Developing a project: from idea to final piece

1. Theme and starting point: for example 'Natural forms' or 'Identity'.
2. Record: draw and photograph from primary sources; collect secondary sources.
3. Research artists: analyse their work and make studies to learn their techniques.
4. Experiment: try different media, materials and techniques.
5. Develop and refine: combine the best ideas, make design sheets and test compositions.
6. Final piece: a personal response that brings your ideas together.
7. Evaluate: what worked, what did not, and why?

Every GCSE Art and Design course in England assesses four assessment objectives (AOs), each worth 25%:
AO1 Develop: develop ideas through investigations, showing critical understanding of sources such as artists' work.
AO2 Refine: refine your work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with media, materials, techniques and processes.
AO3 Record: record ideas, observations and insights relevant to your intentions as the work progresses.
AO4 Present: present a personal and meaningful response that realises your intentions and shows understanding of visual language.
At GCSE, a portfolio of coursework is worth 60% and an externally set assignment is worth 40% (it ends with 10 hours of supervised work).

Do not just copy an artist's picture. Instead, make an artist study to understand how they worked, then apply their techniques or ideas to your own subject.
For example, after studying Hokusai's waves, you might draw your own photos of a river with strong outlines and flat areas of colour.
Link each piece in your sketchbook to the next, with annotation that explains your choices.