Pickens
spickens@forsyth.k12.ga.us
AP Studio Art 2014-2015
CURRICULUM AND CONTRACT
THE ADVANCEMENT PLACEMENT PROGRAM IN STUDIO ART
Drawing, 2D, or 3D Portfolios
Description of Course(s)
The Advancement Placement Program in Studio Art enables highly motivated students to do college level work in
studio art while still in high school. AP Studio Art is not based on a written examination; instead, candidates submit
a portfolio of work for evaluation at the end of the school year. The rigorous curriculum requires extensive effort,
motivation, commitment and homework on the part of the student. The pace of the class is faster, covering more
content and in greater depth than traditional art classes the students normally take here at West Forsyth High
School.
The guidelines for the AP Studio Art portfolio have been designed to accommodate a variety of interest and
approaches to art. The three sections of the portfolio are:
SECTION A: Quality –the development of a sense of excellence in art (5 works of art submit to Collegeboard)
SECTION B: Concentration - a commitment in depth to a particular artistic concern, creating a body of work (12
digital submission)
SECTION C: Breadth – a variety of experiences in the formal, technical, and expressive means available to an artist
(12 digital submission)
The overall required number of completed artworks is approximately 30 pieces. These works will be completed
in class and as at-home assignments.
All the information you will need for this course can be found on the following website:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/Controller.jpf
Note: The Advanced Placement Art Teacher for West Forsyth High School is Stephanie Pickens. Though your class
and class credit will be listed under a specific teacher both art teachers could participate in the instruction and
guidance of your portfolio.
The following is a contract showing your commitment and desire to attain higher learning as an artist. As an
Advanced Placement Studio Art candidate, I am in agreement with this contract. I am in agreement with the materials
provided and curriculum guide as well as student examples. Any breach of this contract could result in the
consequences listed below and possibly administrative referral.
Contract
An Advanced Placement (AP) course is a challenging learning experience that takes a full academic year.
Participation in AP courses is the best possible preparation for success in college. A record of AP courses on a
student’s transcript is an indication of the student’s commitment to rigorous academics.
*I understand that participation in AP studio art classes requires me to demonstrate:
• a high level of student independence and motivation
• maturity and understanding in art related materials pared with dedication for research
• a high degree of student responsibility
• independent mastery equivalent to a college level courses
• present my work at the gallery showing in the Spring
• present and submit my portfolio to the AP Board
*I understand that I will work at the rigorous pace required to complete an AP portfolio. This includes self directed
West Forsyth High School • 4155 Drew Road • Cumming, Georgia 30040
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Pickens
spickens@forsyth.k12.ga.us
daily production, homework, and possibly after/before school work.
AP Studio Art 2014-2015
*I understand that I must be self-motivated and create this portfolio based on my personal ambitions, yet under
the guidance of a trained AP certified teacher.
*I understand that I will participate in all critiques, using this constructive criticism to return to my work and
correct problems discussed.
Critiques
Critiques are an integral component of Advanced and Advanced Placement art classes. After completing a
major assignment students are asked to fill out a self evaluation/critique sheet and the class is brought
together for an in-depth discussion. Each student must show his/her work and briefly discuss their intent
as it pertains to the problem they were asked to solve. The class is then expected to provide positive
feedback and offer suggestions for improvement. All students are required to participate in the process.
The combined exercise of self-critique and class critique generally takes the entire class period and
possibly the next. The critique process is for the most part student directed. At the start of the critique, the
class expectations and project criteria are reviewed. At the end of the critique work is collected for grading.
In addition to the point total given, students are provided with a brief written commentary (by their
instructor) noting the strengths and weaknesses of their work.
*I understand that if I do not follow through with deadlines, daily participation, creative motivation, advancement
