For the AP exam, you must demonstrate your understanding and skills in the following (You will be scored in these areas by the AP judges.):
- Investigating the materials, processes, and ideas that artists and designers use
- Practicing, experimenting, and revising as you create your own work
- Communicating your ideas about works of art and design
OVERVIEW: SUSTAINED INVESTIGATION
The Sustained Investigation section shows the student's in-depth exploration of a particular design concern. It is presented as 15 images, some of which may be details of work or documentation of process. Students will submit images and writing to document their inquiry-guided investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision. The emphasis is on a coherent development of an idea through a body of work, in addition to the artistic success of the work.
By January 5, you will need to turn in a short essay (2 paragraphs) describing your Sustained Investigation idea and how you plan on exploring that idea. You will need to upload your Selected Works section to the digital submission website. From December vacation until April 13, you will be completing at least one Sustained Investigation artwork per week. In addition, you will be experimenting with materials and techniques and developing additional work or refining existing work for your Selected Works section of the AP exam. There will be mini-lessons and exercises to complete as well. You will also be photographing/scanning your work, documenting your process, writing about your process, and writing essays regarding your work.
PREPARATORY STEPS
I. Create a College Board Account
You should receive notice from Guidance to register and pay for the AP exam. Taking the exam is typically a required part of this course (although it is optional during this pandemic year. I recommend you take the exam this year, as you will do all the work for it anyway.). The forms that our Guidance Dept. send you should be filled out and the check for the exam given to our school's AP Coordinator.
- If you haven't already done so, please create a College Board account. Click here for directions. You may need the school code for Burlington High School. Create your College Board account before creating your Digital Submission Account (Your College Board account and Digital Submission account will be different.).
https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/access-your-ap-resources/sign-in-to-college-board-account
II. Create a Digital Submission Account
- If you haven’t already done so, create an AP Digital Submission account. (This is separate from your My AP account for which you previously registered. Usernames and passwords for My AP or other College Board websites will not work on this site. Create a separate username and password to access the AP Art and Design Digital Submission web application.
You should use a personal email address, not your school email address.
https://apstudio.ets.org/apstudioart/
https://apstudio.ets.org/apstudioart/document/HelpText.pdf
You will need these two numbers: the school code and the teacher key.
III. Understand the Focus of Your Exam & Study the Work of Others: What does QUALITY look like?
- View/study AP student samples for the exam for which you registered.
- Study the work of master artists from the past and from the contemporary art world.
- Dig into the books and magazines on art history and contemporary art that are available in the Studio Art Honors classroom.
Below are samples of student work from AP portfolios. Selected works are scored from 1 - 5, with scores of 4 and 5 show the quality to shoot for in your own individual works. The Sustained Investigation is scored from 1 - 3. When working on pieces for homework and for your own Sustained Investigation, look to these examples and resources for the quality of work to which to aspire.
The DRAWING portfolio is designated for work that focuses on the use of mark-making, line, surface, space, light and shade, and composition. Students should consider marks that can be used to make drawings, the arrangement of marks, the materials and processes used to make marks, and relationships of marks and ideas. Students can work with any materials, processes, and ideas. Drawing (analog and digital), painting, printmaking, and mixed media work are among the possibilities for submission.
- AP Drawing Samples 2020
- AP Drawing Samples Archive
- Kevin Buxton - AP Art Show (BHS 2020)
- Nicole Benjamin - AP Art Show (BHS 2020)
- Sarah Schissler - AP Art Show (BHS 2020)
- Martello Cesar - AP portfolio exam (BHS 2019)
- Marley Gainley - AP exam (BHS 2017)
- Anne Zhang - BHS sustained investigation
- Irina Grigoryeva - BHS sustained investigation
- Pablo Aguilar - BHS AP exam
- Jake Ursino - BHS Sustained Investigation
- Toula Papadopoulos - BHS Sustained Investigation
The 2D ART & DESIGN portfolio is designated for work that focuses on the use of two-dimensional (2-D) elements and principles of art and design, including point, line, shape, plane, layer, form, space, texture, color, value, opacity, transparency, time, unity, variety, rhythm, movement, proportion, scale, balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, figure/ ground relationship, connection, juxtaposition, and hierarchy. Students should consider how materials, processes, and ideas can be used to make work that exists on a flat surface. Students can work with any materials, processes, and ideas. Graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design, fashion illustration, painting, and printmaking are among the possibilities for submission.
The Principles of Art (slideshow)
Color Theory
The 3D ART & DESIGN portfolio is designated for work that focuses on the use of three-dimensional (3-D) elements and principles of art and design, including point, line, shape, plane, layer, form, volume, mass, occupied/unoccupied space, texture, color, value, opacity, transparency, time, unity, variety, rhythm, movement, proportion, scale, balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, connection, juxtaposition, and hierarchy. Students should consider how materials, processes, and ideas can be used to make work that involves space and form. Students can work with any materials, processes, and ideas. Figurative or non-figurative sculpture, architectural models, metal work, ceramics, glasswork, installation, performance, assemblage, and 3-D fabric/fiber arts are among the possibilities for submission.
