Name three things that you can see around you now.
We are certain that all of your answers will have something in common.
Whether you are resting at home, driving in the car or eating out in a fancy restaurant, there's no way you can run from the influences of visual arts.
This explains why advertisers are willing to spend so much money to create a visually appealing billboard, why designers spend so much time choosing the right colour for the right dress and why artists spend so much of their energy to come out with the best artwork.
This also explains why you have made up your mind to study Seni Visual at this level as a Form 6 student.
In this article, we will be looking at some of the best reference books for STPM Seni Visual, the platforms to find sample questions and past year papers for this subject as well as a comprehensive way to master this subject.
What Is The Significance Of Visual Arts In Our Everyday Life?
We talked about the relevance of visual arts in the introduction earlier. Let's continue to dissect the influence of visual arts in our daily lives before we move towards the examination aspects of the STPM Seni Visual subject.
1. Communication
One classic example is the traffic light. Apart from the fact that it is designed to be completely functional, the colours also hold a universal and symbolic meaning no matter which country you are from. Everyone will know that the green light means to go and the red light means you have to stop.
Photo by Eliobed Suarez on Unsplash
2. Decoration
It's hard to imagine our lives without visual arts. Life would be so dull without the appreciation of aesthetics. A beautiful portrait picture can immediately light up the living room and a unique curtain design can create a whole new atmosphere in an empty space, for instance.
3. Economy
We can't leave out money talks when we're talking about visual arts. Whether it is the creation of a variety of products, the promotion of culture and craftmanship or the emergence of more art-related careers, all these elements contribute to a nation's economical growth.
That's why arts education is provided from a young age at different educational institutions in Malaysia, even as a pre-university subject for your Form 6 studies.
Which Reference Books Should You Get To Revise For Your STPM Seni Visual Exams?
We know you're determined to kickstart your learning experience with a good headstart!
Here are our book recommendations that will help you ace this subject throughout your three semesters.
1. Ace Ahead Teks STPM Seni Visual Penggal 1, 2 & 3 Edisi Ketiga [Oxford Fajar]
This book is written by Marhanim A. Razak and Mohd Shahrizal Dolah. It has notes and exercises for 11 chapters and extensive model questions that are designed according to the latest STPM Seni Visual syllabus.
Also, you can access and download various learning resources (question banks, model tests, PowerPoint slides, extra notes) that are tailored made for students and even teachers from the Oxford Fajar companion website!
Through this book, you can certainly learn the right answering techniques for structured and essay questions.
Sample questions: Berikan penjelasan aspek keindahan dalam sesebuah karya seni visual (Essay)
Given answer:
Aspek keindahan dalam sesebuah karya melibatkan aspek hal benda, komposisi dan kandungan. (Introduction)
- Aspek hal benda melibat imej utama yang ditampilkan dalam karya. Contohnya imej alam semula jadi/alam benda.
- Komposisi melibatkan penggunaan aspek formal seperti unsur seni dan prinsip rekaan yang diaplikasikan dalam karya. Ia juga melibatkan aspek media, iaitu bahantara yang digunakan. Contoh media seperti besi untuk membuat arca. Komposisi juga melibatkan teknik penghasilan/kaedah/cara menghasilkan karya.
Contohnya teknik kimpalan digunakan untuk membina sebuah arca. - Aspek kandungan berkaitan dengan tema yang digunakan dalam sesebuah karya. Ia juga melibatkan makna khususnya dalam hasil karya pengkaryaan seperti cetakan atau catan manakala fungsi melibatkan karya perekaan seperti grafik atau reka bentuk industri.
You can get this book at RM42 from Lazada/Shopee.
2. Rujukan Seni Visual STPM (Semester 2) 2022 [Local Publications]
This is your go-to reference book for your practical drawing assessment. Written by Norazmi bin Hasshim and Redzuan bin Shamsuddin, this book provides step-by-step guidance for different types of drawings.
Here are the topics covered :
- Pengenalan Lukisan
- Peralatan Melukis
- Perspektif 1 Titik Lenyap
- Perspektif 2 Titik Lenyap
- Aspek Formal
- Mengenai Teknik Lorekan dalam Lukisan
- Rupa dan Bentuk Geometri
- Kaedah Melukis Alam Semula Jadi
- Contoh Lukisan Alam Sejadi
- Kaedah Melukis Objek Buatan Manusia
- Contih-Contoh Lukisan Buatan Malaysia
- Pandian Melukis 1, 2 dan 3 (Lukisan Pengkaryaan)
- Contoh-Contoh Kulisan Pengkaryaan
- Kualiti Karya Dalam Kulisan Pengkaryaan
- Panduan 1 Melukis Penutup Lampu Tidur
- Panduan 2 Melukis Teko Menyimpan Air
- Panduan 3, 4 dan 5 Mesin Penyedut Habuk
- Panduan 6 Reka Corak Alas Meja
- Panduan 7 Melukis Rekaan Fesyen Kain Wanita
- Panduan 8 Melukis Rekaan Jam Tangan
You can get this book at RM26 on Shopee.