of my personal work, present at the gallery show and portfolio review that I will not pass this course. All students
that enter the course with this commitment will be required to finish the course as well as the portfolio.
*I understand that I have extensive amounts of research and studying to do in order to make this portfolio
successful. I understand that some art materials, artwork, books, websites, and other sources can be offensive.
While viewing or producing offensive materials is not what is expected of high school students, I understand that I
might be exposed to these materials and do not hold West Forsyth High School or the instructors liable.
At the end of the school year all students are required to present their artwork in a gallery showing. This display of
work will be presented so that all students, parents and school faculty have the opportunity to review what you
have created this year. Dates and location to be determined at a later time.
All costs associated with completing and submitting the portfolio is the responsibility of each AP student and their
parents. As your instructor, I will do all I possibly can to reduce costs for you and your child.
Concentration
Concentration will be decided upon prior to Christmas break. You will present to the class your ideas through a
PowerPoint/sketchbook concept. You will be allotted time in January, February and March to complete the
Concentration section. The same number of pieces must be completed during that time. It would be in your best
interest to begin some work or research on your own time.
This is a great opportunity for all art students and I hope to see great things out of each student! Please contact me for
anything you might need. I am open and willing to help anyone that wishes to pursue this portfolio.
I, ________________________________________ and my parent(s) _______________________________________________________ agree to the
stipulations of this contract and curriculum guide. I will discuss concerns as they arise with Mrs. Pickens.
Student Signature
Date
Parent Signature
Date
West Forsyth High School • 4155 Drew Road • Cumming, Georgia 30040
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Pickens
spickens@forsyth.k12.ga.us
AP Studio Art 2014-2015
AP Breadth Project List and Curriculum Guide
Basic Guidelines for project learning in this class:
 All works MUST be based on another artist’s style or genre. Research will be required for each project.
Remember that you are creating a portfolio for your own personal benefit. This curriculum will benefit you for
AP classes, college, or even career. It is in your best interest to put forth 110% effort on every project.
 All students will develop an online and shareable presence for their research each student can choose their
research format, but the instructor must be privy to your research at all times. Personal websites are highly
encouraged in this course. Students will also be asked to review various books, movies, & websites each week.
 All works will cycle through a one week process for completion. (Rough schedule consists of Weekend/MondayResearch, Tuesday-collect materials and work, Wednesday-Friday studio time, WORK DUE ON FRIDAY) A late
grade will be given if turned in any time after the due date. Late grades for ADV Art begin at a 30pt. grade
reduction and continue at 10pts each day thereafter. No work will be taken after 3 days late.
 Critiques are completed with the class as time permits.
 Work must be researched, planned, and sketched ahead of time. I expect to see notes, drawings, media samples
and more for each page of planning. Sketchbooks are graded on Fridays and the overall final work is given a
summative grade. (2 grades for each project-1 formative and 1 summative)
 ADV artwork can be completed at home, but only after 75% of the work is created in class. See me ahead of
time for approval if you are taking work home. Work completed at home is subject not to be graded.
 No images can be drawn from photos for these projects. All drawings are expected to be real life.
AP Central links to stellar examples:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_information/2134.html
1. Food: The Real Deal-Realistic drawing of food. You can create a still life or use a single subject, but you m
must draw from reality to complete this assignment. Fruits and vegetables are strong in color and are often
best for drawing. Portfolio reviews (colleges or career) are expecting to see that you are capable of drawing
what you see. Color can be added with paint, usually watercolor, but also colored pencils.
a. Medium: watercolor and pen & ink
b. Subject: Fruits and vegetables
c. Artist reference: Choice
Reference:

http://www.studentartguide.com/featured/ap-studio-art-drawing-fruit

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3312071881_edacf9da58.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Vdmdd5inUo/T4pv0-Cz1XI/AAAAAAAABnY/LJEnvKRytfA/s1600/contemporary-artconemporary-artists-oil-paintings-still-life-paintings+%25282%2529.jpg

http://rlv.zcache.com/van_gogh_vegetables_fruit_vintage_still_life_art_postcardrf1bddcfe82924265908998f779312940_vgbaq_8byvr_512.jpg

http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/04-2014/18-colored-pencil-drawing-fruits.jpg
2. The Psychology of Color-choose a color and define what that color means to you. Research the color
extensively. Create an artwork using this color as a theme or section within the artwork. Determine your
West Forsyth High School • 4155 Drew Road • Cumming, Georgia 30040
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Pickens
spickens@forsyth.k12.ga.us
AP Studio Art 2014-2015
own inspiration and subject idea. Consider artists that have inspired you to create. Make this personal and
conceptual.
a. Medium: acrylic
b. Subject: color
c. Artist reference: Choice-must find personal connection
Reference:

http://www.contemporary-art-dialogue.com/image-files/foreclosures-lg.jpg

http://careyjolliffe.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/cjga-color-theory-3.jpg

http://cdn.studentartguide.com/cdn/farfuture/chXp7UKBDdzX7z5j1gEh0nfX1ir230Wc6LpQ7bIe1SY/mtime:136166784
6/sites/default/files/images/best-ncea-painting-board.jpg

http://onlineathens.com/images/013102/openhouse.jpg
3. Cameras and Toolboxes: Contemporary Art-Create an abstract artwork using two images as reference
along with a direct observation product. Review the work of artists like Jim Dine for inspiration. Example
ideas would be to use images you took to develop a background. One of them based on color and the other
based on texture. Use the product, such as a tool, to draw multiple times using multiple mediums. Tear the
product from paper and recreate a new work onto another surface. Class example will be shown.
a. Medium: two options minimum (charcoal and pencil/paint and charcoal, etc.)
b. Subject: choice
c. Artist reference: Jim Dine
Reference:

http://mhsartgallerymac.wikispaces.com/file/view/Dine_tool3.jpg/247109951/629x815/Dine_tool3.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_336qCeW74Tg/SnH-USlqpeI/AAAAAAAAAow/EmTqefUrRZc/s400/JD_SevenWhiteHammersimage.jpg

http://dailyartmuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/pennytoolshammer2.jpg
4. Character Style Self Portraits-tell a story about you using a character style. Look at art by Cindy Sherman
and Frieda Kahlo. Nina Levy and Wayne White are also character artists to review. Use mirrors or
photographs to create the artwork. Consider exaggeration and caricature as helpful possibilities.
a. Medium: choice
b. Subject: self
c. Artist reference: Wayne White, Frieda Kahlo, Cindy Sherman, Nina Levy
Reference:

http://cartoonsnap.com/blogspot/Willard%20Mullin%20Men/Little%20boy%20talks%20with%20his%20mother%20
as%20she%20is%20busy%20cooking%20-%20cartoon%20art%20by%20Willard%20Mullin.jpg

http://www.sanfrancisco.net/pictures/cartoon-art-museum.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zqFoq3qej2c/SidxRSdLJSI/AAAAAAAAtiQ/7BSmX79A9y8/s400/Picture+2.png

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/beauty-is-embarrassing/film.html
West Forsyth High School • 4155 Drew Road • Cumming, Georgia 30040
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Pickens
spickens@forsyth.k12.ga.us
AP Studio Art 2014-2015
5. Conceptual Storytelling using mixed media. Tell a story using conceptual ideas based on the reference
artists listed. The story needs to be something you have experienced or are closely familiar. Do not limit
your size of canvas or surface. Think outside the box and be proactive in your research. This is meant to
challenge your thinking, yet be a fun process for creating.
a. Medium: paint + choice
b. Subject: story line
c. Artist reference: Whitfield Lovell, Robert Rauschenberg, Kara Walker, folk art
Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Rauschenberg

http://www.bobrauschenberggallery.com/rauschenberg_misc/rausch.4.jpg

http://37signals.com/svn/images/Charlene_b.jpg

http://www.dcmooregallery.com/artists/whitfield-lovell/seriesdetail/grace%3A+a+project+by+whitfield+lovell