The Principles of Art (slideshow)
- AP 3D Design Samples 2020
- AP 3D Design Samples Archive
- A Pinterest collection
- Example AP 3D Design portfolio with fashion emphasis - score 5
- Youtube introduction from an AP 3D class
Other examples of high quality high school work:
- The AP College Board’s 2020 AP Art and Design Digital Exhibit showcases outstanding artwork created by students who submitted portfolios for the May 2020 exam. Amid a global pandemic, AP Art and Design students worked with diverse ideas, materials, and processes to create incredible, impactful art. The exhibit features student and teacher reflections on these works, providing compelling insights into how artists make choices and approach art making.
- The National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Entries are judged on: ORIGINALITY; TECHNICAL SKILL; and EMERGENCE OF A PERSONAL VOICE OR VISION, characteristics similar to what the AP College Board is judging in the exams.
IV. Set High Expectations for Yourself
Each artwork you turn in for homework and for the Sustained Investigation is to be a FINISHED, PORTFOLIO-QUALITY artwork. Refer to the College Board's Student Samples for expectations on QUALITY. Make each drawing, design, or sculpture portfolio-worthy. Concentrate on design principles and good composition, mark-making, technique, and expression.
As is always expected, spend AT LEAST 3 - 5 hours on your projects (outside of regular class sessions) each week.
1. Visit and explore the College Board's AP Art & Design Program website. Refer to it regularly. From the Main/Overview Page you'll be able to find a lot of helpful resources. Devote time to exploring the pages of the exam to which you registered:
2. Read for understanding the AP Scoring Guidelines at the end of this AP Portfolio Exam Description (pages 42 and 45): Selected Works are scored from 1 - 5; Sustained Investigation from 1 - 3. The pieces for your Selected Works and your Sustained Investigation must be “exam-worthy”. They will be graded according to the rigorous standards set forth by the AP College Board. View samples of student work online for comparison.
3. Visit the following pages to view/read Student Samples and Scoring Commentary:
- AP Drawing Samples 2020
- AP Drawing Samples Archive
- AP 2D Design Samples 2020
- AP 2D Design Samples Archive
- AP 3D Design Samples 2020
- AP 3D Design Samples Archive
4. Read the artist statements by students explaining their Sustained Investigations, and the rationales/explanations by the judges for the scores that students received.
5. Begin thinking about the possibilities for your own Sustained Investigation by answering the following questions (These will later be put in essay form.):
- What inquiry or question(s) will guide your sustained investigation?
- How do you plan to explore that question/idea (particularly in ways that would show practice, experimentation, and revision)?
V. Upload Selected Works
- Scan or photograph all your best work.
- Upload images of your five Selected Works to your Digital Submission account and include your written text.
Read the instructions for uploading your images.
https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/digital-submission/submit-ap-art-design-work
Format your JPG images to be just under 5 MB in file size, and RGB color mode. To do this, reduce the resolution to approximately 1400-1500 pixels/inch for the longest side. If needed, I can help you format images to the appropriate file size and upload them into a shared GoogleDrive folder of your full portfolio.
Let me know if you have any problems in accessing and uploading work to the site. Upload your five Selected Works images (Your five highest quality works so far, showing a range of subject matter, materials and techniques, and styles). Input the appropriate information for each selection (You can always “swap out” your selections for other work later.).
If you have questions or need technical assistance, contact AP Services by phone at 877-274-6474 (toll free in the United States and Canada) or 212-632-1781, or by email at [email protected].
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CALENDAR
TERM 2
In Class: Large Self Portrait Painting in Environment (Due Thursday, January 21)
- There will be some modifications for 2D Design students.
- 3D Design will work out an alternative with the instructor.
Dec. 9 (Wednesday)
- DUE: Homework: Figure Drawing of Family Member
Dec. 11 (Friday)
- (Optional) Deadline for submitting work to the Scholastic Art Awards
Dec. 16 (Wednesday) *3D Design can work out an alternative with the instructor.
Dec. 18 (Friday)
- DUE: Complete Steps I - V above to prepare for your Sustained Investigation
Dec. 23 (Wednesday)
- DUE: Homework: Choice/Sustained Investigation Try-out #3: Inventive Use of Materials / Exploration
December Vacation
- Write proposal and begin Sustained Investigation
Jan. 5 (Tuesday) –
- DUE: Written Sustained Investigation proposal (typed) – Answer the following:
- What is the central idea of your Sustained Investigation
- How do you plan to explore that idea?
