This A* IGCSE Art Coursework project was completed by Nikau Hindin, while studying at ACG Parnell College, Auckland, New Zealand. Awarded 98%, this Painting and Related Media project (CIE 0400) explores the theme of ‘Trinkets, Treasures and Memories’. This class-wide theme was split into a number of assignments, which students were able to interpret and respond to individually.
The following sketchbook pages (14 x A3 sheets) show Nikau’s entire Coursework project, along with her final painting (in 2007 a sketchbook of preparatory work was required for IGCSE Art and Design, rather than the maximum 4 x A2 sheets / 8 sides that is required today).
Some of Nikau’s sketchbook pages are included in our new book: Outstanding High School Sketchbooks. This book has high-resolution images so that fine details and annotation are clear, making it an excellent resource for students and schools. Learn more!
The first page in this International GCSE Art sketchbook contains drawings of shoes arranged on folded fabric. Using white charcoal on a black acrylic ground, graphite pencil on textured paper and Indian ink and white paint on an Indian ink wash, Nikau was able to work without the distraction of colour, focusing solely on replicating form and tone.The drawings of jewellery in treasure boxes on this International GCSE Art sketchbook page (compositions depicting objects within objects / draping over edges) encourage Nikau to demonstrate an understanding of space and depth. Emphasis is placed upon perspective, shadows and application of tone. As with most of her drawings and paintings, Nikau works over prepared grounds which help her to complete the page faster, with images able sometimes left ‘trailing away’ around the edges, intentionally incomplete.This outstanding International GCSE Art sketchbook page includes a beautiful combination of single studies (a pen and acrylic drawing of a woven flax / harakeke flower; a shell drawn using chunky oil sticks; a traditional wooden carved Maori comb painted using watercolours) with more complex compositions of personally relevant trinkets and treasures. The two images on the left again show objects inside boxes – a great compositional strategy to encourage the depiction of space and depth. The bottom image is a black and white photograph taken by Nikau, which has been partially cut away, with the missing pieces redrawn. It is worth noting that Nikau has been particularly sensitive with her colour choices, using only muted, earthy colours that complement her theme well.This IGCSE Art example combines a range of textured papers and mediums, such as acrylic modelling compound, allowing Nikau to produce an exciting work depicting a collection of ‘paper based’ memories (maps, awards, letters, postcards, tickets to events etc). Focusing on the representation of creases, shadows and surface textures, this exercise encourages students to practise drawing forms that are overlapping / folding / tucking under…As with all of the International GCSE Art sketchbook pages in this Coursework project, images are drawn from first-hand observation and from photographs of still life arrangements composed and taken by the students. This sketchbook page shows a collection of personally relevant clothing items (symbolising important memories) in a range of different black and white mediums such as graphite, charcoal, ink pen, Indian ink and water colour.Doubling as a mock exam, this International GCSE Art sketchbook page depicts traditional Maori weavings, shells, bone carvings and Maori carvings (all drawn from life). The bottom work was completed in timed conditions without teacher input, allowing students to gain an understanding of the final Art exam conditions. This brings to an end the first section of Nikau’s portfolio: visual research and practical investigation into subject matter that relates to the Trinkets, Treasures and Memories theme.Artist Analysis: Nikau excels in written subjects as well as Art and Design and this International GCSE Art sketchbook page contains a superb analysis of the artwork of Jim Dine. Along with photocopies of Jim Dine’s work (printed directly onto the sketchbook page) Nikau completes outstanding imitations of his technique, using Indian ink, charcoal and acrylic paint.Having gained a thorough understanding of the way Jim Dine contrasts tight, controlled drawing methods with gestural, expressive mark-making and smudgy backgrounds, these techniques are now confidently applied by Nikau to a selection of the subject matter drawn on her previous pages: a beautiful experimental International GCSE sketchbook page.Although Nikau’s IGCSE Art Coursework project is focused upon Painting and Related Media, this page integrates photography and digital manipulation – with photographs of her subject matter merged with abstract grounds and her Jim Dine inspired drawings. This exercise involves a steep learning curve for students as they come to grips with digital art making, however, once basis principles are grasped, students are able to quickly produce dramatic compositions, arriving at exciting and original outcomes.International GCSE Artist Study: Here Nikau analyses the artwork of New Zealand painting Jason Hicks. Alongside written analysis of his compositions, techniques and approach to subject matter, Nikau imitates parts of his paintings and draws diagrams of complete works to gain a better understanding of his use of composition.This page in Nikau’s IGCSE Art portfolio begins the development of ideas towards her final piece. Working over grounds with sketches of possible compositions (inspired by Jason Hicks and Jim Dine) Nikau integrates scanned images of her earlier drawings and paintings in concepts for a final work.Composition Development: Having selected ideas from the concepts shown on the previous sketchbook page, Nikau begins to develop and resolve her ideas. Bringing together subjects which expresses a personal response to the theme Secrets, Treasures and Memories (focusing particularly on her cultural heritage) Nikau combines Maori carvings, greenstone necklaces, family jewellery and poi in folds of cloth.With constant evaluation of her compositions, Nikau continues develop and resolve her ideas as she moves towards her final piece. As is demonstrated in many of the IGCSE Art and Design Coursework examples featured on this website, development of ideas is essential within a good student art portfolio. Here Nikau cleverly rearranges her subject matter so that the folds of cloth take on the appearance of a steep backdrop of hills, with memories symbolising her past etched and buried in the fabric landscape.Another beautiful IGCSE Art and Design sketchbook page: showing the final stage of development, images begin to be painted with a high level of realism, with continued analysis and refinement of composition.The final piece in Nikau’s IGCSE Art portfolio is a large, stunning mixed media acrylic painting. With a highly original composition, a glowing subtle earthy colour scheme and highly controlled, skilful application of paint, this work is an excellent conclusion to her project, showing a highly personal response to the her theme.
Amiria has been an Art & Design teacher and a Curriculum Co-ordinator for seven years, responsible for the course design and assessment of student work in two high-achieving Auckland schools. She has a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Architecture (First Class Honours) and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching. Amiria is a CIE Accredited Art & Design Coursework Assessor.
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