thing as a mistake. Instead, layers added both physical and emotional depth, whether through energetic colours or a sense of warmth. Although I am not continuing art at A level, it will always remain part of my life and continue to inspire me. My greatest achievement was seeing people’s reactions to my work; the excitement in their eyes reflected my own. None of this would have been possible without the constant support of my parents and the encouragement of Mrs Prinsloo.
“Remember that time is money.” (Benjamin Franklin, 1748)
I've always really enjoyed art growing up and had a natural talent for it. My favourite part of the course was the freedom to create and bring your concepts to life. I have explored the themes of natural forms, fruit and vegetables, antiques, and sea life. The few artists that definitely helped shape my creativity and preferences were Lisa Baker, Angela Fasutina, and Alessia Sersanti. They helped me discover my passion for abstract art. I experimented most with paint markers, gold foil, and pearlescent paints for highlights and fish scales. I have found the most rewarding aspect of GCSE Art to be the development and discovery of my personal style and my capabilities when it comes to creating art. Since beginning GCSE Art, I'm much more versatile across various materials and art forms. I can easily adapt to different mediums and materials due to my experience in the GCSE Art course. I'm not considering taking art further professionally, but I'll definitely be doing it recreationally at home. Thank you to Mrs. Prinsloo for everything you've taught us!
"I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way." Georgia O’Keeffe
I chose GCSE Art mainly because of my childhood. As an only child, I had to find my own ways to stay entertained, so I became really creative. I spent a lot of time painting, sewing, drawing, and making things, which is why art felt like a natural choice. What I enjoyed most about the course was the people and the memories I made along the way. Even when it got stressful, there were always moments that made it fun. I explored themes like buildings, seashells, and fabrics, and experimented with a range of materials and techniques such as ceramics and cardboard relief. Studying different artists helped me develop my ideas and try new approaches. The most rewarding part has been seeing my progress and how my work became more personal. I’ve learned to look at art in a more emotional way, not just focusing on realism. I’m not sure if I’ll take art further in school, but I would love to continue it as a hobby. Special thanks to Mrs Ridgway, and to my parents for supporting me and buying all my materials.
“If you keep looking down on everyone else, you’ll never be able to see your own weaknesses.” Horikoshi
My interest in developing my artistic skills is what inspired me to choose GCSE Art. I saw it as an opportunity to grow creatively and refine my personal style, while also connecting with others who shared the same passion. The course allowed me to build friendships with classmates who I could share similar interests and experiences with. Over the two years, I explored themes that resonated with me, such as “Girlhood,” “Hidden Camera,” and “Perspectives.” I experimented with a range of materials, including gold leaf, watercolour, and even flowers, although acrylic paint became my main medium throughout my work. One of my greatest achievements has been seeing my art style become more confident and defined. I also developed strong skills in using acrylic paint, which I initially found challenging, and learned how to incorporate 3D elements like dried flowers into my pieces. Overall, the course has helped me grow both creatively and personally. While I may not pursue art as a formal subject in the future, I will definitely continue creating in my own time. I’m especially grateful to my classmates for being such supportive and reliable people for me to have had the pleasure of doing this course with.
“There is no path till you walk it.” Ethan Hawke
i chose GCSE art because I've always enjoyed expressing myself through art, specifically pencil drawings. I wanted a subject that interested me and allowed creative expression. I heard that art was a demanding subject and it has really lived up to the expectations but I wouldn't replace it with any other subject. I'm beyond grateful that I've had this experience. I enjoyed using different materials that I wouldn't use on my own, it allowed me to step out of my comfort zone which is something I previously struggled with when it came to art. I explored different themes such as seashells, fish and natural forms as I find nature to be the best muse. I worked with a range of materials, specifically enhancing my painting skills which I once found challenging. What I find most rewarding is looking back and seeing how much I've grown, in both skill and confidence. Although I don't see art as a part of my career it's something I find very important in life and will continue to have it as a hobby. I'd like to thank Mrs Ridgway and give a special shoutout to my dad for always going out his way to print my pictures.
