O/L Art Practical Exam: Tips and What to Bring

Posted by

Haanz Team

2026-10-23

On 2026-10-23

Haanz Art GuideFree, practical advice from the team at Haanz Art & Craft Materials

The O/L art practical exam can feel stressful, but most of the pressure goes away when your kit is ready and you have practised under a timer. This Haanz Art Guide explains how to prepare in the weeks before, what to pack in your art bag, and simple tips for using your time well on the day.

One important point first: rules about what you may bring, paper sizes and timings can change. Always check the latest instructions from your school or the Department of Examinations, and ask your art teacher if anything is unclear.

What to bring to the O/L art practical exam

Pack your bag the night before, and keep everything in a clear pencil case or zip bag so you can find things fast. A typical kit looks like this:

Drawing pencils in a few grades. An HB or 2B for the first light sketch, then 4B and 6B for dark shading. The Graphite Drawing Pencil is sold one grade at a time, so you can pick only what you need. A Nyoni Sketch Drawing Pencil pack -14Pcs gives you a full range in one pack.
Two erasers. A soft block eraser such as the Mont Marte Artist Eraser – Small for big areas, and a Nyoni Sketch Eraser pen for small highlights, like the shine on a pot or an eye.
A sharpener. A simple Student Sharpener fits any pencil case. Bring a spare in case one breaks.
Paper stumps. Art Nation Paper Stumps 3Pcs pack help you blend smooth shading without making the paper greasy from your fingers.
Paints and brushes, if your paper needs colour. Many students use poster colour, such as Pentel Poster Colours 12x30ml, because it is opaque and covers mistakes. Others prefer a small watercolour set like Camel Artist Watercolour 12x5ml. Use the medium you have practised with most.
A small brush set and mixing tray. The Bomeijia Brush set 6Pcs gives you a few shapes and sizes, and a Mixing Tray With Thumb Hole keeps your colours tidy on a crowded desk.
Extras. A water container with a lid, a soft cloth or tissue, and a clean sheet of paper to rest your hand on.

You can see more options in Drawing Pencils and Poster Paints & Tempera. Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price.

How to prepare in the weeks before

Practise with a timer. Ask your teacher how long the paper usually takes, then do full practice drawings in that time. Speed comes from repetition.
Draw common subjects. Still life objects such as bottles, fruit, pots and cloth are good practice. Draw them from real life at home, not only from photos.
Learn three or four shading tones. Make a small scale from very light to very dark with each pencil grade. This helps you shade quickly and evenly.
Plan your colour mixes. If you paint, practise mixing skin tones, greens and greys until you can do them without thinking.
Use your exam kit for practice. Do not bring brand new brushes or paints on the day. You should already know how they behave.

For more help, read Pencil Shading Techniques and Still Life Drawing for Beginners.

Tips for exam day

Read the question twice. Underline the key words, such as the subject, the medium and any size limits.
Plan your time. As a rough guide, spend the first part on a light sketch, the middle on main shading or colour, and keep the last few minutes for details and checking.
Start light. Draw the outline softly with HB or 2B. Light lines are easy to change if the shape is wrong.
Work from big to small. Block in large shapes and main shadows first. Leave tiny details for the end.
Protect your work. Rest your hand on a clean scrap of paper so you do not smudge the shading you have already done.
Check before you hand in. Make sure your index number and other details are written where the instructions say.

Common mistakes to avoid

Pressing too hard at the start, which leaves dents and lines that will not erase.
Spending too long on one small area and running out of time for the rest.
Using only one pencil grade, so the drawing looks flat and grey.
Too much water in paint, which makes the paper buckle in our humid weather.
Forgetting spare pencils, a sharpener or a water container.

Our O/L and A/L Art Supplies Guide has a longer kit list for the whole year.

Frequently asked questions

Which pencil grades should I bring to the O/L art practical exam?

Most students do well with HB or 2B for the sketch, plus 4B and 6B for darker shading. Add a harder grade like 2H only if you use it for fine lines. Bring a spare of each.

Is poster colour or watercolour better for the exam?

Both can work. Poster colour is opaque, so it covers small mistakes. Watercolour is lighter and faster but harder to correct. Choose the one you have practised with and follow your teacher’s advice.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? Call / WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you put together a complete O/L art exam kit.

More Haanz Art Guides