http://learn.walkerart.org/karawalker
6. Consumption: A Wasteful Creation-find a creative way to create art from a consumable product. The
possibilities are endless. The only stipulation is that you must work from the items setup as reference in
the classroom daily. Use a historical artist or artwork as your inspiration. The historical artist must be at
least 100 years or older and can include fashion icons. No idea links added so that you can decide for
yourself what “consumption” looks like.
a. Medium: choice
b. Subject: consumption
c. Artist reference: historical artist 100 years or older
Reference: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-history
7. Book Covers and English Papers-Read a significant book or story from high school and create an artwork
based on the writing. You can also create a work based on your own creative writing from an English class.
Consider excerpts from the book, storylines, characters, plot, and all varieties that make up the writing.
Oftentimes students want to design a cover, but know that there is more to the writing than a simple cover
design. Cover designs are acceptable if they reflect what the book is about or a significant portion of the
writing. This work can be of any paint medium, but needs to be design based. Find a graphic designer that
can inspire you such as Milton Glaser.
a. Medium: painting
b. Subject: professional or creative writing
c. Artist reference: Milton Glaser, other graphic artists
Reference:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pE8WpY0ZGc/S64UzsSYshI/AAAAAAAAAC0/VS8DUmjNJ4A/s1600/book+cover+short+story+day2.jpg

http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/7960/420233/BSSP-Cover-Portfolio_800.png
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Pickens

spickens@forsyth.k12.ga.us
AP Studio Art 2014-2015
http://www.sublackwell.co.uk/wp-content/gallery/sculptures/2006-birds-of-the-open-forest-2.jpg

http://www.brainpickings.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/blackwell2.png

http://treehousesecondhandbooks.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/su-blackwell-book-sculpture.jpeg
8. Religious Zentangle-Create a design using your religious or spiritual beliefs as a starting point. Be sure to
create new and personalized artwork that doesn’t include trite or precious symbols (not crosses, hearts,
stars, etc.). Look into Eastern Culture art and historical themes. Religion was a strong basis for art in the
early years and especially in Europe. Consider art made around specific locations or in specific places.
Relate this historical concept to a modern day design that can include contemporary ideas.
a. Medium: batik or encaustic
b. Subject: religion
c. Artist reference: choice
Reference:

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/192x/b0/e3/62/b0e362c25cff4bf2d39bb73ab4e4df8c.jpg

http://www.metro.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/sistine.jpg

http://www.personallychristine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/zentangle0194upc.jpg

http://c.ooi1.com/BatikLady.jpg
9. Mona Lisa portrait- Create a modern day portrait of someone in your life using oil pastels. Shoot images of
them in character with good lighting or have them sitting in the classroom. Be sure to get several shots with
varying perspectives (front, low, high, deep, etc.). Look at artwork like the Mona Lisa, Christopher Mooney’s
portraits of women, Rembrandt’s self portraits, Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, or Ingres’ classical portraiture in
dramatic costume. Use other artists for inspiration if you wish.
a. Medium: oil pastel
b. Subject: portraits
c. Artist reference: Rembrandt, da Vinci, Mooney, Leibovitz
Reference:

http://www.christopherbmooney.com/faces-women.html

http://dianefeissel.blogspot.com/2010/11/women-painting-women-paintings.html

http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/2010-10/19/content_11935849.htm

http://slodive.com/inspiration/classical-paintings-by-charles-joshua-chaplin/

http://www.demilked.com/5-year-old-girl-classic-paintings-billgekas/?fb_action_ids=10152894315205553&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=28838
1481237582

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/comment/churchill-bust.jpg

http://www.frankbender.us
10. Bicycle still life-complete an artwork that includes two mediums minimum. Find an artist to mimic a style
after or reflect inspiration. Be sure to complete at least 1/3 of the bike and make the composition
West Forsyth High School • 4155 Drew Road • Cumming, Georgia 30040
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Pickens
spickens@forsyth.k12.ga.us
AP Studio Art 2014-2015
interesting (use a viewfinder). The link below reflects a bicycle example included in a portfolio that scored
a 6 and the others are great examples of what I expect for this assignment.
a. Medium: mixed
b. Subject: bicycle
c. Artist reference: choice
Reference:

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_information/188845.html

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3635/3507524619_910c1f48e3_z.jpg