- DUE: At least one new fully-realized, exam-worthy piece for the Sustained Investigation, for a total of at bare minimum 1 finished piece in your series in which you are fully satisfied. Take the best photographs (or scans) you can. Turn the work in via Google Classroom, email, or share with me from your Google Drive.
Jan. 12 (Tuesday) –
- DUE: At least one new fully-realized, exam-worthy piece for the Sustained Investigation, for a total of at bare minimum 2 finished pieces in your series in which you are fully satisfied. Take the best photographs (or scans) you can. Turn the work in via Google Classroom, email, or share with me from your Google Drive.
Jan. 19 (Tuesday) –
- DUE: At least one new fully-realized, exam-worthy piece for the Sustained Investigation, for a total of at bare minimum 3 finished pieces in your series in which you are fully satisfied. Take the best photographs (or scans) you can. Turn the work in via Google Classroom, email, or share with me from your Google Drive.
January 21 (Thursday) --
- DUE: Large Self Portrait Painting in Environment (Class Project)
Jan. 26 (Tuesday) –
- DUE: At least one new fully-realized, exam-worthy piece for the Sustained Investigation, for a total of at bare minimum 4 finished pieces in your series in which you are fully satisfied. Take the best photographs (or scans) you can. Turn the work in via Google Classroom, email, or share with me from your Google Drive.
January 28 (Thursday)
- Quarter 2 Ends
TERM 3
Feb. 2 (Tuesday) --
- DUE: At least one new fully-realized, exam-worthy piece for the Sustained Investigation, for a total of at bare minimum 5 finished pieces in your series in which you are fully satisfied. Take the best photographs (or scans) you can. Turn the work in via Google Classroom, email, or share with me from your Google Drive.
Feb. 9 (Tuesday) --
- DUE: At least one new fully-realized, exam-worthy piece for the Sustained Investigation, for a total of at bare minimum 6 finished pieces in your series in which you are fully satisfied. Take the best photographs (or scans) you can. Turn the work in via Google Classroom, email, or share with me from your Google Drive.
February Vacation February 13 - 21
- Work on TWO pieces for your Sustained Investigation.
Feb. 23 (Tuesday) --
- DUE: At least TWO new fully-realized, exam-worthy pieces for the Sustained Investigation, for a total of at bare minimum 8 finished pieces in your series in which you are fully satisfied. Take the best photographs (or scans) you can. Turn the work in via Google Classroom, email, or share with me from your Google Drive.
March 2 (Tuesday) --
- DUE: At least one new fully-realized, exam-worthy piece for the Sustained Investigation, for a total of at bare minimum 9 finished pieces in your series in which you are fully satisfied. Take the best photographs (or scans) you can. Turn the work in via Google Classroom, email, or share with me from your Google Drive.
March 9 (Tuesday) –
- DUE: At least one new fully-realized, exam-worthy piece for the Sustained Investigation, for a total of at bare minimum 10 finished pieces in your series in which you are fully satisfied. Take the best photographs (or scans) you can. Turn the work in via Google Classroom, email, or share with me from your Google Drive.
March 16 (Tuesday) –
- DUE: At least one new fully-realized, exam-worthy piece for the Sustained Investigation, for a total of at bare minimum 11 finished pieces in your series in which you are fully satisfied. Take the best photographs (or scans) you can. Turn the work in via Google Classroom, email, or share with me from your Google Drive.
March 23 (Tuesday) –
- DUE: At least one new fully-realized, exam-worthy piece for the Sustained Investigation, for a total of at bare minimum 12 finished pieces in your series in which you are fully satisfied. Take the best photographs (or scans) you can. Turn the work in via Google Classroom, email, or share with me from your Google Drive.
March 30 (Tuesday) –
- DUE: At least one new fully-realized, exam-worthy piece for the Sustained Investigation, for a total of at bare minimum 13 finished pieces in your series in which you are fully satisfied. Take the best photographs (or scans) you can. Turn the work in via Google Classroom, email, or share with me from your Google Drive.
April 6 (Tuesday) –
- DUE: At least one new fully-realized, exam-worthy piece for the Sustained Investigation, for a total of at bare minimum 14 finished pieces in your series in which you are fully satisfied. Take the best photographs (or scans) you can. Turn the work in via Google Classroom, email, or share with me from your Google Drive.
April 7 (Wednesday)
- Quarter 3 Ends
TERM 4
April 13 (Tuesday)
- DUE: At least one new fully-realized, exam-worthy piece for the Sustained Investigation, for a total of 15 finished pieces in your series in which you are fully satisfied. Take the best photographs (or scans) you can. Turn the work in via Google Classroom, email, or share with me from your Google Drive.
- Complete your digital submission by the week following vacation. Make final selection of 5 pieces for Selected Works.
