Be sure to read the instructions for posting your summer homework here.

Sketchbook:

• You will need a sketchbook for your AP work this year. The National Exam changed to focus more on process, brainstorming and developing your ideas. Much of this process will take place in your sketchbook. You'll want to buy a sketchbook early in the summer and use it often!
• Your sketchbook is a place to play! Don't watch too many sketchbook videos on Youtube...they're not real. Every page of your sketchbook is not a work of art. Its a place to mess up, grow, learn, and try new things. If you have a lot of sketchbook anxiety I'd recommend getting two. One for messing around in that is just for your eyes and one you do more final work in for other people to see.
• My recommendations:
  • Canson XL Mixed Media
    • Only $7
    • Works well for markers and light watercolor, so it should hold up to experimentation
      • The markers will bleed through to another page however.
    • Wire bound so it will lay flat
  • Stillman and Birn Wire bound Sketchbook
    • I am in love with my Stillman and Birn (I take a smaller version on my summer trips)
    • More expensive @ $19.99
    • Shouldn't bleed through with marker application.

Assignment #1: Object exploration

WHAT:

Select a simple single object that you can draw from observation. This should be a real thing you can draw from life. Start with prompt number one. Then choose nine of the prompts from the list below and apply the idea to your object. You may use multiple spreads or pages in your sketchbook. Experiment with media (pens, markers, pencils, paints...).

1. draw it realistically
2. crumple
3. sever
4. enclose
5. scatter
6. swirl
7. knot
8. spill
9. droop
10. zoom
11. wrap
12. bond
13. tension
14. dilute
15. shrink
16. weave

WHEN: Over the summer. Due the first day of class. Be sure to post your "finished" pieces (and any progress pics you'd like) to #alohaapstudio on Instagram.

CRITERIA:

• In your sketchbook
• SIZE: These do not all have to be full page or even "finished" pieces. They are exploration and sketches. Try dividing your page into smaller sections.

Assignment #2: 30 Minis

WHAT:

Create 30 mini drawings/paintings exploring a theme using the papers provided for you during our AP meeting before summer break. If you need more, try and find a similar paper and cut them to the same size. Use a variety of materials and art styles. You should experiment widely with materials. Consider collage, pencil, pen, marker, photography, paints or ink. This is an opportunity to explore and try many ideas. This theme might be your concentration idea but it does not have to be.

For theme ideas: http://gomakesomething.com/ht/thebasics/theme-ideas/

WHEN: Over the summer. Due the first day of class. Be sure to post your progress pieces and finished piece (and any progress pics you'd like) to #alohaapstudio on Instagram.

CRITERIA:

• Create 30 minis. 4” by 4”.
• Show variety, understanding of contrast & emphasis.
• Demonstrate excellent craftsmanship.
• Show variety. Be clever with your materials.
• These do not have to be self portraits (that's just all I have examples of)

Assignment #3

WHAT: Sketchbook Spreads/Visual Journal

A visual journal is much like a diary but includes both words, sketches and mixed media. You will complete 2, 2 page spreads. Each spread must include the following:

1. An observational drawing/painting. Draw an object by actually looking at it, not a picture of it.
2. Collage. You may collage photos, images or colors from magazines or newspapers, maps, tickets, other doodles, etc. Even sticky notes work to give yourself great blocks of color to draw on top of. Save movie tickets, print pictures of yourself or your family
3. Text. Your text may be a title, thoughts, bullet points, paragraphs, lyrics, etc.

Even if your final spread looks finished, you might create several pages of sketches and brainstorms for your final spread. KEEP THESE. The AP portfolio this year is all about process. They're into the journey of your art as much as the destination.

Each spread will have a prompt. Choose from the list below or come up with your own.

WHEN: Due the first day of class. Post your finished two page spreads to Instagram with the #alohaapstudio

CRITERIA:

• 2 finished 2 page spreads in your sketchbook
• Use of Mixed Media on each spread
• Use of text on each spread
• Observational drawing on each spread
• Process drawings and pre-sketches/plans done in sketchbook.

Prompt ideas:

• Who am I?
• Faces around me
• Life drawing practice
• Blind contour drawings
• Buildings I see
• Fan art
• Landscape practice (find landscapes from films or from life)
• Design a tattoo
• Animals, fill your pages with your pet
• Detailed portrait + sketches, explore a single face in depth
• Illustrate words
• Artist master study
• Flower/plant/insect studies
• Paint on black paper
• Original character design
• Patterns
• Draw everything on your desk
• Create a comic strip
• Explore an art movement