AP Art: summer assignments and concentration examples

The 2012-2013 AP Art class will have a short meeting next Wednesday May 23 at 2:05pm in room 161 to discuss the schedule and summer assignments which are posted below.  If you cannot attend for any reason make sure you see Mr.Needles and complete the 14 assignments by the first week of class because they are a large part of the first quarter grade and the AP test itself.  As an example of what a finished work should look like in terms of the art/design principals above is an example of a quality 'drawing exam' work by Alejandro and below is an example of a quality '2D exam' work by Megan both of whom will be in the class with you next year.  If you have any questions about the assignments feel free to email me or come speak with me, other than that remember to enjoy the work and don't stress out because it usually means death to creativity!

Summer Assignments:

All assignments can be done in any medium, technique and style you desire but should be 2-Dimensional work (flat) not 3-Dimensional (sculpture) work in any media that is 18”x24” or smaller and should be entirely original (do not use other people’s pictures, characters, or content in any way).

Part I: Breadth Assignments:

(these 4 assignments should be sent to me via email, instagram, flickr, ect by August for feedback as they will count towards your 1st Quarter grade)

1. Self Portrait (without showing your face)- The important thing here is to reveal something about yourself without using your face. In fact, you need not use any part of your body at all in this assignment. Instead, you are challenged to portray who you are in some alternative way. What image can you create or invent that would tell us something about you - your personality, your interests, your character, your inclinations, your talents, your passions, your obsessions, your desires, your needs, your likes and dislikes, your essence?

2. Noir- Read the definition below and create a work that has a theme of noir in some way.
(adjective French: Black; noting the black numbers in roulette or the film noir style which incorporates deep shadows and a grim urban setting, photographed in somber tones and permeated by a feeling of disillusionment, pessimism, and despair.)

3. Song- Illustrate a song of your choice. Do NOT incorporate the lyrics into the work but instead illustrate the words or feelings or music itself! The theme is open to your own interpretation.

4. Chronicle- Take a part of your life whether it is a single 24 hour day or a week or a class period and make an art piece representing that period of time. You can incorporate text or leave it abstract but be creative and do not simply document, make it creative.

Part II: Concentration Assignments:

Create 10 works in a theme of your choice in a medium that you want to work with for the AP test (pencil, photography, mixed media, ect.).  Examples from the past include "A Day In The Life", "A Reinterpretation of the Past through Steam technology", and "Perspectives of the Brooklyn Bridge" so it's really wide open but if you want to run your idea past me before you begin I'd love to hear it.  Here's a link to the College Board website which has information about the test with examples of Concentration pieces that have scored well in the past: AP: Studio Art

Part III: Shanti Peace Poster

Create a 8"x10' poster for the Shanti Peace Poster Contest, the theme is peace and you are free to use quotes from Ghandi and/or Martin Luther King if you wish.  Here's a link to the three winning Smithtown designs from last year's contest: 2011 Peace Poster