Source: Xframe
You'll soon familiarize yourself with the latest examination format of your STPM Seni Visual papers.
Which Platforms Can You Utilize To Find Good Books And Resources On Visual Arts?
As a student, we know the journey of finding the right learning resources like books, past year exams and sample questions of STPM Seni Visual can be quite a challenging one.
At times, it can feel like a treasure hunt with so many potential paths ahead.
Fret not, we have listed these three main platforms where you can have a smooth "hunting" process.
1. E-commerce websites
If you are searching for brand new textbooks or sample questions, you can certainly look them up at Lazada and Shopee for the best deals. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, you can also browse through Carousell and get a used STPM Seni Visual textbook for as low as RM10!
2. Physical and online bookstores
You can't leave out the roles of bookstores when you're preparing for an important exam. Apart from Popular and MPH, you can also check out other book outlets like Book Depository, BookXcess, and Kinokuniya Malaysia to look for a variety of visual arts books.
Here are some titles worth exploring:
- The Visual Language Of Drawing (BookXcess)
- 100 Years of Colour (BookXcess)
- Design as Art (Book Depository)
- Perspective Drawing Handbook (Book Depository)
3. Social media/Blogs
Whether it's through a Facebook group or a specialised blog on STPM Seni Visual, you can find many tutors and former STPM students who generously share some of their know-how and also upload some of their previous sample exercises or artwork throughout their studies.
The best thing about getting these resources from social media and blogs? They are absolutely free!
Through consistent practise, we believe you will certainly gain some insights to master the grading scheme of your STPM Pendidikan Seni Visual papers.
How To Develop A Comprehensive Visual Arts Learning Experience?
Want to master the right studying tips to enjoy and excel in visual arts?
Continue reading to find out these effective tips to have the best learning experience for STPM Seni Visual.
Tip 1: Cultivate creative habits
Whether it is a simple doodling session on your sketchbook or watching a fun drawing Youtube tutorial, it's best to be intentional to make time to practice your drawing skills while having fun.
You can also browse for a simple drawing prompt daily on various themes like landscape, objects, animals, clothes etc.
Source: Xframe
Tip 2: Balance both theoretical and practical elements for your revision
Just as we have talked about how you can get many learning resources for STPM Seni Visual in the earlier paragraph, you must not ignore the importance of mastering the various visual art theories because it holds a huge weightage for the first semester of your studies.
Make sure you allocate equal time to practice doing structured and essay questions and also the practical drawing during your revision.
Tip 3: Take lessons from a private tutor
At times, you may feel that it can be demotivating to revise everything on your own (it can be quite lonely) and you are not sure if you are not on the right track.
Wouldn't it be nice to have someone experienced to give you constructive feedback on your drawing and guide you to answer the essay questions smoothly?
Look no further and start connecting with a Superprof tutor!
At Superpof, you can learn from talented and professional artists who specialise in different branches of drawing and painting.
As a student, you can opt for a flexible and affordable tutoring session. By indicating your preferred learning mode (face to face/online) and maximum budget for the hourly rate, you will be directed to a selection of tutors that offer their lessons according to your preferences.
After browsing the tutors' profiles on the Superprof Malaysia homepage, you can then proceed to connect with your desired tutor via a Student Subscription Pass to discuss the details of your future lessons.
With these tips, you will surely succeed in decoding the STPM Seni Visual exams throughout all three semesters.
What Are Some Careers That You Can Pursue In The Art/Design Industry?
Even as you're studying this subject now, we know you can't help to think about the pathways upon your STPM graduation.
If you are passionate to take your interest and skill in visual arts to the next level, here are some career options that you can consider.
- Painter
- Illustrator
- Graphic designer
- Fashion designer
- Jewellery designer
- Interior designer
- Sculptor
- Digital media specialist
- Art educators and many more
In other words, the sky is the limit should you decide to pursue a career in arts. Think of your STPM Seni Visual qualification as a stepping stone to a world of infinite possibilities! Turn your creativity into the future's reality!
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