Header Image by Elsa S., Class of 2027

Summer art experiences help alleviate the pressure of learning new design skills and media during the school year and of producing the many quality pieces needed for a successful portfolio while also providing a continuum of art making practice during the summertime. 

1. Draw from life:  Gather some objects and draw them.   Observe the qualities of each object and draw it several times using different media.   

2. Draw spaces.  Draw the spaces that you spend time in.  Draw the perspective points and the objects of each space.  A corner in your home with household objects is a ready made location and easy to access. 

3. Draw 1, 2 and 3 point perspective illustrations of real and imaginary landscapes

4. Draw unusual interiors – for example, looking inside of a closet, cabinet, refrigerator, inside your car, under the car’s hood etc. Include as many details as you can.

5. Shoot photographs of a space from multiple angles.

6. Shoot expressive portrait photographs.

7.  Shoot self portrait photographs each day or over a week. 

8. If you need to draw from photographs,  avoid reference images from the internet and take your own photographs using your phone camera or a DSLR.

9. Draw on various sizes and colors of paper.

10.  Practice drawing with additional media including charcoal, ink and oil pastel. 

11. Explore collage using materials from a recycling bin.  Explore color and texture relationships.

12. Gather reference images on two or more ideas.  Come prepared with these ideas on the first day of class.

13. Draw ideas for various projects using storyboarding.  

14. Show a single idea through various mediums.  

15. Explore making 3-d artwork with materials such as fabric, wire, clay or found objects.

16.   Visit art galleries and museums with friends and families.   Observe the artworks and read the descriptions on the labels to see how artists use inspiration and media to communicate their ideas. 

17. Organize and photograph an artwork that you have created before the AP class.   If you have taken other art courses or private lessons,  these artworks can be photographed to use in the second section of your portfolio.

18. Be curious about your ideas!  Explore the connections between art and science,  art and the human condition, art and literature.   Many AP students find inspiration in their life experiences as well.  

19. Remake an artwork from childhood using the same materials you used at that age.  Tap into the thoughts and emotions you have now.  While making the art,  try to reconnect to the thoughts and feelings you had as a younger artist.  

20. Create a sculpture from organic materials.  Photograph your sculpture and compost the organic materials.

21. Begin sketching ideas for a sustained investigation or inquiry.  What are you curious about?  Link to the "Inquiry Page"