ALHS Advanced Placement Studio Art: 2D Design Portfolio –
Buhl room 118 & 111
Alhsdesign.weebly.com
Course Syllabus approved by the AP College Board
Course Description
This portfolio addresses two dimensional (2D) design issues. Design involves purposeful decision making about
how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative way. The principles of design articulated
through the visual elements, help guide artists in making decisions about how to organize the elements on a
picture plane in order to communicate content. Good design is possible whether one uses representational,
abstract, or expressive approaches to making art.
The students’ work in this section should demonstrate understanding of the principles of design including
unity/variety, balance, emphasis, contrast, rhythm, repetition, proportion/scale, and figure/ground
relationship. Successful works of art require the integration of the elements and principles of design; students
must therefore be actively engaged with these concepts while thoughtfully composing their art. The work in
this section should show evidence of conceptual, perceptual, expressive, and technical range. For this portfolio,
the student will demonstrate mastery of 2D Design through any two-dimensional medium or process including
but not limited to, graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, illustration,
painting, and printmaking. Videotapes, three-dimensional works, and photocopies of a student’s work in other
media may not be submitted.
Course Content:
The AP Studio Art course addresses six major concerns that are a constant in the teaching of art: (1) a sense of
quality in a student’s work; (2) the student’s concentration on a particular visual interest or problem; and (3)
the student’s need for breadth of experience in formal, technical, and expressive means of the student’s art; (4)
sketchbook; (5) research; and (6) presentation.
The AP Studio Art: 2D Design Portfolio requires the student to produce a minimum of 24 works of art that
reflect issues related to 2D design. These works may include traditional as well as experimental approaches to
2D design. Drawing, photography, painting, printmaking, mixed media, computer design and collage are all
appropriate means for expressing design principles.
The works presented for evaluation may have been produced in art classes or on the student's own time and
may cover a period of time longer than a single school year. The AP Studio Art program is intended for highly
motivated art students who are seriously interested in the study of art. Students should be made aware that AP
work involves significantly more commitment and accomplishment than the typical high school course and that
the program is not for the casually interested. It is highly recommended that AP students have previous
training in art.
AP work should reflect these six areas of concern: quality, concentration, breadth, sketchbook, research and
presentation.
•The Quality sections provides the students the opportunity to show their actual ability and permits
the student to select the works that best exhibits a synthesis of form, technique, and content. The
student will send in five actual artworks not to exceed 18” x 24”. All three sections are required and
carry equal weight, but students are not necessarily expected to perform at the same level in each
section to receive a qualifying grade for advanced placement.
• In the Concentration section, the student develops a body of work that is derived from a planned
investigation of an idea that is of personal interest to them. Ideation may be developed in any media or
process. The student will use informed decision-making and problem-solving skills in an ongoing
process to develop and select the 12 pieces of work for their concentration.
• In the Breadth section, the student will experience a variety of concepts and approaches to
demonstrate their abilities and versatility with technique, ideation, and problem solving.
• Sketchbooks, outside work is a necessary component of instruction. A visual journal is to be
maintained throughout the year. While sketchbooks will be used during class to work out ideas or
plan projects, the bulk of sketchbook assignments are to be completed outside of class. It is expected
that students will fill at least one sketchbook with during the year. This may include, but is not limited
to:
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independent drawing & media experimentation
specific works that focus on individual elements of art and principles of design
thumbnail sketches of various subject matter, i.e., landscape, portrait, still life
experimentation with abstraction or fantasy
written notes and comments
lists and ideas for future projects, photos
specific assignment relating to various careers in the visual arts, i.e. logo design, advertising,
illustration, graphic arts, portraiture, web design
character development or story boards
self-analysis and critique of artworks
• Presentation, All AP Studio Art students must submit their sketchbook and portfolio to the
instructor in the proper format-even if not submitting it to AP Central for grading. The portfolio is
due in early May. Students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of matting, framing and
exhibition preparation. In addition, students must be able to prepare photos of selected works for
submission to the AP Board. The format consists of five matted original works no larger than 18”x24”,
12 photos showing the breadth of work accomplished, 12 photos showing the student’s concentration
of study, and a written commentary.
