This page has been created in response to a number of questions associated with the AP Studio Art and Portfolio Prep Classes. Should you have any questions pertaining to these topics or any others, and you do not see your questions answered below, please email me at this address and I will be happy to assist you.
Q. I'm not sure I understand the difference between the AP Studio 2D and Drawing portfolios, since most drawing media is 2-dimensional. What is the difference?
A. It can be a bit confusing, at first, to determine the difference between the two separate portfolios. When creating the portfolios, students are able to use all of the same mediums/supplies in their creation of the work. The difference is the approach to the work itself. In a very abbreviated way, the drawing portfolio can be described as an in-depth exploration of the visual problems that relate to mark making. Emphasis is placed on the way marks are made, or the way a subject is depicted. The 2-D portfolio, however, focuses more-so on the elements of art and principles of design, and how they are used to create an interesting composition. You might create a work of art based on the principle of movement, or have a piece that explores visual rhythm using pattern and shape, or explore manipulating balance and space while utilizing contour line.
AP College Board Answer: The focus of the work. While there is a large area of possible overlap between the two portfolios, a 2-D Design portfolio should focus on application of design elements and principles; a Drawing portfolio should focus on mark-making, line quality, and surface manipulation. Portfolios will be evaluated according to these criteria.
Please click on the Prezi link to view more information regarding these portfolios. Here is also a link to the student Portfolio Examples from the college-board website, which may help students to understand the difference.
Q. I understand that there is a summer assignment associated with AP Studio Art. What is this assignment and where do I find it?
A. Almost every school that offers AP Studio Art assigns summer work, as each project you create can count towards the 24-29 works needed to complete the portfolio.
There are 5 assignments that you are to turn on the second day of school
Assignment #1- Registration with the college board & Set up your Google Drive
Assignment #2 - Complete Skeleton for your Weebly website
Assignment #3 - 2 Completed pieces for critique from the list of ideas given
Assignment #4 - 5 Completed sketchbook assignments from the given list. Continue work/research in a personal sketchbook/visual journal/altered book.
Assignment #5 - Concentration Exploration
Q. What if I am not sure which AP Studio Portfolio I plan to complete throughout next year? Is there a different summer assignment for each?
A. Students who are interested in pursuing the 2-D or Drawing portfolios should complete the same summer assignment. The approach the student takes to the completion of this work will be different depending on which portfolio the student chooses. Students who are confused about the difference should complete the work to the best of their ability and I will assist them in determining which direction their work seems to already have (and then determine if the student would like to continue in this direction). If you intend to take the AP Studio 3D Portfolio, contact Mrs. Medio to inform her of this direction and she will give you a separate summer assignment.
Q. Is it possible to take AP Studio Art for more than one year?
A. Yes, it is possible to take AP Studio Art for more than one year, since there are multiple portfolios to choose from. If a student has already completed an advanced art class prior to the student's junior year, that student can take AP Studio Art as a junior. All students will need to choose from the Drawing, 2D, or 3D portfolios and fulfill the requirements of this portfolio throughout the year. If the student then chose to complete a different portfolio during their senior year, this would enable the students to, potentially, fulfill college requirements for two separate classes. For instance, if a junior chose to complete the AP Studio Art: 2D portfolio during their junior year, they could choose to complete the AP Studio Art: Drawing portfolio during their senior year.
Q. Will Portfolio Prep run in a separate class period than AP Studio Art? What is this class all about?
A. Portfolio prep will run at the same time, in the same class, and with the same teacher as AP Studio Art.
The work assigned will be very similar to the assignments given to students taking AP Studio, but the pace of the work will be extended. Rather than completing more than 30 works of art throughout the year in AP Studio Art, students will be required to complete closer to 15 or 20 works, and more time will be allotted to each individual project.
Also, while AP Studio Art requires students begin producing artwork in the summer, and complete their portfolios before April(to allot for the collection of images of the work and submission time), students taking Portfolio Prep will work on their portfolios throughout the entire school year.
Q. Is summer work required for the Portfolio Prep class?
A. Currently, there is no summer work required for students taking Portfolio Prep.
Q. When will scores be available for students that completed AP Studio Art in the 2015/2016 school year?
A. Scores will be posted for students to view no later than July 9th.