Course Expectations
The AP Studio Art class is designed for students who are interested in the practical experience of art. AP Studio Art is not based on a written examination; instead, students submit a completed portfolio of artwork for evaluation in May for which they could potentially earn college credit.
Here is an overview of the Goals and Expectations of the AP Student:
This is a very rigorous course of study and only those student who are self-motivated and truly focused will benefit from this program. Prior to the start of the school year, AP students will be expected to complete summer assignments. Then, from September until May, students will continue to complete their portfolio requirements by the Deadline Scheduleset forth by the AP Art Teacher.
The AP Program offers three different portfolios: Drawing, 2-Dimensional Design, and 3-Dimensional Design. Every student must prepare ONE of the three art exams, and within each exam there are three areas: Quality, Breadth, and Concentration.
Quality - Students will choose five works that best represent their mastery of drawing or design issues apparent in concept and execution of work: Line, Shape, Color, Value, Texture, Space, and Form. For this section, students are asked to submit five actual works in one or more media. Pieces may not be larger than 18” x 24” in size including matting and/or mounting.
**Quality works submitted may come from the Concentration or Breadth section, but they do not have to.
Breadth - This is a variety of work demonstrating understanding of the principles of design: Unity, Balance, Emphasis, Contrast, Rhythm, Repetition, Proportion/Scale, Figure/Ground relationship, and expressive mark-making. Students must show that they are thoughtfully applying these principles within their art work, showing evidence of conceptual perceptual, and expressive development, as well as technical skill. This section should demonstrate a variety of drawing skills (experimentation and range) and approaches. This section may be completed using a single medium or a variety of media. Students will submit 12 digital images of these twelve varied works. Details may not be included.
Concentration - A concentration is a body of related art works that demonstrate an investigation of a specific idea, exploration and conclusion within their art pieces. It is not a selection of a variety of works resulting from class assignments with differing intents. Students should pursue a personal, central interest as intensely as possible. They may use any idea in any medium that addresses drawing or two-dimensional design issues and should demonstrate growth and competence. This section will demonstrate artistic thinking, selective methods of working, and development over time. Students will submit 12 digital images along with Concentration Statement written commentary describing what the concentration is and how it evolved throughout the art work over time. Detail images may be included.
The final portfolio will be sent and evaluated by a group of art educators. They will review each of the three sections independently based on the designated criteria for that section.
3) AP students should also maintain sketchbooks which are to be composed of visual ideas, notes, photos, doodles, plans, short assignments, quick drawings and practices of various techniques. Many art schools and colleges request to see students’ sketchbooks to see their creativity and developing features of their work.
100% A+ Sketchbook Examples
A-Level Fine Art Sketchbooks
Keep working in your sketchbooks! Remember, they should be used as journals, sketchbooks, playgrounds, containers for inspiration and experimentation, etc. Follow the four stages of creativity.