• Research, Students will conduct research in art history via the study of art periods and artists. After
extensive research, students will develop several ideas for projects that reflect a specific period in art
history or the techniques of particular artists. At least one of these ideas is to be developed fully as a
completed work of art. Students are also required to research images via direct observation, thus
avoiding plagiarism while ensuring the necessary understanding of the object and its surroundings
prior to undertaking the work.
Semester Class Schedule
You have about 36 weeks of class time. That is about one project every one and a half weeks. This is a tight
timeline, that is why getting as much as you can done in the summer & over breaks is important.
During the Fall Semester you will need to complete your 12 required breadths. While you are working on your
breadths you will needs to think about and decide what concentration you will work on. Before you leave for
Winter Break you will need to have your Concentration. Try to finish at least two pieces of your concentration
before you come back for the Second Semester.
The Spring Semester will be used to work on your concentration pieces. The number of pieces you will need
will depend on what type of portfolio you choose. Once you’ve completed your concentration you will start the
portfolio process. This includes taking photos and organizing your photos for review.
AP Site:
Become familiar with the AP College Board websites:
Choose a year to review for each portfolio (quality, breadth and concentration) and answer the following
questions: Write down the year you chose, student name and score for each portfolio for that section (ex.
2008 Concentration- Mary Smith, score-6, Joe Jones, score-5, Sally Martin, score-4). What is one thing
from the 6 portfolio that will be important to keep in mind for your portfolio? What is one thing from
the 4 portfolio that you will work to avoid?
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_information/2134.html
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_studioart.html
These two pages have links to student artwork from previous years. Look at it to see the level of rigor
and creativity you are expected to meet and get ideas!! Look at the work in both links for concentration
ideas!!! Select one of the portfolios and go to the "breadth" section to view samples of student's art from
years past. Go to the "Concentration" section to view samples of student art from years past. Why is
this important? The more you know about how previous student have achieved and what the judges
have responded to, the better equipped you will be as you begin your work.
Sketchbook:
Sketchbook/Observational Drawing – Fill
Some ideas of things to draw— draw feet, hands, your face, landscapes, a still life, interior of a
building, exterior of a building, plants, trees, a toothbrush, a hairbrush, the inside of a drawer or closet,
tools, utensils, a toy vehicle, your unmade bed, eggs, fruits or vegetables cut in half— draw the inside, a
set of keys, A small kitchen appliance, such as a coffee maker, toaster, blender, etc. Draw from an
unusual point of view, an object with an interesting texture, a drawing done in a Ballpoint pen only,
doodle, draw to music or from your imagination. Use text as art. Just draw from life not the Internet!
Practice showing a full range of values and practice a variety of shading techniques. Strive for unusual points of
view, bold value, and strong contrast. Choose your media, choose your style. Look for the “unusual”. Title +
date each page. Place one response on each page. Try to keep the backs of the journal pages blank. You may
use words or enhance your work. Keep your artist journal out so you will be reminded to use it. Make art
making a habit.
Concentration
Start brainstorming for your concentration now, write down ideas, collect pictures, check out these sites:
http://www.pinterest.com/marybriden/ap-art-concentration/
http://www.pinterest.com/joannalmann/2d-drawing-ap-ideas/
https://campus.digication.com/APphoto/Concentration_-_ideas
Cut and paste the pictures into your artist journal. DO NOT DRAW THESE PICTURES!!!!! Choose objects,
colors, textures which are visually interesting. You may use your own photos, make a Pinterest board and print
it, cut pictures from magazines, the newspaper, brochures, gather found objects, scraps of fabric, etc. Photos
may be pasted more than one per page and do not have to be large. Write down why it caught your eye? Make
notes!
Collect post cards of artwork from your visit or take photos on your phone to print – attach to pages in your
sketchbook. Document what you see in your sketchbook—write down the names of artists and work you like—
make sketches of that work. Talk to them, get their business card or website address. WRITE IT DOWN!!!
