Introduction
IB Visual Arts students often wonder whether drawing or painting is the “better” medium to focus on for their exhibition and portfolio. Both have long traditions in art history, and both offer unique opportunities to show creativity, technique, and meaning. But in IB, success doesn’t depend on choosing one over the other — it depends on how you use each to demonstrate variety, growth, and conceptual depth.
This guide will explore the strengths of drawing and painting, how examiners view them, and tips for choosing the medium that best fits your artistic journey.
Drawing in IB Visual Arts
Strengths of Drawing
- Foundation of visual art: Strong drawing skills show technical competence.
- Flexible and quick: Allows rapid experimentation and idea development.
- Versatile: Works well for sketchbooks, process portfolio, and final pieces.
- Accessible: Requires fewer resources compared to large-scale painting.
Best Uses in IB Visual Arts
- Preliminary sketches and studies.
- Expressive, gestural works that explore emotion.
- Detailed renderings for realism or technical demonstrations.
- Layered mixed-media works with collage, ink, or photography.
Painting in IB Visual Arts
Strengths of Painting
- Bold impact: Large-scale paintings often create powerful exhibition pieces.
- Color exploration: Shows understanding of color theory and mood.
- Historical and cultural depth: Rich traditions across cultures to research and reference.
- Medium variety: Acrylic, oil, watercolor, gouache, and digital painting all count.
Best Uses in IB Visual Arts
- Large centerpiece works in exhibitions.
- Exploring symbolism through color and layering.
- Cultural or historical references to painting traditions.
- Abstract or expressive works that emphasize mood.
How Examiners View Drawing vs. Painting
Examiners don’t prefer one medium over the other. What matters is:
- Variety: Exploring different media, even within drawing or painting.
- Intentionality: Choosing the medium that best communicates your theme.
- Technical skill: Showing growth and competence.
- Conceptual depth: Using the medium for meaning, not just aesthetics.
A student who only paints or only draws without variety risks seeming limited. On the other hand, a portfolio with both — even in small ways — often feels more dynamic.
Tips for Choosing Between Drawing and Painting
- Start with drawing to develop ideas and skills.
- Use painting when you want to make bold, thematic statements.
- Combine both: sketch in pencil, then expand into painting.
- Reflect in your portfolio about why you chose one over the other.
- Always connect your medium choice to your theme and personal voice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating drawing as “less important” than painting. Both are equally valued.
- Repeating the same painting style without experimentation.
- Overloading your portfolio with pencil sketches but no development.
- Ignoring reflection on why you chose a medium.
FAQs on Drawing vs. Painting
Q1: Do I need to use both drawing and painting?
Not necessarily, but showing both demonstrates variety and adaptability.
Q2: Can I score highly if I only focus on painting?
Yes — if you explore different painting styles, techniques, and concepts.
Q3: Is digital painting accepted in IB Visual Arts?
Yes, digital painting counts and can be combined with traditional methods for mixed-media experimentation.
Q4: Is drawing better suited for the process portfolio?
Yes, since drawing is quick and flexible, it’s ideal for experimentation and annotation.
Q5: Which is better for the exhibition: drawing or painting?
Neither is “better.” The best medium is the one that communicates your theme most powerfully.
Conclusion
In IB Visual Arts, neither drawing nor painting is superior — both can be powerful tools when used with purpose. Drawing demonstrates technical skill and idea development, while painting creates bold statements and cultural connections. The key is to choose intentionally, show variety, and reflect critically on why you used each. That’s what examiners are looking for.