“A sound soul dwells within a sound mind, and a sound body.” Maka Albarn
I decided to take GCSE Art because I’ve always loved drawing and creating, even if half the time I was procrastinating and staying up all night finishing homework like a true professional procrastinator. Honestly, I enjoyed every bit of it. My favourite part was the lessons themselves, I absolutely loved them. It wasn’t just about my own work, but seeing how other people approached their ideas. My best friend and I would giggle through lessons, and that made the whole experience even better. The themes I explored ranged from nature to portraiture, and I found inspiration in artists like Franquise Neily, who taught me to be bold and helped me step out of my comfort zone. I experimented with everything from acrylics to ceramics and even photoshop. My greatest achievement was completing a final piece that combined painting and personality. It felt rewarding because it captured both my growth and my character. Since starting the course, I’ve developed confidence in my style and learned to push past my comfort zone. I’d love to take art further, maybe at A level or even a creative career. Lastly with a special thanks to my teachers, and family for making this journey unforgettable.
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the
same time.”
Thomas Merton
I chose GCSE art as I had a passion for it from a young age and felt that it would be something that I would truly enjoy. Throughout the course, I had a fun and rewarding experience and I especially loved experimenting with my art style using different styles, techniques and ideas. I explored different themes of abstract in my work inspired by artists like Lisa Baker and Maggie Ayres. Their use of different colors, shapes and compositions really encouraged me to be more creative and expressive in my own work. One of my biggest achievements has been the progress I have made throughout the years, especially in learning how to use a wide range of materials and equipment efficiently. I developed as an artist by understanding art on a different level and realising its not just colours on paper. Comparing the brighter colours from dark, bigger shapes from small and much more. In the future I hope to keep experimenting and trying new techniques to further develop my skills. I want to thank my sister Zain for being a big inspiration with her art work and I aspire to grow and develop my art the way she has hers.
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From a young age, I have had a strong appreciation for art, especially the process of creating and designing. I was particularly drawn to watercolour painting and inspired by artists like Claude Monet. This passion led me to pursue Art at GCSE level, where I developed my skills and explored a wide range of techniques and styles. Experimenting with new approaches opened my eyes to different creative possibilities and introduced me to tools I hadn’t previously considered. Throughout the course, I explored watercolour, resin, sculpture, and mixed media. Each artist I studied contributed to my growth, helping me identify strengths and areas for improvement. I am especially proud of my resin piece symbolising eyes, as well as my abstract mixed media work. The resin project, though messy and challenging, was particularly rewarding due to the level of experimentation involved. Overall, I have grown significantly as an artist, gaining confidence and motivation to take on new challenges. While I may not pursue art professionally, I see it remaining an important personal outlet. I am especially grateful to my classmates, whose encouragement made the experience more enjoyable and pushed me beyond my limits.
“I never realised how much art homework had become a part of my life.” Igne Bartret
One of my earliest memories is attending a string performance with my parents at just two years old. I was completely absorbedstarting violin lessons the following week. From that moment, I began to understand that art can communicate in ways words can’t. Since then, I have explored music, dance, acting, and media arts, all of which have remained a constant in my life regardless of where I am. This passion is what led me to choose GCSE Art. Throughout the course, I experimented with materials I had never considered before and diverse themes ranging from insects to musical instruments, pushing me to uncover strengths I didn’t know I had.
Comparing my current work to pieces from the start of Year 10, I can see a clear increase in confidence, creativity, and willingness to step outside my comfort zone. I now embrace mistakes as part of the process, which has strengthened my final outcomes. I hope to continue studying art at A Level and beyond. I am deeply grateful to my teacher, Mrs. Ridgway, for being such an inspiring mentor, and to my parents for their constant encouragement and beliefs in my dreams, no matter how ambitious they continue to be.