Create a list of ideas for your own work using the work of others as inspiration.
PORTFOLIO Artwork Suggestions
1.
STILL LIFE- Any medium. Set up a SIMPLE still life with a strong light source, near a window or
study lamp, flashlight, etc. Try individual pieces of popcorn, crumpled up paper or candy wrapper, tin cans or
glass jars; fruit/vegetables on fabric. Be sure to use the entire page – focus on dynamic composition, different
viewpoints, contrast (lights and darks) & value range.
2.
SELF PORTRAIT- Any medium. Create a unique self-portrait that represents you without actually
showing your face. Focus on communication/expression of idea – concentrate on focal point, arrangement of
elements/objects (composition & balance). They can be symbolic but not too cliché. (obvious) Make the
viewer think about it.
3.
MAGNIFY- (blow it up big!) Zero in on a section of a mechanical object (something with moving parts).
What does the texture look like up close? Focus on texture & value. Crop it down so that part of it will go off
the paper. (Objects: Car parts or engine, tools, bicycle gears/spokes, inside of a watch or other electronic
device, etc.)
4.
ABSTRACTION- How might you use the patterns in a flower, seashell to create an abstract design, or
a repeating pattern? Alter normal colors; give a red apple, purple, blue and green highlights. Focus on lines,
shapes & patterns to create movement.
5.
METAMORPHOSIS- Create five smooth transitional steps to show metamorphosis of an inorganic
object to organic object. *What media do you feel comfortable in making the changes to these images? Final
work will be either a sequence of images or a collage image. Size may vary. Focus is on unity.
6.
EXTERIOR PERSPECTIVE: FENCES/STREET SCENE- Drawing fences or gates/street scenes
will help you apply and understand linear perspective. Position yourself so that a strong exaggeration of the
contour lines occurs. Draw the characteristics of the fence/gate/street as realistically as possible. Pay attention
to joint areas and attachments. Suggestion: use ebony pencils or permanent marker using scribble line,
hatching, cross-hatching or stippling. Focus on line & perspective.
7.
DREAMSCAPE- Think about a dream you have had or song in your head. Use color to illustrate it
(complementary, analogous color schemes, etc.). Think about how objects may appear to come to life in your
dreams. What might a song look like in a dream? Focus on personification of inanimate objects, alternate
landscapes and various color schemes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with various liquids/food as paint (coffee,
juice, ketchup, oil, soaps, fruit, etc.).
8.
COMPANY LOGO- Design a logo for your OWN creative company. Think about your company
name, motto & public image. What is your theme? Who are your customers, what service are you providing?
What do you want them to think when they see your logo? Design 10 different looks for your company.
Craftsmanship counts. They should be clean and neat illustrations (about 3”x 3” in size for each). You do not
have to use words. Also think about: colors, text size, fonts, mascot, name, where and who will see it? You may
use Adobe computer programs/apps. You can download a free trial for a month off their website. These logo
can be developed more later for additional portfolio pieces.
9.
ART SCHOOL- Choose an art school that interests you, anywhere in the world. It does not have to be
here in Colorado. Look it up online. Use your phone or go the library. Complete one of the portfolio
requirements for freshmen admissions. (You cannot duplicate any above assignments.)
If you have another idea that is not listed, email me and let me know your thoughts before you begin.
virginia_buhl@dpsk12.org or alhsdesign.weebly.com/
- DO NOT DRAW FROM PHOTOGRAPHS YOU DID NOT TAKE! DO NOT DRAW FROM
MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET IMAGES, etc. The use of published photographs or the work
of other artists for duplication is plagiarism. An image can inspire you but you must not duplicate it- that is
plagiarism. Images that you did not photograph yourself can only be used if taken out of their original context,
transformed, abstracted, distorted, transformed or changed completely from their original state.
Helpful hints:
- Draw from observation, things you see in the world. Learn to translate the dynamic three-dimensional into twodimensional. Fill the entire page; extend off the edges. Change your point of view.
- NO TRITE images- no pretty cute things unless there's a reason for it, cartoons etc.
