HIGHER COMPOSITION LEARNING UNIT

Composition

What does composition mean in Art & Design? How can we describe and explain how artists use composition?

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Presentation

"Composition is the art of arranging in a decorative manner the various elements which the painter uses to express his sentiments. In a picture every separate part will be visible and... everything which has no utility in the picture is for that reason harmful."

Henri Matisse

composition terminology

perspective and depth

ARRANGEMENT

focal point

leading lines

viewpoint

pose

Presentation

arrangement

triangular, circular, linear

The arrangement of objects refers to the decisions the artist has made about how to position different components .

balance, symmetry, asymmetry

Artists select different ways to arrange things for compositional reasons. Think about how different you feel when looking at a messy chaotic scene compared to something ordered and precise. Or how your eye may be lead around an image by placing objects in a particular way.

naturalistic or staged

cluttered or minimalist

negative space

Do any of the things listed below help describe how the objects are arranged?

triangular, circular, linear

balance, symmetry, asymmetry

naturalistic or staged

cluttered or minimalist

negative space

Hover over the icons to discover statements abount arrangement

Could any of the five things listed below describe how the image is arranged?

triangular, circular, linear

balance, symmetry, asymmetry

naturalistic or staged

cluttered or minimalist

Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy (1968) by David Hockney Acrylic on canvas

negative space

Hover over the icons to discover statements about arrangement

Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy (1968) by David Hockney Acrylic on canvas

Learning sessions

ARRANGEMENT

question 1 / 5

linear

circular

triangular

The compositional structure is . . .

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correcT!

the arrangement is triangular

a triangular composition structure has been created, the bowl of goldfish sitting at the highest point in the centre of the arrangement with the smaller fruits and roses sitting in the foreground along the table surface, this leads your eye around each of the objects

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ARRANGEMENT

QUEStion 2 / 5

symmetrical

asymmetrical

unbalanced

The composition is predominantly

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correcT!

the composition is symmetrical

The composition is well balanced as the two central characters are sitting on either side of the coffee table with an even stack of books placed in front of them, providing a subtle sense of symmetry to the work

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ARRANGEMENT

QUEStion 3 / 5

a calming atmosphere

a sense of space and order

a busy and vibrant composition

The cluttered overlapping buildings create

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correcT!

the overlapping creates a busy and cluttered environment

the artist has created a busy and vibrant composition through their use of space, this can be seen in the cluttered, overlapping buildings emphasised by the harmonious colour palette

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ARRANGEMENT

QUEStion 4 / 5

unbalanced as the clothing is different colours

balanced as the proportions are similar

informal as they are looking at eachother

The composition is

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correcT!

The composition is balanced

the composition is well balanced as the proportions of each portrait are similar. This appears to give the male and female subjects equal status

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ARRANGEMENT

The organised arrangement of the fruit . . .

question 5 / 5

leads the eye up towards the horizon line

creates a messy and chaotic scene

suggests someone is eating a snack

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correcT!

the arrangement of fruit leads the eye upwards

the arrangement of the fruit on the plate leads the viewer’s eye up towards the horizon line and the edge of the small round moon at the top of the composition, providing perspective

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ARRANGEMENT Learning sessions

These observations can be connected with these effects

symmetrical arrangements convey balance and order

carefully arranged objects lead the eye around the artwork

overlapping shapes creates clutter, vibrancy, depth

Presentation

focal point

Positioning

There is usually only one focal point in an artwork.

Contrasting Colour

Artists create a focal point in many different ways. Usually multiple different things combine to create a clear and strong focal point in an artwork. Look for the focal point and figure out what has contributed towards creating it.

Leading Lines

Bright Tones

Pose or Gaze

Do any of the five things listed below help create a focal point?How do they do that?

Positioning

Contrasting Colour

Leading Lines

Bright Tones

Pose or Gaze

Solitaire of Pantomime (c.2010) by Michael Cheval oil on canvas

Hover over the icons to discover statements abount focal point

Solitaire of Pantomime (c.2010) by Michael Cheval oil on canvas

Do any of the five things listed below help create a focal point? How do they do that?

