Reference Artwork Samples
The following works are Reference Artwork Samples for Level 1 – Grade 1 to Level 1 – Grade 5 of the TQUK International Graded Examination in Visual Art. They are provided to help candidates, parents and teachers understand the expected standard at each grade and the assessment components involved.
Level 1 – Grade 1 Reference Artwork Samples
Recommended age: 5–6 | Examination format: Still-life drawing from observation
At Grade 1, the focus is on basic observation, object recognition, simple composition, use of colour and the ability to complete a whole drawing. Candidates should be able to depict a small number of simple objects, with clear shapes and stable overall structure.
Grade 1 | Distinction Sample Artwork
Grade 1 | Merit Sample Artwork
Grade 1 | Pass Sample Artwork
Level 1 – Grade 2 Reference Artwork Samples
Recommended age: 6–8 | Examination format: Still-life drawing from observation
From Grade 2 onwards, candidates are required to handle the size relationships, foreground–background relationships and basic shadows among three to four objects. The composition should clearly show the position of the main subject, the relationships between objects and a coherent overall layout.
Grade 2 | Distinction Sample Artwork
Grade 2 | Merit Sample Artwork
Grade 2 | Pass Sample Artwork
Level 1 – Grade 3 Reference Artwork Samples
Recommended age: 7–9 | Examination format: Still-life drawing from observation
At Grade 3, the emphasis is on the structure of more complex objects, overlapping relationships, an initial sense of perspective and spatial depth. Candidates should be able to complete a more fully developed still-life drawing within the set time.
Grade 3 | Distinction Sample Artwork
Grade 3 | Merit Sample Artwork
Grade 3 | Pass Sample Artwork
Level 2 – Grade 4 Reference Artwork Samples
Recommended age: 8–11 | Examination format: Still-life drawing from observation
At Grade 4, candidates are required to handle more complex still-life arrangements, including foreground, middle ground and background, proportion, composition, light and shade, and the representation of different materials. The work should show a more complete sense of space and structure.
Grade 4 | Distinction Sample Artwork
Grade 4 | Merit Sample Artwork
Grade 4 | Pass Sample Artwork
Level 2 – Grade 5 Reference Artwork Samples
Recommended age: 10–13 | Examination format: Theme-based creative work
At Grade 5, candidates are expected to demonstrate more refined powers of observation and expression. In addition to proportion and composition, greater emphasis is placed on texture, tonal gradation and the candidate’s personal interpretation of the theme.
Grade 5 | Distinction Sample Artwork
Grade 5 | Merit Sample Artwork
Grade 5 | Pass Sample Artwork
Level 2 – Grade 6 to Level 3 – Grade 8 Reference Artwork Samples
Reference Artwork Samples for Level 2 – Grade 6 to Level 3 – Grade 8 will be published in future examination sessions. Relevant Reference Artwork Samples will be added progressively after each examination session is completed and the sample works have been approved.
These Reference Artwork Samples are provided solely to support learning and to help candidates understand the standard expected at each grade. They do not represent the only acceptable way to respond to an examination question and do not guarantee any particular result. Formal assessment will be based on the actual examination paper, the candidate’s work produced on the day and the published assessment criteria.