(Not graded- this is just to help you get you started)

1. View Google Slides Presentation to get an understanding of what you will do in AP.
   Intro to AP Art and Design 

2. View examples of AP portfolios on the AP website. Pay attention to what they scored and why. Start making connections as to what you are trying to achieve this year. Identify differences between different types of portfolios. 

   • 2D Design Example Portfolios

     • Sustained Investigation
       https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-art-and-design-2d-sustained-investigation-samples-2019-2020.pdf?course=ap-2-d-art-and-design

     • Selected Works
       https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-art-and-design-2d-selected-works-samples-2019-2020.pdf?course=ap-2-d-art-and-design

   • Drawing Portfolio Example

     • Sustained Investigation
       https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-art-and-design-drawing-sustained-investigation-samples-2019-2020.pdf?course=ap-drawing

     • Selected Works
       https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-art-and-design-drawing-selected-works-samples-2019-2020.pdf?course=ap-drawing

(Not graded- this is just to help you get you started)

Buy a new Sketchbook (size A4, good quality paper) and do the following:

• Take a series of photos (at least 30 photos) of objects, people, places, or moments that are of some significance or interest to you. Preferably choose things with personal meaning to yourself. These cannot all be shot at home. Save your best 30 photos to a Google Photos album (download the app) and label the album “AP Research”. Print out at least 5 of your favorite photos and glue them into your sketchbook/

  • Analyze the photos you took and look for themes within the photos that link them together. If you find a common thread among several photos you may want to focus on those and take a few more photos to add to the idea. You may need to make separate albums to group similar photos.

• Next, create a Pinterest board titled “AP Research” and add at least 50 artworks whose style influences your art style. Follow some of the artists on social media if they have good ones. If you have existing Pinterest boards then spend some time organizing them for use as AP inspiration.

• 8-10 pages of observational drawings, sketches of people and objects, and media experimentation.

• Visit 1 art show/museum exhibition over the summer. Bring your sketchbook and write a summary of the show. Choose 1-2 images from the show to sketch. Include your ticket stub. (this should take up 1-2 full pages.) If you are unable to attend a real-life exhibition due to social distancing, you may attend a virtual exhibition instead, but in-person is preferred. 

• 4-5 pages of sketches and written idea generation about sustained investigation topics. Check out these super useful articles to help with brainstorming ideas. 

• Art Project Ideas: A Guide to Subject Matter Selection

• How to Avoid the Cliché in a High School Art Project

• How to Make a Mind Map: Creative Examples for High School Art Students

• GCSE /A Level Art Exam Ideas 2013

Assignment:

All work is due the third week of class. All assignments will be graded.

If you are submitting an AP 2D Design portfolio, put more of an emphasis on the design principles and elements of art. If submitting a drawing portfolio, place greater emphasis on realism, precision, mark-making, and lighting. 

1. Create a self portrait from observation: try interacting with the environment or interacting with your own reflection (display a specific emotion/different kinds of emotions). Try and explore layering. Suggested media: acrylic paint, charcoal, collage, watercolor, pastel, pen.

2. Create TWO anatomical studies  (Hands/Feet, Face with various Emotions, Body in Movement etc.) PROCESS SLIDES

3. Create 1 interior or exterior from observation (actually sit in that place and draw) of a cherished place, use marks to communicate emotional response to space, focus on tonal value. Think about the idea of home, or a lack thereof.

4. Pick ONE of the following two options are create a final work of:

   • Draw a cropped-in view of a mechanical object. Bikes, inside of/under cars, inside of clocks and computers, pipes, outlets with cords/plugs, etc.  Focus on detail and variety in shape/form.

   • “Natural Environments:” explore a natural environment of some sort and focus on the details of this space. You might think about a habitat for a particular creature as a subject. Think about exploring macro vs. micro in the environment. This could also work well as a triptych.

5. Create TWO ARTIST STUDY SLIDES

   • Try to find artists that could be used as inspiration for you future artworks.

   • Don't just pick known artist, explore lesser known artist working with topics, materials, and styles inspiring to you.

6. 4-5 pages of observational drawings, sketches of people and objects, and media experimentation. Should help guide PROMPT 7...

7. After brainstorming in your sketchbook, create your FIRST SUSTAINED INVESTIGATION PIECE. Document your process at all stages with photos! 

Optional 8: Create one additional "Selected Works" piece. Your "selected works" art should be finished artworks that show off your BEST artistic skill. In AP Art you will submit 5 artworks under your selected works portfolio submission. These artworks make up 40% of your overall score. If you are someone who works a little slower then using time over summer to make one of these pieces will be incredibly helpful!