Positioning

Contrasting Colour

Leading Lines

Bright Tones

Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy (1968) by David Hockney Acrylic on canvas

Pose or Gaze

Hover over the icons to discover statements abount focal point

Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy (1968) by David Hockney Acrylic on canvas

Learning sessions

focal POINT

QUEStion 1 / 5

direction of gaze

leading lines

contrasting colour, tone and texture

The focal point is created by

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correcT!

the focal point is created by contrast

the focal point of the composition is the figure’s face, this is due to the detail of the features contrasting against the large ruff framing the face drawing the viewers’ attention directly to her the use of red in the headpiece and shoulder decoration draws attention to the face, the bold colour contrasts with the white face making this stand out the use of gold in the main figure’s costume reinforces her as the focal point because it is the largest shape and most dominant colour in the painting

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focalPOINT

QUEStion 2 / 5

the two figures

the turquoise shutters

the bowl of fruit

The focal point in this image is

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correcT!

the FOCAL point is the two figures

the diagonal leading lines of the large table direct the viewer towards the two men, this highlights them as the focal point of the artwork the man on the right looks towards the man on the left, this is emphasised by his body position as his elbow and knee point towards him also, this breaks up the symmetry and brings your attention back to the figures

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focalPOINT

QUEStion 3 / 5

the white pot

the bowl of red and yellow apples

the green vase

The focalpoint in this image is

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correcT!

The bowl of apples is the focal point

a lower viewpoint looking through the cabbage gives the viewer the sense of looking out across the field making them feel more connected to the composition, as we imagine ourselves sitting in the fields having a rest The distance we view the figures from indicate that we are not part of the conversation creating a sense of mystery and vulnerability.

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focal POINT

question 4 / 5

The grapes

The roses

The goldfish bowl

What is the focal point?

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correcT!

the goldfish bowl

The goldfish bowl is a powerful focalpoint due to its large scale compared to the surrounding smaller objects. It also contrasts many items on the table being a man-made object placed admist organic plant forms, yet containing three live fish who we can almost see moving around the bowl.

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focal POINT

question 5 / 5

The woman operating the machinery

The lamp on the right

The factory workers

This focal point is

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correcT!

the woman operating the machinery is the focal point

Ruby is the focal point as she is large in scale and is in the foreground of the composition. Her clothing and hair are detailed therefore giving her importance within the piece The woman’s face is highlighted from the bright lamp. This is visibly striking as it is illuminated against the dark background drawing the viewers’ attention

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FOCAL POINT Learning sessions

These observations can be connected with these effects

leading lines emphasise focal points

contrasting colour or tone creates a focal point

a central position or large scale suggest a focal point

Presentation

viewpoint

Elevated or low

The viewpoint means the position that the scene is viewed from.

Eye level

Artists select a view point for compositional reasons. Think about how different you feel when looking up at something rather than down. And how the viewpoint may convey a sense of space or create intimacy.

Multiple viewpoints

Birds eye view

Close or distant

Presentation

viewpoint

At which point are we viewing the scene from? What does this viewpoint allow us to see?

Is the viewpoint elevated, low, distant or close? What can we see as a result of the viewpoint? How does the viewpoint make the viewer feel?

Hover over the icons to discover statements abount focal point

Presentation

viewpoint

At which point are we viewing the scene from? What does this viewpoint allow us to see?

Is the viewpoint elevated, low, distant,close, eyelevel? What can we see as a result of the viewpoint? How does the viewpoint make the viewer feel?

Hover over the icons to discover statements abount focal point

Learning sessions

VIEWPOINT

QUEStion 1 / 5

birdseye view

eyelevel

elevated

The viewpoint in this image is

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correcT!

This is an elevated viewpoint

an elevated viewpoint allows the viewer to see down into and across the valley allowing the detail of the landscape to be seen

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VIEWPOINT

QUEStion 2 / 5

eye level

elevated

distant

The viewpoint in this image is

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correcT!

the viewpoint is eye level

as the photograph is taken from a low angle, the viewer is eye level with the boy in the foreground and is drawn into his world the photographer must have been close to the subject matter to focus upon the young people, which creates an intimate relationship between the viewer and the subject matter

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VIEWPOINT

QUEStion 3 / 5

eyelevel

low

elevated

The viewpoint in this image is

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correcT!

This is a low viewpoint

a lower viewpoint looking through the cabbage gives the viewer the sense of looking out across the field making them feel more connected to the composition, as we imagine ourselves sitting in the fields having a rest The distance we view the figures from indicate that we are not part of the conversation creating a sense of mystery and vulnerability.

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VIEWPOINT

question 4 / 5

Eye level

Low

Elevated

What is the viewpoint?

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correcT!

ELEVATED VIEWPOINT

Pissarro's painting has an elevated viewpoint, creating a sense of space and allowing us to see the busy activity of people and carriages right along the street. Can you think of another statement to make

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VIEWPOINT

question 5 / 5

Eye level

Elevated

Birds eye view

This view point is

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correcT!

Eye level viewpoint

Joan Eardley's painting of Glasgow's street children shows a low eye level view that creates a feeling of intimacy and connects the viewer with the group of undernourished boys.

