CBSE Class 10 Painting Sample Paper 2026 27 with Solutions PDF Download

SECTION -A

1. Select the right answer from the given option

i. Which are the two colours popularly used in Warli painting? [1 Mark]
A. Indian red and white
B. White and yellow
C. White and blue
D. Red and green

Answer: A. Indian red and white

Teacher's Note:
a) Warli figures are painted in white on a red or brownish mud background.
b) Do not confuse Warli with Madhubani, which uses many bright colours.

ii. To which state does the famous Madhubani painting belong? [1 Mark]
A. Odisha
B. West Bengal
C. Manipur
D. Bihar

Answer: D. Bihar

Teacher's Note:
a) Madhubani is also called Mithila painting, from the Mithila region of Bihar.
b) Remember: Warli belongs to Maharashtra, Madhubani to Bihar.

iii. Oil painting can be done on which base? [1 Mark]
A. Kite paper
B. Canvas
C. Cartridge sheet
D. New print paper

Answer: B. Canvas

Teacher's Note:
a) Oil colours need a thick, strong base such as canvas or oil paper.
b) Thin papers like kite paper or newsprint cannot hold oil paint.

iv. Poster colours are basically used on: [1 Mark]
A. A variety of oil sheet
B. A variety of metals
C. A variety of papers
D. A variety of wooden planks

Answer: C. A variety of papers

Teacher's Note:
a) Poster colours are water-based, so they are used on papers such as cartridge sheets.
b) Link water-based media with paper and oil-based media with canvas.

v. To make a painting more interesting, artists create a focal point, which is referred to as: [1 Mark]
A. Unity
B. Variety
C. Rhythm
D. Emphasis

Answer: D. Emphasis

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasis is the principle that makes one part of the painting stand out as the focal point.
b) Unity, variety and rhythm are other principles of composition, not the focal point.

vi. Which of the following is not an element of art? [1 Mark]
A. Angle
B. Shape
C. Texture
D. Colour

Answer: A. Angle

Teacher's Note:
a) Shape, texture and colour are elements of art; angle is not.
b) Learn the list of elements of art, such as line, shape, form, colour and texture.

vii. Which of the following pencils is most suitable for drawing? [1 Mark]
A. HB
B. 8H
C. 6B
D. HH

Answer: C. 6B

Teacher's Note:
a) B pencils are soft and dark, so they suit drawing and shading.
b) H pencils are hard and light; a higher B number means a softer, darker pencil.

viii. Which of the following is not a painting technique? [1 Mark]
A. Dry brush work
B. Wet-on-wet
C. Impasto
D. Tertiary

Answer: D. Tertiary

Teacher's Note:
a) Tertiary is a type of colour (made by mixing a primary and a secondary colour), not a technique.
b) Dry brush, wet-on-wet and impasto are all ways of applying paint.

SECTION -B

2(A) Write the difference between shape and form. Give two examples of each. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. A shape is two-dimensional (2D). It has only length and breadth. A form is three-dimensional (3D). It also has depth or volume.
2. Examples: a square (shape) becomes a cuboid (form), and a circle (shape) becomes a sphere (form).

Teacher's Note:
a) The key words are 2D for shape and 3D for form.
b) Give each example as a pair, so the 2D and 3D versions match.

OR

2(B) What do you understand by positive and negative space in a painting? Why are they important? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Positive space is the main subject or area of interest in the given space. Negative space is the area around and in between the main subject.
2. Both are important because together they create balance and help to create a focal point in the composition.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define both terms first, then give the reason for their importance.
b) Use the words balance and focal point in the second part.

3(A) Name at least two different types of papers and mediums used in painting. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Cartridge paper and handmade sheets are used for tempera, watercolour and acrylic colours, which are water-based media. These papers may be highly textured, cold-pressed or hot-pressed.
2. Oil paper or canvas paper is thicker and is used for oil painting.
3. Newsprint and thin cartridge paper are used for pencil work, charcoal, dry colours and oil pastels.

Teacher's Note:
a) Always pair each paper with the medium used on it.
b) Remember: water-based media on cartridge or handmade paper, oil colours on oil or canvas paper.