“The ‘earth’ without ‘art’ is just ‘eh.” Mrs Prinsloo's classroom
I chose art because I want to become an architect. I really enjoyed how different it was from other courses. Instead of learning lots of long paragraphs for a test, I could take my mind off that and do some painting/drawing. The themes I explored were natural forms, kitchen objects, flowers, and lost and found. Artists from my kitchen objects theme really helped me develop my work the most. My 1st artist was Janet Fish. She painted realistic style objects that you would find in a kitchen. Then my 2nd artist , Ron Magnes used the art style called pop art, which showed me how I could explore different art styles. My last artist, Maite Franchi , used a unique style by using cloth and painting over it. The materials I experimented with were watercolor, clay, ink, and mixed media. I have definitely developed a lot as an artist by improving my skills not only in drawing but also in different types of mediums. I really hope to take my art to the next level by doing more 3D projects. I would like to say a special thanks to Mrs Prinsloo. Without her, I would not have achieved anything in art.
I chose GCSE Art to express my ideas visually and turn my lifelong passion for drawing into refined skills. Inspired by gallery visits and unique techniques, the course provided the perfect environment to explore my creativity. A highlight of my studies was crafting clay donuts, which offered a fun, hands-on departure from traditional drawing. I explored diverse themes like food and everyday objects, heavily influenced by Lisa Baker’s approach to conceptual development and presentation. Experimenting with materials such as clay, paint, pencils, and mixed media greatly enhanced my technical abilities. My proudest achievement was creating a detailed bead artwork of the shore, a project requiring immense patience and creativity that beautifully brought my vision to life. Throughout this journey, I have grown significantly, gaining confidence, focus, and a stronger ability to research artists and present detailed concepts. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue art in my future studies or career to continue developing my skills. Finally, I am incredibly grateful to Mrs. Prinsloo and Ms. Danar for their constant guidance, support, and encouragement throughout the course.
"As the sun colours flowers, so does art colour life.” John Lubbock
Since childhood, I was always drawn to art. From messy scribbles on the walls that led to an unfortunate ban on markers as a toddler to an ironically still very abstract art style, there was no doubt in my mind, even before I could talk, that these vibrant colours were my passion. I chose GCSE art because there’s nothing that makes me happier than art. If I could I would gladly spend every day just creating more. When I was in primary school it was pretty much all I did, just doodling away. In fact, I plan to pursue it as my career. I want to dedicate my life towards this passion of mine. Overall, GCSE art forced me to step out of my comfort zone in both the subjects I depict and the materials I worked with, helping me develop my skills. As I write this I’m overcome with emotions and even tears. I’d like to give a special thank you to my mother, who always supports me and my decisions. I find it hard to believe that I really can chase this dream I’ve had since I was a kid.
“Let
I chose GCSE Art because I’ve enjoyed creating since I was younger, and was always inclined to express myself visually. I’ve always known that I wanted to look into art as I got older, so it felt like a natural choice. Throughout the course, one of the parts I enjoyed most was developing my personal style by taking inspiration from a range of artists and building on their work in my own way. I’ve since been able to take more chances with my work, both in and out of school, and experiment with different techniques and materials without the fear of making mistakes. I’m now much more confident in making independent decisions and exploring new ideas that I wouldn’t have even thought of before. My sketchbooks are my favorite pieces I’ve worked on as they represent all my effort, development, and reflection. Over the past two years, I feel like Art GCSE has shaped a large part of me, having taught me to reach out of my comfort zone, challenge myself, and stay optimistic even when I have doubts. I’m immensely grateful to my mom for always encouraging me, believing in me, and finding positives even when I couldn’t.