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VIEWPOINT Learning sessions

These observations can be connected with these effects

elevated / distant viewpoint conveys space & vastness

eye level / close viewpoint creates intimacy

low viewpoint connects the viewer to the scene

Presentation

PERSPECTIVE & DEPTH

Perspective is the illustion of distance or depth

Artists use perspective techniques to create a realistic impression of depth, 'play with' perspective to present dramatic or disorientating images.

Linear Perspective

Aerial or atmospheric perspective

abstracted perspective

Abstracted

Linear

Ariel

Atmospheric

What type of perspective has been created in this Turner painting?

Linear Perspective

Aerial or atmospheric perspective

abstracted perspective

Hover over the icons to discover statements abount perspective

Do any of the three things listed below help create perspective?How do they do that?

Linear perspectice

Ariel perspective

Abstracted perspective

Scale

Hover over the icons to discover statements abount focal point

Learning sessions

PERSPECTIVE

QUEStion 1 / 5

cool colours in the sky

the masts of the boats

buildings becoming smaller in the distance

Linear perspective is created by

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correcT!

PERSPECTIVE is created by BUILDINGS BECOMING SMALLER

linear perspective gives an impression of distance with the buildings becoming progressively smaller towards the background of the painting

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perspective

QUEStion 2 / 5

the buildings getting lighter

the diagonal lines in the bridge

the buildings becoming smaller

Ariel / atmospheric perspective is created by

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correcT!

the buildings becoming lighter creates ariel perspective

the aerial perspective means that the buildings appear to gradually fade into the distance, creating a sense of depth

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perspective

QUEStion 3 / 5

abstracted perspective

arial (or atmospheric) perspective

linear perspective

The colours gradually becoming lighter in the rooftops toward the background creates

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correcT!

ariel (or atmospheric) perspective is created by colours becoming lighter in the background

tertiary blues and greys used in the rooftops gradually get lighter in colour. This gives a sense of depth within the composition, suggesting light in the distance

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perspective

question 4 / 5

a strong linear perspective

arial perspective

a lack of perspective and depth

This flat composition is created by

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correcT!

the goldfish bowl

the flat composition and lack of depth reinforce the height of the buildings, creating an imposing claustrophobic atmosphere

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perspective

question 5 / 5

abstracted perspective

arial perspective

linear perspective

The converging and overlapping lines create

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correcT!

The converging and overlapping diagonal lines and shapes create an abstracted perspective

The converging and overlapping diagonal lines and shapes create an abstracted perspective, and show multiple different viewpoints in the same image. This creates a feeling of uncertainty and flattens the perspective somewhat.

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PERSPECTIVE Learning sessions

These observations can be connected with these effects

linear perspective is created by diagonal lines

atmospheric / arial perspective is created by lightening tones

abstracted perspective flattens the depth/perspective

Presentation

LEADING LINES

curved

Leading lines are a compositional technique where human-made or natural lines lead the viewer's eyes through an artwork to the subject or the heart of the image

straight

Leading lines are great for producing several effects: Guiding the viewer's eyes through the image, helping to explore the whole scene. Drawing attention to the main subject or focal point. Adding depth and a sense of perspective to create depth in the scene.

diagonal

radiating

flowing

How would you describe the leading lines in this image? And what do they help to do?

curved

straight

diagonal

radiating

flowing

Solitaire of Pantomime (c.2010) by Michael Cheval oil on canvas

Hover over the icons to discover statements about leading lines

Solitaire of Pantomime (c.2010) by Michael Cheval oil on canvas

How would you describe the leading lines in this image? And what do they help to do?

curved

straight

diagonal

radiating

Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy (1968) by David Hockney Acrylic on canvas

flowing

Hover over the icons to discover statements abount focal point

Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy (1968) by David Hockney Acrylic on canvas

Learning sessions

LEADING LINES

QUEStion 1 / 5

the castle in the background

the dancing gloves

the figures face

The leading lines direct attention to

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correcT!

the LEADING LINES direct attention to the face

the large ruff framing the face creates radiating leading lines drawing the viewers’ attention directly to her the leading lines created by sweeping curves and drapes of the folds of golden fabric in the main figure’s costume direct our gaze toward her face reinforcing her as the focal point

Learning sessions

LEADING LINES

QUEStion 2 / 5

the position of arms and legs, and the table edges

the shutters in the background

the window frame

Leading lines are created by

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correcT!

the table edges and the arm and leg positions create leading lines

the diagonal leading lines of the large table direct the viewer towards the two men, this highlights them as the focal point of the artwork the man on the right looks towards the man on the left, this is emphasised by his body position as his elbow and knee point towards him also, this breaks up the symmetry and brings your attention back to the figures

Learning sessions

LEADING LINES

QUEStion 3 / 5

created by the vertical drips of paint

created by the wires guide the eye towards the focal point of the utility pole

positioned horizontally on the pole

The leading lines are . . .