OR

3(B) What is VIBGYOR? Name the colours included in it. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. VIBGYOR is also known as the rainbow spectrum.
2. It stands for Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red.

Teacher's Note:
a) Each letter of VIBGYOR is the first letter of one colour, in order.
b) Write all seven colours; missing one can cost marks.

4(A) Explain the uses of different types of brushes in painting. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. By bristles, brushes are of two main types: hog-hair (hard) brushes, used mostly for oil paints, and sable-hair (soft) brushes, used mostly for watercolour.
2. By size and shape, brushes are round (for drawing and fine work), flat (for flat backgrounds, surfaces and flat areas), filbert and mop brushes.

Teacher's Note:
a) Classify brushes in two ways: by bristles and by size and shape.
b) Link hard brushes with oil paint and soft brushes with watercolour.

OR

4(B) Write about different types of pencils used in art. [2 Marks]

Answer: Pencils are mainly of three types:
1. Graphite pencils: available from 2B to 12B. Softness and darkness increase with higher numbers.
2. Charcoal pencils: darker, softer and more fragile than graphite pencils. They are used for deep tonal effects.
3. Colour pencils: available in various colours. Some are water-based and are used for colouring.

Teacher's Note:
a) Name all three types and give one feature of each.
b) Remember that a higher B number means a softer and darker pencil.

5(A) A Warli painting shows villagers dancing in a circular formation around a musician. Analyse how line, shape, and composition are used to represent movement and community life. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Warli painting is a living tradition of Maharashtra. It uses simple geometric shapes to show daily life, nature and rituals, and simple lines to form the human figures.
2. Slanting lines for the arms and legs, placed in a circular composition, add movement. The villagers dancing together around one musician show togetherness, cooperation and joy, which brings the spirit of community alive.

Teacher's Note:
a) Cover all three elements asked: line, shape and composition.
b) Connect slanting lines with movement and the circle with community life.

OR

5(B) Write the characteristic features of Madhubani Paintings? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Madhubani (Mithila) paintings have bold outlines, flat bright colours and decorative patterns. They are traditionally made with natural colours.
2. The themes mainly show nature, mythology, religious rituals, animals, birds and floral motifs, and no empty space is left in the composition.

Teacher's Note:
a) Write one point on style (outlines, colours, patterns) and one on themes.
b) The feature "no empty space is left" is a key value point.

6(A) The painting of Padmapani Bodhisattva from Ajanta is admired for its grace and spiritual expression. Analyse how the use of line, colour, and posture reflects the Bodhisattva’s compassion and calmness. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Padmapani Bodhisattva is a famous mural in Cave No. 1 of the Ajanta Caves near Aurangabad, Maharashtra. It was painted in the late 5th century CE and is a masterpiece of Gupta-period art. The Bodhisattva is shown as an embodiment of compassion and selflessness, holding a blue lotus.
2. Smooth, flowing lines give the figure grace. Soft, earthy colours create a calm mood. The gently bent posture and the calm, downcast expression reflect his compassion and peace of mind.

Teacher's Note:
a) Give the basic facts first: Ajanta Cave No. 1, Gupta period, holding a blue lotus.
b) Then explain each visual element asked: line, colour, posture and expression.

OR

6(B) Why is Bodhisattva made larger than life in comparison to other human forms surrounding by him? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The Bodhisattva is made larger than the other figures to emphasise his spiritual importance and divine status. In traditional Indian art, size is often used symbolically rather than realistically.
2. The larger scale shows his superiority, wisdom and compassion, and makes him the central focus. It draws the viewer's attention to him and shows his high position as an enlightened being who guides and protects humanity.

Teacher's Note:
a) The key idea is that size is symbolic, not realistic, in Indian art.
b) Mention that the larger size makes him the focal point of the composition.

SECTION-C

Attempt any two questions from the given options

7. The Kailash Temple at Ellora is considered a masterpiece of Indian rock-cut architecture.

i. Write its architectural features [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The Rashtrakuta king Krishna I commissioned the world's largest monolithic rock-cut chaityas, viharas and Hindu temples at Ellora during the 8th and 9th centuries CE.
2. Ellora Cave No. 16, known as the Kailashnath Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
3. The temple is carved from top to bottom in the Deccan style and is rich in symbolism and narrative reliefs.

