Picassian Institute of Fine Arts

Art Grade Syllabus

Level 1 to Level 5 | Ages 8–19

A structured, project-based fine art assessment system

LEVEL 1

Foundation of Drawing & Observation

Recommended Age Group: 8–15 years

Age is indicative only. Student placement is based on skill level and prior experience.

Core Focus

Basic drawing skills, hand control, observation, and creative confidence.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Understand basic shapes and forms

  • Develop pencil control

  • Express ideas visually

  • Observe simple objects and surroundings

Syllabus Coverage

  • Line drawing (straight, curved, zigzag)

  • Basic shapes (circle, square, triangle, oval)

  • Simple object drawing (fruits, toys, household items)

  • Basic human figures (stick & simple forms)

  • Nature drawing (sun, trees, flowers)

  • Introduction to light and dark (no shading yet)

Medium

  • Pencil (HB, 2B)

  • Crayons

  • Colour pencils (optional)

Project-Based Assignment — 80 Marks

20 artworks to be completed from the prescribed Level 1 syllabus

Online Evaluation — 20 Marks (MCQ-Based)

  • Basic art awareness

  • Shape and line understanding

  • Colour identification

  • Visual comprehension and observation questions

LEVEL 2

Form, Shading & Colour Awareness

Recommended Age Group: 9–16 years

Age is indicative only. Student placement is based on skill level and prior experience.

Core Focus

Form development, tonal values, and introduction to colour application.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Understand 2D to 3D forms

  • Apply basic shading techniques

  • Use colours meaningfully

  • Improve composition

Syllabus Coverage

  • Shading techniques (light, mid-tone, dark)

  • Cylindrical, spherical, cuboid forms

  • Still life (2–3 objects)

  • Simple landscapes

  • Introduction to colour wheel

  • Warm & cool colours

Medium

  • Pencil (HB–6B)

  • Poster colours

  • Water colours (basic)

Project-Based Assignment — 80 Marks

20 artworks to be completed from the prescribed Level 2 syllabus

Online Evaluation — 20 Marks (MCQ-Based)

  • Shading concepts

  • Colour theory basics

  • Form and proportion understanding

  • Visual problem-solving questions

LEVEL 3

Technique Development & Painting Basics

Recommended Age Group: 10–17 years

Age is indicative only. Student placement is based on skill level and prior experience.

Core Focus

Painting techniques, perspective basics, and subject clarity.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Apply structured painting techniques

  • Understand space and depth

  • Develop visual storytelling skills

Syllabus Coverage

  • One-point perspective

  • Foreground, middle ground, background

  • Texture techniques (dry brush, wet-on-wet)

  • Human proportion (basic)

  • Landscape & nature painting

  • Colour harmony and contrast

Medium

  • Poster colour

  • Water colour

  • Mixed media (optional)

Project-Based Assignment — 80 Marks

25 artworks to be completed from the prescribed Level 3 syllabus

Online Evaluation — 20 Marks (MCQ-Based)

  • Perspective understanding

  • Painting techniques

  • Colour harmony and contrast

  • Art appreciation questions

LEVEL 4

Advanced Painting & Conceptual Thinking

Recommended Age Group: 11–18 years

Age is indicative only. Student placement is based on skill level and prior experience.

Core Focus

Advanced techniques, medium control, and concept development.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Develop artistic themes

  • Show strong technical control

  • Interpret concepts visually

  • Explore professional painting styles

Syllabus Coverage

  • Acrylic painting techniques

  • Colour mixing mastery

  • Portrait basics

  • Still life with complex objects

  • Cultural / social themes

  • Composition & balance

Medium

  • Acrylic colours

  • Water colours (advanced)

  • Pencil & charcoal

Project-Based Assignment — 80 Marks

25 artworks to be completed from the prescribed Level 4 syllabus

Online Evaluation — 20 Marks (MCQ-Based)

  • Composition principles

  • Colour application and mixing

  • Concept interpretation

  • Analytical art questions

LEVEL 5

Creative Mastery & Portfolio Development

Recommended Age Group: 12–19 years

Age is indicative only. Student placement is based on skill level and prior experience.

Core Focus

Artistic identity, advanced techniques, and portfolio readiness.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Demonstrate originality

  • Execute complex compositions

  • Build a mini art portfolio

  • Prepare for higher art education

Syllabus Coverage

  • Oil painting (introductory)

  • Advanced acrylic techniques

  • Realistic & expressive styles

  • Concept art / visual storytelling

  • Art statement writing (short)

  • Professional presentation

Medium

  • Oil colours (introductory level)

  • Acrylics

  • Mixed media

Project-Based Assignment — 80 Marks

30 artworks to be completed from the prescribed Level 5 syllabus

Online Evaluation — 20 Marks (MCQ-Based)

  • Advanced art concepts

  • Medium-specific knowledge

  • Artistic intent and interpretation

  • Visual analysis questions

CERTIFICATION

Successful candidates receive the
Picassian Art Grade Certificate (Level 1–5)
Issued by

Picassian Institute of Fine Arts (PIFA)