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correcT!

The wires create leading lines

Thin diagonal leading lines used to represent wires help guide the eye into the artwork and to the focal point, the utility pole

Learning sessions

LEADING LINES

question 4 / 5

the undulating hilltops

the stems of the flowers

the furrows in the fields in the foreground

Where can we see leading lines?

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correcT!

the furrows in the fields

The elevated viewpoint allows the viewer to see the furrows in the fields in the foreground, which create leading lines directing us to the focal point of the cottages

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LEADING LINES

question 5 / 5

the buildings gradually getting smaller towards the background

the masts of the ships leading toward the sky

the windows on the buildings

Leading lines are created by

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correcT!

the buildings create leading lines

leading lines are created by the buildings becoming progressively smaller towards the background of the painting leading our eye into the distance and creating a sense of depth

Learning sessions

pose Learning sessions

These observations can be connected with these effects

lines leading into the distance convey depth

lines leading towards an object/figure creates a focal point

leading lines direct the viewers eye

Presentation

POSE

posture

The pose of figures refers to the position they are in, this concerns both posture and facial expression.

position (standing, sitting lying)

Artists select different poses things for compositional reasons. Think about how different a tall confident posture is to a hunched or slumped posture, what impression do each of those poses create?

gaze (eye contact)

body language

relationship

How would you describe the poses in this artwork? And what do they suggest?

posture

position (standing, sitting lying)

gaze (eye contact)

body language

relationship

Hover over the icons to discover statements about pose

Do any of the five things listed below help create a sense of the characters and the narrative?

posture

position (standing, sitting lying)

gaze (eye contact)

body language

relationship

Hover over the icons to discover statements about pose

Learning sessions

POSE

QUEStion 2 / 5

the movement of ordinary people on their way to work

rich people relaxing on holiday

people celebrating with family and friends

The pose of the figures suggests

Learning sessions

correcT!

the pose of the figures convey ordinary people

tthe figures, facing the same way, look like ordinary people on their way to work, a snapshot of their commute across the city has captured ordinary poses of different people

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POSE

QUEStion 2 / 5

tension and frustration

power and dominance

love and protection

The interlinked figures suggest

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correcT!

the interlinked figures suggest love and protection

the interlinked figures with both parents supporting the child conveys a close family relationship and implies love and protection towards the child

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POSE

The pose suggests . . .

QUEStion 3 / 5

fear and anger

openness and approachability

excitement and joviality

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correcT!

The pose suggests openness and approachability

the pose of the subject matter suggests openness and approachability, this can be seen as the hands are placed on the lap or to the side of the figure, they are not hiding or protecting the body

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POSE

question 4 / 5

informal

joyous

formal

The mood created by the rigidly posed figures is

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correcT!

The pose is formal

a formal mood is created by the rigid, upright pose of each subject and their neutral facial expressions the mood of the relationship between the two subjects could be interpreted as very close since they appear to be gazing only at one another, ignoring the world around them the mood of the relationship may be interpreted as strained, or dispassionate and distant. Although the subjects are facing each other, their expressions are cold

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POSE

question 5 / 5

a purposeful worker with a high level of focus

a lack of engagement and concentration

someone who does not care about their task

Her crouched pose and busy hands suggest

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correcT!

The pose indicates a purposeful worker with a high level of focus

Ruby seems focused due to her intense gaze concentrated on the machine, and her hands occupied with the task at hand.

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POSE Learning sessions

These observations can be connected with these effects

rigidly posed figures convey a formal atmosphere

relaxed/open pose creates intimacy/approachability

interconnected poses suggest love/affection/protection

Learning sessions

COmposition learning completed!

how to consolidate knowledge

• on the following pages you will find an image and prompts
• try writing an answer on paper or a doc without looking at the previous slides
• after about 25 minutes of doing this compare your answers to the learning sessions
• repeat until complete
• now try some past-paper questions (on Google Classroom)

congratulations!

You have answered everything correctly

Learning sessions

ARRANGEMENT and focal point

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ARRANGEMENT and focal point

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ARRANGEMENT

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ARRANGEMENT/pose

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ARRANGEMENT

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focal POINT/leading lines

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focalPOINT

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focal POINT/arrangement

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focal POINT/pose

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VIEWPOINT/leading lines

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VIEWPOINT

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VIEWPOINT

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VIEWPOINT

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VIEWPOINT

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PERSPECTIVE/leading lines

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perspective

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perspective

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perspective

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POSE

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POSE

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POSE

questions complete

Now check your answers by comparing to notes on earlier slides! Then move onto past papers.

SQA PAST PAPERS

Learning sessions

wrong!

Why don't you try it again? Courage!