- Homework for upcoming week: Essay about Sustained Investigation -- revised and perfected (Typed and emailed to the instructor by April 27.)
- Answer the following:
- Identify the inquiry or question(s) that guided your sustained investigation.
- Describe how your sustained investigation shows evidence of practice, experimentation, and revision guided by your inquiry or question(s) (1200 characters maximum, including spaces, for response to both prompts)
Spring Vacation Week (April 17 - 25)
- Use this week to make any final changes to the work for digital submission and write your essay
- Make changes to your work for digital submission: either new work for your Sustained Investigation or your Selected Works, or revisions/reworking/replacements of any pieces in your portfolio. Refine your weaker submissions. Fill in gaps. Create new work as necessary.
Tuesday, April 27 -
- DUE: Essay about Sustained Investigation (First draft) - Typed and emailed to (or shared via Google Drive with) the instructor.
- Answer the following:
- Identify the inquiry or question(s) that guided your sustained investigation.
- Describe how your sustained investigation shows evidence of practice, experimentation, and revision guided by your inquiry or question(s) (1200 characters maximum, including spaces, for response to both prompts)
Week of April 27 - 30
- Use this week to make any final changes to your work for digital submission: new work for either your Sustained Investigation or your Selected Works, or revisions/reworking/replacements of any pieces in your portfolio. Refine your weaker submissions. Fill in gaps. Create new work as necessary.
- Format and upload all new work to the Digital Submission website
- Review your Selected Works and cull to your best 5 pieces.
- Begin work on AP Portfolio Exhibition invitation and name design for exhibition.
DUE May 4 (Tuesday)
- Final essay about Sustained Investigation -- revised and perfected. Email to Mr. Ratkevich and upload to the Sustained Investigation section of your digital submission account.
- Complete digital submission of AP exam portfolio (Selected Works and Sustained Investigation) and “Forward to Teacher” (Further revision may be necessary after the instructor reviews it.)
May 11 (Tuesday) -
- DUE: Final deadline to the instructor for AP exam digital submission (Press “Forward to Teacher”) after addressing the instructor’s feedback, if any was given.
As soon as you have forwarded your final portfolio exam, we will begin preparation for an online AP Portfolio exhibition of all your best work, including all of your AP Portfolio Exam. It will be an online exhibition, for which you will make a slideshow of your portfolio.
May 14 (Friday)
- Mr. Ratkevich forwards your portfolio to Mr. Attubato.
DUE May 18 (Tuesday)
- DUE: Name design/sign for Portfolio Exhibition (name, college, major; done artistically)
May 20 (Thursday) -
- This is the last day for Mr. Attubato to submit AP Art and Design digital portfolios to the College Board.
DUE May 21 (Friday)
- DUE:
- Creative Invitation to Online AP Studio Art Exhibition (Send out invitations with Google Meet code via email)
- Google Slides presentation of your portfolio of your best work from the past two years
- The Second Online BHS AP Studio Art Exhibition 2021
- The time and date of the event (Tuesday, May ____, _____ am - ______ pm):
- The Hangout code: "Join us at ____am using this Google Hangout code: ____________"
- Creative visuals
- Google slideshow presentation, with titles, sizes, and very brief descriptions of all pieces included.
May 25 (Tuesday), Period 5 - Tentative
- AP Portfolio Exhibition - HOST online art exhibition (during class or early afternoon) - attend and present your work to friends, family, and teachers
May 26 (Wednesday) - Deadline to return all supplies and equipment and clean out studio spaces.
May 28 (Friday) - Last class for seniors; end of Term 4 for seniors
June 6 (Sunday)
- Graduation
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SUSTAINED INVESTIGATION PLANNING (OUTLINE)
Here is the Sustained Investigation Proposal sheet we have used in the AP class during the previous four years. Write it and refer to it to keep your eyes on the prize.
Project Description:
Write a one-page outline for your Sustained Investigation, a personalized focus of artistic study on which you will be working for several weeks.
Objectives:
- Think about your artistic interests and passions.
- Notice what’s being done in the contemporary art world.
- View books and magazines on art history and contemporary art (Many are available in the art room.).
- Brainstorm possibilities.
- Be clear on what you will be learning, how you will be growing as an artist.
- Foresee and plan for problems/challenges.
- Be clear on how you will know when/if you are successful.
- Be prepared to discuss your plans and be challenged by your peers.
Parameters:
The Sustained Investigation must be a series of 15 artworks that can be displayed together.
The proposal must include:
- Title of Project
- Project Description (Intentions)
- Purpose (What excites you about this project)
- Media
- Content
- Timeline for completion of parts
- Work schedule on project outside of class (The Sustained Investigation will not be your only homework during the full span of time, but you will be expected to work on it regularly outside of class.)
- Learning Objectives!
- Other explanatory information as necessary