Practical Portfolio, Presentation and Studio Practice
What the exam tests
This domain assesses how you select, organise and present practical work, and how safely you handle media in the studio. It includes sheet layout, mounting, labelling, sketchbook evidence, fixing drawings and care of tools.
Core rules
- Select a range: line study, still life, landscape, figure, colour work and design.
- Keep a consistent margin and label each work with title, medium and date.
- Mount work flat; avoid overcrowding and visible adhesive stains.
- Show process through thumbnails, studies and corrections in the sketchbook.
- Fix charcoal and pastel from the back or with a light spray in a ventilated area.
- Clean brushes, close solvents and keep sharp tools sheathed.
Worked example
For a ten-work portfolio, choose two still lifes, two landscapes, two figure studies, two colour exercises, one memory drawing and one design. Sequence them from simple to complex and mount on neutral boards. Reasoning: the range proves syllabus coverage, while the sequence shows development rather than a random pile.
Traps
Smudged sheets, inconsistent labels, missing sketchbook evidence, over-decorated mounts that compete with the drawing, and unsafe solvent use. Avoid submitting only finished pieces with no preparatory studies.