2007-2008 AP Art Acceptance Letter
Dear Student:
We are pleased to inform you that the Art Department has accepted you as an Advanced Placement Art student.
It is your choice whether or not you want to enroll. We are delighted to have such a talented group of students for our program next year. We look forward to working with you to develop your artistic vision. Please be advised that you are enrolling in a class that will require a great deal of time, effort and motivation, but will also be fun.
These are your first assignments:
http://www.collegeboard.org
1. Consult this web site for information about the program (Studio Art). There are three categories:
- Drawing
- Design
- and 3D.
2. Between now and the start of school in September, please create 12 new pieces that you think will work well for your portfolio. Select 6 of the following required projects below. The other 6 projects are your choice. These works should reflect your BEST efforts and all of your ability. These works will be evaluated according to the AP scale and need to be professional looking pieces. The 12 works will give us a base for working next year. Your work can be in one media or in many; it's up to you. Current AP Art students suggest that you use this time to experiment with different media. More than 12 pieces is, of course, encouraged. Your twelve projects will count towards your grade first semester. If you take an art class during the spring semester or during the summer, you may use these pieces as part of your 12.
Pick SIX of the following eight projects:
A. Do an observational drawing which includes at least 7 values, texture, background and table. Make sure that you cover each part of the page. This drawing may be in charcoal, pencil, color pencil, pastel or any other drawing media.
B. Create a self-portrait that expresses something unusual about you.
C. Do a project inspired by a famous art movement (e.g. cubism, futurism, fauvism, expressionism, op art, pop art, etc.)
D. Pick an object from nature and make a project that depicts this object in an unusual, unique way.
E. Do a project that examines positive/negative space in an urban environment. Negative space is generally considered "background," or the area around the subject matter. Make that area important.
F. Do a project that puts emphasis on a particular color organization (primary, secondary, tertiary, analogous, monochrome).
G. Create a project that emphasizes pattern or texture. You may complete the work in any medium.
H. Create a collage. If you would like to do this project in two-dimensions, you can use magazines and/or colored paper. Artists Romare Bearden and Hannah Hoch worked well in this tradition. In three dimensions, consider creating an assemblage of unusual materials.
Ask yourself the following questions about each work:
1. Does the composition work for my piece or is it boring? (Objects in the middle of the page tend to be dull.)
2. Does each part of the piece look completed or do some areas look less considered? Is there enough detail?
3. Does my project reflect the best of my ability? How does it look from far away, in a mirror?
4. Does the background complement the subject matter?
5. Do I have a full range of value and color?
Have your projects prepared and finished by the first week of school. You do not need to bring them the first day of school! In September, we will arrange a calendar scheduling presentations and one-on-one meetings with me. You will present your summer projects to the class as an introduction of your work.
3. Your portfolio requires a concentration, or theme. This is a very important element of the class. Almost half of your projects will share a theme; they should look related and explore similar ideas. Start by looking for areas of interest in your work. These concentrations should be observable objects: no fairies, angels, or fantasy images. You CAN use your imagination but make sure that you show technical skills. Examples of possible concentrations include: "zombies take over America," scary nightlights, exploration of pattern and designs found in nature, happy moments in balloon history, crushed soda cans, abandoned toys. Your assignment: Make a list of at least 10 possible concentrations. Although you are not committed to any of these ideas, it is a great brainstorming device. Click here for advice about your concentration.
4. Start scheduling weekly time for your work. You should allow AT LEAST 7 hours/week outside of class to work on your art. If you know you have a busy schedule next year, plan your time to allow for significant studio time. AP Art will probably be scheduled 4th and 5th period, and you are welcome to stay after class to work. You also have the option of taking both class periods. Be aware of the time left before the portfolio is due next April. It may seem like you have a lot of time, but quality projects require a great deal of time, and every piece you produce will not go into your portfolio.
Assignment checklist:
- Check out the program on the web (college board and SAMOHI Art Department website, AP Art class)
- 12 new completed and wonderful pieces (6 assignment, 6 your choice)
- List of 10 possible concentrations
- Schedule time for your art
- Save Thursday, 3 May for the new REQUIRED AP Art student meeting, 3:20-5pm in Roberts Art Gallery
- Send your email address to Ms. Bouse at bouse@smmusd.org. You will receive scholarship opportunities, notices about classes and special exhibits and valuable art information.
- Consider joining SAMO 4 ART, (Booster Club) $5 per year membership
- Consider a summer program at a college. Most art schools offer "pre-college" programs.
- Consider talking to current AP Art students so that you know what to expect. They were once new students, too and most are happy to discuss their experience.
Welcome to AP Art! We hope that you will find this course challenging and enjoyable. You will be with SAMOHI's best art students, which will become a valuable resource to you.
Thank you for applying. We look forward to working with you!!
Sincerely,
The Art Department
PS: (If you have other questions about the AP Art Program, please consult Ms. Bouse in A103, extension 443/ bouse@smmusd.org)
PPS: Click here to view a sample of the September 2006 AP Calendar so that you can get an idea of the class schedule.