This course is for students who are ready for a college-level art experience. The AP Program is sponsored by the College Board, an AP policies are determined by representatives of Collage Board member institutions throughout the country. The program allows colleges to evaluate and award students' work by grantig college-level credit and/or placement. The course can also serve students who would like to prepare for college, art school or a career in art, but who do not want to take the AP
exam, by helping them bring together a professional portfolio of their work.
There are three sections in the AP portfolio, each with specific objectives and requirements.
- The first section, Quality, asks for works that show a command of technique and advanced aesthetic sensitivity.
- The second section, Concentration, requires that the student pursue a particular idea or issue. This topic should be decided upon early in the year, although the students may change focus or direction as they proceed throughout the year. A sustained process of research, growth, and discovery is the objective here. This process is documented and developed in the sketchbook. Students are expected to do independent research on their topic, which includes reading, visiting galleries and museums , talking to artists and others, collecting information from various sources, and writing and drawing in their sketchbooks.
- In the third section, Breadth, the student is encouraged to extend his or her experience with a wide range of subject matter, media and techniques, and aesthetic issues.
Portfolio Structure:
| Drawing Portfolio | 2D Design Portfolio | 3D Design Portfolio | |
| QUALITY | 5
actual works, (max. 18" x 24")Works that excel in concept, composition and execution of drawing | 5 actual
works, (max. 18" x 24") Works that excel in concept, composition, and execution of 2D Design | 10 slides,
2-views each of 5 works Works that excel in concept, execution of 3D Design |
CONCENTRATION | 12 images; some may be details series of works organized around a compelling visual concept in drawing | 12 images; some may be details A series of works organized around a compelling visual concept in 2-D Design | 12 images;
some may be details/2nd views A series of works organized around a compelling visual concept in 3-D Design |
| BREADTH | 12 images of different works Works that demonstrate a variety of concepts, media and approaches | 12 images of different works Works that demonstrate a variety of concepts, media and approaches | 16 images; 2
views each of 8 different works Works that demonstrate a variety of concepts, media and approaches |
Commitment: It is vital that students work on their projects outside of class in school and at home. Students are welcome to use the studio during study halls and after school. They should expect to spend about ten to twenty hours per week on outside-of-class work. This is consistent with the amount of outside-of-class preparation that is expected in an art course at the college level. Parents should encourage their student to work at home nightly. A "studio" environment, consisting of a worktable desk or drawing board with good lighting should be created in the student's bedroom or other appropriate area of the house. Summer assignments are an important part of the ongoing process of developing an AP portfolio and are required.
Sketchbook:
An important component of this course is the sketchbook. Research is an
integral to the art making process; students should keep a visual
journal containing the exploration and evolution of their ideas
accompanied by written reflection. Work in the sketchbook is an ongoing
process that will assist in making informed and critical decisions
about their progress. It will hold a collection of ideas and research –
an invaluable tool for planning, problem solving recording ideas,
capturing visual information, and working on compositional issues. The
sketchbook is brought to class everyday. Ideas for projects or
solutions to problems should be worked out in the sketchbook both in
and outside of class.
ACADEMIC HONESTY IN VISUAL ART:
In
all studio courses it is expected that students freely share ideas and
techniques with their classmates. During class critiques, or when
working with fellow students, individuals will certainly be influenced
by what is seen and the discussions that take place. Openness to ideas
and influences is not only legitimate, but also encouraged. Artists
are constantly being influenced by the work and ideas of other artists.
Being inspired by the concept/technique of a fellow student is not
dishonest. Invariably, one takes this inspiration, and through the
highly individual and creative process, makes it his/her own.
It
is, however, of the utmost importance that one present work which is
completely one’s own. There are many times when an artist’s motivation,
technique or image is drawn from an outside sources such as
photographs, published images, and/or other artists’ works, you must
show substantial and significant development beyond duplication. This
may be demonstrated through manipulation of the formal qualities,
design, and/or concept of the original work. It is unethical,
constitutes plagiarism, and often violates copyright law to simply copy
an image (even in another medium) that was made by someone else.
Artistic integrity is of the utmost importance and plagiarism will not
be tolerated.
CRITIQUE/ASSESSMENT:
Students
engage in in-depth critiques and write reviews of their own work and
that of others. Class critiques take place at regular intervals and
are an integral part of all classes. Each student must show his/her
work and briefly discuss his/her intent. The class is then expected to
provide positive feedback and give constructive criticism to help the
artist improve. All are required to participate and use the appropriate
artistic vocabulary. Group critiques generally take the entire class to
complete, sometimes more than one class period and are student driven.
In addition teacher driven individual critiques, where a student and
the teacher discuss the work in a student’s portfolio, also take place.
These can be either formal or informal. Students periodically also have
to do written evaluations and listings of their progress.
Missed Work:
Attendance
is expected. After an absence, you are responsible for making up any
and all missed class work. Incomplete or missing work will result in a
lower grade.