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2010/162/d/f/RISD_Bicycle_Drawing_by_elui.jpg

http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs23/i/2008/020/a/c/RISD_bike_drawing_by_darkmagik347.jpg

http://rat-patrol.org/Month/MonthClub42.html
11. Pop Art: Chine-Colle Printmaking Composition-Come up with a design using printmaking as your
medium. Begin by creating a linoleum cut and use chine-collé accents to make the printed image(s) wow.
You can add paint and colored pencil to also enhance if you choose. The image subject is your choice, but
needs to be complex. Consider using various papers to print artwork. Don’t forget to find an artist that
influences you on this design.
a. Medium: printmaking
b. Subject: choice
c. Artist reference: Pop Art (Andy Warhol)
Reference:

http://www.mcfinearts.com/images/Kohn_Misch/KohnLittleHerold_lg.jpg

http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.6482581.7359/flat,550x550,075,f.jpg

https://www.etsy.com/storque/media/articles/2009/03/3547-printmaking-header.jpg

http://www.brooklynartscouncil.org/files/images/BAC-print-Green-1.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h0x9PaEzoiw/TJLhZAlXD2I/AAAAAAAABV8/4Xiy_rAHWG8/s1600/12.+Neighbor.jpg
12. Unique Perspective–create an artwork using a unique perspective. Look at life from a completely different
angle that you normally would. For example, from under a bed or from under the table. Create a work of art
that reflects this unique perspective. Photography can be used for this subject or another medium.
a. Medium: choice
b. Subject: choice
c. Artist reference: Lee Price
Reference:

http://artstormer.com/2012/06/27/emotional-eating-paintings-by-lee-price/

http://www.lookbetweenthelines.com/art-lessons/art-lessons-sculpture-tape-person/
13. A Room with a View-design a composition using the vision of a room. Look through a window, take a
panoramic shot, look out of a window, but come up with something relative to a room’s view. This room
can be from various images or a room in this building. Images must be taken by you only, but samples of
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Pickens
spickens@forsyth.k12.ga.us
AP Studio Art 2014-2015
other objects from various sources can be added. Consider interesting narratives, set designs, and fantasy
images. Artists that work in this style would be Anne Leibovitz and Da Vinci.
a. Medium: oil pastel, paint, or colored pencil
b. Subject: a room
c. Artist reference: Anne Leibovitz, da Vinci
Reference:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wHa5QBvjjs/T5f0EnoNnTI/AAAAAAAAAks/r_ZYBNaRZQc/s1600/art_nouveau_room.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Ultima_cena__ca_1975.jpg/350px-Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Ultima_cena_-_ca_1975.jpg

http://news.cathkidston.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Alexandra-Smithson-31.jpg
14. Reflections-Create an artwork that uses only black and white paint and is reflective. You can add one color
to enhance the image, but the painting needs to be very neutral. Reflections would include mirrors, shiny
objects, and glass. Be sure to consider the background and surface of the objects. Artwork will be created in
class and using direct observation only.
a. Medium: paint
b. Subject: reflective
c. Artist reference: choice
Reference:

http://blog.autographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/The-art-of-self-reflection-header_1.jpg

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/536983955542946180/

http://cdn.dailypainters.com/paintings/_828_reflective_coffee_maker_eb68a77fcbec1d53ab2786c5f6db9b39.jpg
15. Altered book – 10 sections and cover/back, no specific artist but must study other altered books (5+). You
can review the 31 Nights concept for this project to see if the themes best fit your needs. Challenge yourself.
a. Medium: mixed media
b. Subject: self
c. Artist reference: choice
Reference:

http://ephemera.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341ca18953ef011168cdce49970c-300wi

http://www.flickr.com/photos/galanin/286648636/in/set-72157594357065714/

http://littleblackkitty.typepad.com
Possible mediums to consider when working on these designs. You are not limited and should explore all
possibilities.
Paint – watercolor, acrylic, oil paints
Drawing – graphite, charcoal, colored pencil
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Pickens
spickens@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Printmaking – linoleum cut, woodblock, chine colle techniques
AP Studio Art 2014-2015
Mixed media can include glued or taped items, tracings, other mediums that would not normally fit together, etc.
Processes can be additive or subtractive
Paper, canvas, sacks, plates, glass, wood, tin, sheet metal, plexiglass, etc.
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