Welcome to Visual Elements of Art, if you are studying Higher Art and Design in Scotland then this site is your one stop shop for exam revision. 

The tabs at the top cover all of the topics you will be expected to know about for the exam, there are helpful videos, explanations of concepts and example exam answers for each topic. 

Below there is an overview of the exam as weel as helpful links to places you can find further help and information.

Instructions for Pupils Sitting the Art & Design Exam

Overview:

The Art & Design question paper is worth 60 marks and assesses your knowledge of artists, designers, and how social and cultural contexts influence their work. The paper is divided into two sections, each worth 30 marks:

• Section 1: Expressive Art Studies

• Section 2: Design Studies

You will be answering a total of six questions in two hours. Your responses will need to reflect your understanding of art and design elements, as well as your ability to analyze unseen artworks or designs.

When answering any question, follow this structure:

1. What?
   Identify a relevant feature of the artwork or design.

2. Where or How?
   Describe where it can be seen in the work or how it’s applied.

3. Why?
   Discuss the effect or reason for its use.

You can choose to organize your answer with sub-headings based on the question prompts, or write in a more integrated way. Whichever approach you choose, remember to fully explain your points to gain marks.

Key Terms and Command Words:

• Select: Choose the artwork or design you have studied.

• Explain: Provide correct information and show your understanding of how elements are used and how external influences impacted the work.

• Analyse: Examine unseen artworks or designs and explain how the elements work together.

Exam Preparation Tips:

• Practice using art and design vocabulary.

• Ensure you understand the influence of social and cultural factors on the work of artists and designers.

• Study a variety of artworks and designs, so you're prepared for the mandatory questions.

• Time yourself when practicing questions to improve your exam technique.

• Practice answering extended-response questions, and seek feedback from your teachers.

Exam Preparation Tips:

• Practice using art and design vocabulary.

• Ensure you understand the influence of social and cultural factors on the work of artists and designers.

• Study a variety of artworks and designs, so you're prepared for the mandatory questions.

• Time yourself when practicing questions to improve your exam technique.

• Practice answering extended-response questions, and seek feedback from your teachers.

Exam Technique:

• Use clear examples from the artwork or design you have studied.

• Always explain the impact of social, cultural, or other influences—simply mentioning them isn’t enough.

• Balance your responses to cover all parts of the question.

• Focus on why something is done, not just what was done.