Fine Arts

AP Music Theory:  Welcome to AP Music Theory!  Everyone  on the request list received an email with Chapter 1 and Chapter 2, including practice exercises (pgs. 12-13, 26-32).  Please read the chapters, then complete the practice exercise pages.  You should bring this completed work to our first class (your first graded homework assignment).  Also,  have a look at the information below.  We will cover all of this material, but it will be helpful for you to have some basic knowledge to begin the year.  

Thanks,

Mr. Pearse

AP Studio Art and Design & AP Drawing 

Purpose of the Assignments: This summer work is written to help you decide what your essential question will be for guiding your sustained investigation. 

Essential Question for you: In what ways can this summer work help me to develop my idea, find inspiration/ influence from an artist, and write my essential question?

Why Do You Need an Essential Question? In AP Art, the guiding question is crucial because it structures your sustained investigation, a year-long exploration of an idea or concept through art. This question serves as a foundation for your entire portfolio, guiding your artistic choices, experimentation, and revisions as you develop your artwork. Essentially, it's the "why" behind your artistic process.

To Do: In your sketchbook, brainstorm ideas for your essential question. Document artistic inspirations and sketch composition ideas that will jumpstart your sustained investigation.

Helpful hints: 

1. Draw directly from life instead of using reference photos, whenever possible. If you must use a photo, take your own or use a photo from the public domain. (You know I love https://unsplash.com/   ) Attach photos in your sketchbook.

 2. Use quality materials for your art. Good materials make it easier to create good work. 

3. Use a variety of media, even combining them for mixed media. 

5. Visit the AP Central website for the portfolio you are submitting often to see sample portfolios and to become familiar with requirements. 

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-drawing 

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-2-d-art-and-design 

6. Look at good art! Visit the local art centers, galleries, art museums, and art festivals. Take your sketchbook with you, and render the work as well as your response to it. It is a good thing to jot down your thinking process in your sketchbook as well as draw in it. 

7. Read about art! I recommend reading Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon or Think Like an Artist by Will Gompertz. Read art magazines, such as The Artist’s Magazine and International Artist. You will find these in local libraries. Check out books about famous artists in the library while you are there. Study the images in them. 

8. Search the Internet for artists dealing with the same subject as you. Study their work, life history, and influences