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AP Studio Art
Duration
1 year
Credit
1
Grade
11 – 12
Homework
Heavy
Prerequisite
Visual Art 2, or portfolio with approval of art department

The AP Studio Art course earns honors credit and is considered a college-level course of study offered to juniors and/or seniors. Students follow the guidelines of the College Board and meet the TAS expectation for AP and IB courses. During this year-long course, students work to complete one of three portfolio options: Drawing, 2-D Design, or 3-D design. AP Studio Art students should be prepared to do a significant amount of work outside of regular class time either after school, during free periods or at home.

A minimum of 24 exceptional pieces of art are required to complete a portfolio. The teacher and student work closely to develop the portfolio, but the student must be able to work independently and devote their full attention to making art. Student work is assessed as to whether it reflects college level thinking in terms of the use of composition, cohesion, use of class-time, craftsmanship and creative solutions. Students explore ideas and record their reflections while maintaining a blog. Students are introduced to aspects of the Adobe Creative Suite to create sophisticated imagery that goes beyond the simple application of filters, layer blending and special effects. Students are encouraged to use a workbook to record and develop ideas, consider options, plan compositions, record their research, document inspiration and to sketch throughout the year. Museum and gallery visits,

critiques, and opportunities to exhibit work are all features of this course that contribute to the development of a successful portfolio.

Extra expenses related to this course include: the AP registration fee, matting and presentation costs, and tools or materials beyond the “normal” range available in the Art Department. The following are brief descriptions of the three portfolio options:

Drawing Portfolio: The Drawing Portfolio addresses a very broad interpretation of drawing issues and media. Students demonstrate mastery of light and shade, line quality, rendering of form, composition, surface manipulation, and illusion of depth are drawing issues that can be addressed through a variety of means, which could include painting, printmaking and mixed media. 2-D Design Portfolio: The 2-D Design students demonstrate mastery through any two-dimensional medium or process including, but not limited to: graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, illustration, painting, and printmaking.

3-D Design Portfolio: This portfolio addresses sculptural issues and involves purposeful decision making about using the Elements and Principles of art in an integrative way whereby students demonstrate their understanding of depth and space.