Teacher's Note:
a) Key facts: Rashtrakuta king Krishna I, Cave No. 16, dedicated to Shiva.
b) Stress that it is monolithic and carved from top to bottom out of a single rock.

ii. Explain its Sculptural excellence. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Sculptures of elephants appear to support parts of the structure. This creates a sense of movement and drama.
2. The themes are based on the Shiva Purana, including the depiction of Ravana shaking Mount Kailash.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention the elephant sculptures and the Ravana shaking Mount Kailash panel.
b) Name the source of the themes: the Shiva Purana.

iii. Write any four parts of the tempra. [2 Marks]

Answer: Any four of the following parts of the temple:
1. Kalash
2. Shikhar
3. Garbhagriha
4. Nandi Mandapa

Teacher's Note:
a) The marking scheme also accepts Gopuram and Parikrama sthal.
b) Write exactly four parts, as the question asks.

8. Analyze how elements of art such as line, colour, and shapes/ form are used in a composition to express emotions and ideas. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Line: Line creates movement, mood and direction. Curved and flowing lines show softness, grace and calmness. Straight or vertical lines suggest strength and stability. Diagonal lines create action and tension, and rough or broken lines may express unrest or conflict. Through different lines, the artist guides the viewer's eye and sets the emotional tone of the artwork.
2. Colour: Colour strongly affects the emotional impact. Warm colours like red, orange and yellow create energy, passion or warmth. Cool colours such as blue and green bring calmness, peace or sadness. Bright colours suggest joy and celebration, while dull or dark tones express seriousness, mystery or sorrow. Contrast and harmony of colours also communicate the overall idea and mood.
3. Shapes and forms: Shapes and forms add meaning and symbolism. Rounded shapes suggest comfort, harmony and unity, while sharp or angular shapes express tension or aggression. Large forms show importance and dominance, and smaller forms seem less significant. The arrangement and balance of these shapes help to convey the artist's message clearly.

Teacher's Note:
a) The question carries 2+2+2 marks, so write one full paragraph each on line, colour and shape/form.
b) For every element, link a type (curved, warm, rounded etc.) to the emotion it shows.
c) End each part by saying how it helps convey the artist's idea.

9. Carefully observe the stone masterpiece.

[Figure: Photograph of a stone sculpture: lions seated back to back (three visible) on a circular abacus; the abacus is carved with a spoked wheel between animal figures; below it is a bell-shaped base with vertical fluted petals.]

i. Mention the title and the dynasty during which the sculpture was created. [1 Mark]

Answer: The title of the sculpture is the Lion Capital. It was commissioned by Ashoka, the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, so it belongs to the Mauryan dynasty. It is carved out of Chunar sandstone with a very intricate carving method.

Teacher's Note:
a) Both parts are needed: the title (Lion Capital) and the dynasty (Mauryan, under Ashoka).
b) Chunar sandstone is a useful extra detail about the material.

ii. Name Five parts that the sculptor originally had. [1 Mark]

Answer: Wheel, Capital, Abacus, Bell-shaped vase covered with an inverted lotus, and Shaft.

Teacher's Note:
a) Write all five parts; the shaft and the top wheel are not in the photograph but were part of the original.
b) Describe the base correctly as a bell-shaped vase covered with an inverted lotus.

iii. Explain the symbolic representation of the Lion capital. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Four Asiatic lions face the four cardinal directions, spreading dharma with courage. The lion stands for courage and royalty.
2. The wheel has twenty-four spokes, representing twenty-four virtues of life, that is, the 24 hours of the day.
3. The elephant stands for divine knowledge.
4. The bull stands for the Buddha's zodiac sign, and the horse stands for royalty and the worldly desires which the Buddha left.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain each symbol separately: lions, wheel, elephant, bull and horse.
b) Remember the 24 spokes of the wheel, one of the most asked facts.
c) Link the lions facing four directions with spreading dharma.