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” Edgar Degas
I decided to do art because of my interest in architecture and interest in experimenting with different mediums. I enjoyed art the most when I made 3D/Relief pieces as they come to life and look wonderful, along with the process of it being very enjoyable. I've explored mechanics, childhood, and family gatherings. Kimberely Garvey, Jean Wells, and Quezify were artists I enjoyed experimenting with, and all of them had colourful art styles in which I really loved using colours throughout this art course. I've used mosaics, collage, screws, resin, acrylic markers, watercolour, and so on. I believe the mosaics were very interesting as they didn’t look promising yet had a great outcome. A big achievement is my recent final piece although it was simple, the golden frame made of toys was wonderful and. I've developed very positively, I am now able to use loads of mediums and create accurate observational drawings. I believe taking art next year will be even better and I can maybe experiment with buildings, flowers, fabric, which I haven't done yet. I'm really glad I was able to get the best help and advice from Mrs. Prinsloo, Mrs. Ridgway, and Ms. Danar.
I chose GCSE Art because I find art interesting and fun. My favorite part of the course was doing charcoal drawings, and I also loved doing clay for my mock exam. Throughout the course, I explored themes of nature and everyday objects. One of the artists that helped me develop my work was Georgia O’Keeffe for her flowers. I also experimented with many different materials, like pencil, colored pencil, watercolor, and acrylic paints. My greatest achievement and the most rewarding part of the course was definitely my art mock exam. I was so proud of the way everything turned out because I tried really hard on it. Since starting GCSE Art, I have definitely developed my skills. At the beginning, my art was more focused on basic drawings, but over time, I have started to like more of an abstract style.
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” Edgar Degas
Art has always been a natural part of my life, a way for me to observe, and express the world around me. My passion for art started during my childhood with sketching and painting and grew as I explored galleries and immersed myself in the world of social media. Surrounded by a variety of artworks and ideas, I found myself drawn to the emotional depth and storytelling that paintings conveyed. Pursuing A Level Art has allowed me to refine my skills and explore my creativity. I have enjoyed experimenting and bringing concepts and ideas to life. My work has explored themes of life, death, memory and human connection. I have worked with multiple materials, using textures and layering to enhance meaning in my pieces. Seeing my ideas evolve into a group of finished pieces has been incredibly fulfilling. My GCSE and A Level Art experiences have played a significant role in shaping me as an artist. In the future, I am excited to continue creating art, whether through further education, personal projects, or professional opportunities within the art world.
“Music and art are the guiding lights of the world” Pablo Picasso
I have forever been passionate about art: painting from childhood and always sketching in my books. Through the A Level course I was able to really think about art through the lens of my other subjects: Maths, Physics and Music. This integration of themes is what inspired me to study Product Design Engineering so I could take this further. Through my three main topics of Indian Classical Dance, Sustainable Art and Sound, I created works rooted in culture, sustainability and my own passions. I most enjoyed the amount of creative freedom with materials, both available in the art room and outsourced. From painting on perspex panes like Michelle Jader and molding fabric to breaking apart instruments like Armand Pierre Fernandez, I could really experiment with different forms of art. Using instruments thanks to the Music Department and Mr McBirnie’s approval was especially exciting as music (through violin and piano) is also a form of art I have always surrounded myself with. The course pushed me to create consistently, allowing me to transfer my deep exploration of specific themes to external galleries. I am excited to take this research driven side further as I design more in my future studies.
“The artist sees what others only catch a glimpse of.” Leonardo de Vinci
Throughout my journey in art, from GCSE to A Level, I have experienced both highs and lows. The transition between the two was significant, with A Level demanding a deeper level of detail, meaning, and critical thought in each piece. Developing concepts pushed me to question myself and my motives, constantly asking ‘Why?’ This reflective approach has not only shaped my artistic growth but will also benefit my future in architecture by enhancing my problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. One of the most impactful themes I explored was the Industrial Revolution, which allowed me to experiment extensively with different techniques and materials, ultimately transforming the way I approach art and creativity. Looking back at my early work from the beginning of GCSE, (even before that), and comparing it to where I am now at the end of A Level, the growth is undeniable. Over the past four years of studying art, I have greatly refined my charcoal techniques, thus developing my deep love for charcoal as a medium. This has pushed me to experiment with different textures and shading techniques, strengthening my artistic skills and deepening my appreciation for the power of monochrome art.
