Mrs.

Smith
jennifer_e_smith@hcpss.org
smithrhhs.weebly.com
AP Art Portfolio Requirements (Just so you know what to expect next year...)

AP ART Summer Assignments

REQUIREMENT

DESCRIPTION

TIMELINE

Concentration Section

12 works of art that are thematically linked by a common concept (or concentration).
These are usually all completed in the same medium.

1 piece due
approximately every 2
weeks

Concentration
Commentary

Two statements that answer questions about the theme of your concentration and how
the work youve made fits within your concentration idea.

Rough draft due in

January. Final draft
due in April

Breadth Section

12 works of art that showcase your technical skills in a variety of media. These should 1 piece due
be some of your most successful technical works, and seem to score well when based on approximately every 3
direct observation.
weeks

Quality Section

5 works of art, usually taken directly from your completed Concentration and/or
Breadth sections, that are sent directly to the AP board to prove authenticity of your
work. These cannot be larger than 16x20 in size.

Matted in late April,

sent to AP Board on
exam day in early May.

SUMMER ASSIGNMENT 1: CONCENTRATION PREPARATION

To prepare for your CONCENTRATION SECTION, you will need to do some thinking, researching,
and planning this summer.
In your sketchbook, designate SIX single pages to this assignment (see example below).

Each page MUST contain the

following:
Six Concentration Topics (1pt each)
Six ideas (at least) for pieces that
fall under that topic (1 pt each)
Total Point Value: 42 points

Concentration Topic #1:

Recontextualizing Books

Concentration Topic #2:

The Language of Flowers

1. Little Women - Retitled

Shortyz...hip hop vibe
2. Winnie the Poohsomething about poop
3. Life of Pi- something
about pies or math problems
4. The Art of War- A war
scene where art materials
are weapons
5. Frankenstein- Hotdogs as
monsters
6. Hamlet- A little piggy?

1. Iris - Good
News...pregnancy?
2. Azalea- gratitude, taking
care...helping the elderly?
3. Narcissus- selfishness...
something with a mirror
4. Gardenia-secret
love...affair?
5. (example)
6. (example)
Artists:
Georgia OKeefe

SEE BACK FOR CONCENTRATION IDEAS!

SUMMER ASSIGNMENT 2: BREADTH PREPARATION

Complete TWO Breadth pieces over the summer.
Choose from the prompts below for each piece, and follow the attached rubric to guide your work.
View sample portfolios: http://smithrhhs.weebly.com/past-portfolio-examples.html
Put your Best Foot Forward (stepping on something, stepping in something, weird contortions,
feet being used in a dierent way)
Holding On (holding something weird, cherishing something, use of your hand(s))
Food for Thought (your favorite food(s), a meal, an arrangement of food)
Reflections/Distortions (reflections of yourself on/in something other than a mirror)
Portrait Without a Face (Sharing something about you without including your face)
Going to Extremes (An extreme point of view, foreshortening encouraged)
Broken (take something apart and draw/paint it)
Clothing as a Self Portrait (What does your clothing say about you?)
Face It (Portrait of you of a friend. Include a background)
Tools of the Trade (Draw/paint the required materials for doing something you love...art materials,
sports equipment, etc.)
Overlooked (a person, place, or object that is really interesting, but that someone else might not
notice)
Tough as Steel, Fragile as Glass (Illustrate an object made of metal or glass)
In Your Place (Landscapes from observation or a photo that YOU have taken)
G

OBJECTIVE:

SCORE YOURSELF:

You completed a 2D artwork using pen, pencil, paint, or mixed media, no larger than 18x24

Your artwork is inspired by one of the above prompts.

The subject matter has been rendered from observation of from a photograph YOU took.

DESIGN:

SCORE YOURSELF:

Your composition shows consideration of visual movement (eye moves around the artwork).

The background/negative space has been thoughtfully considered and contributes to the
unity of the piece.

STUDIO SKILLS:

SCORE YOURSELF:

All materials have been handled in a way that shows understanding of light, form, and
shadow.

Mark-making, color, and/or value shifts have been demonstrated in a way that shows
understanding, intention, and mastery of the material used.

PRESENTATION:

SCORE YOURSELF:

The final piece is evident of quality time, thought, and care.

All areas of the artwork appear to be treated equally, considerately, and carefully.

TOTAL:
SCORE:

COMMENTS (from you and me):

See the back for tips on making a strong Breadth piece!

SAMPLE CONCENTRATION IDEAS

The following list is intended to spark inspiration and provide examples for you to get
rolling with your AP Concentration. You DO NOT have to use any of these, but you are
welcome to use them if you are inspired by them. Beyond this list, there are infinite other
options!

Want to view sample portfolios from prior RHHS AP students? Check out this link!
http://smithrhhs.weebly.com/past-portfolio-examples.html
A specific place during
different times of day,
weather, seasons, etc.
Body language
Uses of our body
Portraiture and reflection
Ego/Alter-Ego
The joining (or meeting)
of two halves
Misconceptions
Inside/Outside
Deterioration
Changing
Distorted Points of View
Play
Juxtapositions
Clashing of Past and
Present
Illnesses
Heritage
Trading Places
Various stages of
something
Rituals
Abandonment
Evolution
Documentation of a Place
and its Parts
Homage to someone you
love/miss/despise
Zooming In
Medication and side
effects
The Future government/
health/culture/
technology

Before/After
Light
Consumption
Influences on
environment/self-image/
well-being
Masks/Facades
Fake
Isolation
Overwhelmed
Lost
Loss
Barriers
Food
Healing
Freedom
Moods
Resistance
Alliterations
Metaphor/Analogy
Disorders
Heroes
Anachronism
Catharsis
Irony
Rhythm/Repetition
Contrast
Personification
Parodies
Rhyming
Satire
Puns
Abstractions
Negative Space
Multiples
Figures in Space

Urban Decay
Transition
Pathways
Machinery
Overlooked
Nests
Busy
Roots
Life Cycles
Piles
Closure
Games
Culture
Empowerment
Space(s)
Memorials
Politics
Influence
Society Today
Discarded
Collections
Habits
Gender
Tangled
Constricted
Industry
Real and Imagined
Social Norms
Challenging Social
Norms
Unconventional uses of...
Injustice
Power
Social Justice
New Perspectives
Equality

TIPS FOR SCORING WELL ON YOUR BREADTH

PIECES
Strong Compositions (Carefully consider varying the placement of your focal point,
and how the surrounding areas might add to the piece)
Technically strong pieces (precision/accuracy, contrast, confidence in use of
material, interesting or unique point of view)
Consider how you fill the entire space. Show depth/distance/background.
Consider how you can make these prompts fun, personal, and unique.
Choose a material you feel comfortable using (any 2D material is acceptable).
Make your pieces mostly observational (realistic...drawn from life or a REALLY good
photograph that YOU take).
Consider how you can incorporate the Principles of Design.
DONT PROCRASTINATE!