- Don’t be boring with your work. Challenge yourself! Finish what you start! Even if you don’t like it. Go back
later and make changes to finish it. They do not have to be perfect!
- Avoid showing your work to others unless you know they are going to understand what you are trying to do in
your sketchbook. You don’t need negative feedback when you are trying out new ideas or experimenting. This is a
place for risk-taking. Don’t invite criticism unless you are confident that it won’t derail your spirit and cause you to
abandon ideas.
- When you draw, practice looking at the subject matter then your paper, up and down, up and down. Teach your
eye to see and your hand to render at the same time. Rely on what you see in front of you - avoid drawing from
your imagination unless you are doing abstract lines and shapes. Even fantasy artists usually start from life first
and then alter their subject matter, exaggerating or changing shapes and sizes.
- DO NOT SIGN YOUR WORK ON THE FRONT, AP wants it on the back!
Please email me at virginia_buhl@dpsk12.org or http://alhsartbuhl.weebly.com/ if you have any questions. I
check my school email frequently during the summer! Have fun doing this!!! This could be your job in the
future. I mean it.
GOOD LUCK  Miss Buhl
Miss Buhl AP Studio Art
Student Agreement
2015-2016, Miss Buhl, Room 118, Virginia_buhl@dpsk12.org
alhsdesign.weebly.com
Student Agreement:
I have read and understand this syllabus and the following rules for computer use. By signing I agree
that the following may result in the loss of participation points or in privileges to work on a computer
for a period of time.
 Watching videos that are not directly related to classwork.
 Using Photo Booth
 Playing games (From the Internet or on the computer or your own device)
 Using Facebook and other social media sites unless directed by teacher
 Looking up, creating or displaying of inappropriate digital media images or videos
 Playing music from the speakers and not using headphones
I, ____________________________________________(student name) understand the rules, guidelines, and
expectations for Design and ALHS and I agree to abide by them.
(Student name signed in consent)
Student, please initial below on the appropriate line if you agree/not agree to have your artwork
considered for display in school displays, and local or district exhibitions.
_______I agree to have my artwork considered for display in school displays, and local or district
exhibitions.
_______I DO NOT agree to have my artwork considered for display in school displays, and local or
district exhibitions.
If there is anything that you would like to tell me that may affect your participation in this class, tell me
here or on the back.
Miss Buhl AP Studio 2D Design
Parent Agreement
Student Name: _______________________________________________Date _________________
I will work hard and help my son/daughter in this class by monitoring their Sketchbook/Folder and any
assigned work. Documentation and/or photos may be used in conjunction with binder. Assignments and
finished works may be online for me to view. I will help to check daily for their Lincoln uniform shirt. I am
also aware there is a student fee for this class.
Parent Release Form for Media Recording/Use of student photo
I, the undersigned, herby DENY/GRANT permission to ALHS to use the image of my child as marked by
my selection below. These images may be used by ALHS for a variety of purposes (but not limited to
student website, presentations, class page and or display cases) and that these images may be used
without further notifying me. I do understand that the child’s name may be used in conjunction with any
video or digital images. If neither box is checked then permission is granted. PLEASE CHECK ONE:
☐
DENY permission to use my child’s image at all.
☐
GRANT unrestricted permission to use my child’s image to be used in print, video, and digital
media for educational purposes only.
ART FEE: $25 each semester or $50 for the year
PLEASE CHECK the ONE that applies:
I have paid the art fee at registration in August 2015.
$15 per Sem. (Must have receipt)
Thank You _____
I will send the fee with my son/daughter now. $25 per Sem.
(cash or checks – with Colo. Driver’s License No. on check)
Thank You _____
I will pay in increments. Please see Miss Buhl
Thank You _____
I acknowledge receiving a copy of the Course Syllabus for Miss Buhl’s Ap 2D Design Course and
agree to the terms and fees above.
Parent Name: _______________________ Parent Signature: ______________________
(Print)
Please make a copy of this form for your own records and return the original to:
Miss Buhl – ALHS If you have questions, please contact me at 720-423-5068.
(Sign)