Assignments for the upcoming AP Art 2011-2012

On Thursday June 2 there was a meeting in art room 161 for all incoming AP Studio Art students in which went over some of the important information about the class and the summer assignments. If you missed it make sure you see Mr. Needles and get the assignments and information.

In addition to the four breadth pieces below you should complete at least 10 sketchbook pages with sketches and ideas for what you might want to concentrate on for the AP class as well as 10 sketches or paintings from life.

Below are the first four major breadth assignments due the first week of class (I suggest you email an image of the work in progress before August 1 so that you can get feedback):

These are strictly 2-D assignments and should be complete with a foreground, mid-ground, and background.

Assignment #1: Monster
This can be done in monochrome (black, white, gray) or in color using any medium, technique and style you desire. The important thing here is to illustrate a monster (real or imagined) including some background that makes sense in context.

Assignment #2: An mixed-media portrait
This can be done in monochrome or in color using any medium you desire (ink, collage, newspaper, paint, & other mixed media). The style may be handled in any way you wish: realistic, abstract, expressive, impressionistic or cubistic, etc. It’s your decision. (Note: select the style of your favorite historical artist to use in this assignment.)
This portrait should reveal something significant about the model. Hands, torso and face are important features and should be included in the work. Try an unusual surface. The portrait may be done on any flat smooth unbreakable surface such as cardboard, mural paper, plywood, masonite, plexiglass, homasote board, etc. It’s up to you. The portrait cannot be smaller than 16”x 20” and no bigger than 22” x 28”.

Assignment #3: One large landscape (outdoor or indoor)
This is strictly a 2-D assignment! The landscape must show depth and distance (receding space or informal perspective). The landscape can be done from any angle (bird’s-eye view or worm’s-eye view). Overlapping and repetition helps to create a sense of depth and distance. NO OUTLINES PERMITTED IN NATURE! Emphasize dark and light shapes, textures and space. Be sure to obtain a strong contrast!!! The landscape must be done in color. Any medium you wish - paint, collage, mixed media. The landscape must be done on a flat, smooth, 2-dimensional surface. Minimum size: 18” x 24”. All landscapes must have a foreground, middle ground and background. Lighting is important and should be dramatic!

Assignment #4: Reinterpret a Master Painting
Choose a painting by a well known artist from before 1960 and do your own version of the same painting. You shouldn’t mimic or technique the style of the original, just the subject matter and basic elements which can be rearranged to your liking. This can be done in any media but should be proportionate to the size of the original.