Nick's AP Studio Art Blog

At the beginning of the year, I experimented with other mediums like drawing and layering. Although I had some mild successes with my experimentation, at the end of the year I chose to come back to photography. After being inspired by various street and candid photographers I took my camera and went out to Madison and downtown Beaver Dam to capture the urban scenes that dot the country. My breadth was a collection of random street scenes that played with different geometries and positioning. My quality showed off my special attention to color in a photo. Finally, my concentration was about the geometry of urban scenes. I showcased the different lines and textures that work collectively to build the marvel that is the American city. Together my AP portfolio works as a grandiose collective of different patterns and themes, to magnificently pay homage to the American urban scene. Here is a snippet of my AP concentration write-up:

The geometry of urban landscapes is all around us, but the inhabitants of these cities take the awe-inspiring lines and shapes for granted. I took it upon myself to document the art of urban biomes with my camera. The lost treasure of the American city is the alleyways. These rustic lanes are overwhelmed with metropolitan detail work that uses parallel and perpendicular lines to give the city motion. The vivid oranges and browns of rust on the iron metalwork make brilliant contrast with the faded colors of the backsides of antique domiciles. Powers of metropolitan landscapes come through in the repetition of simple patterns that create ominous cityscapes. The delicate angles and busy structures move me to more simple scenes. Textures of the omnipresent walls and walkways become the main attraction against the monochromatic backgrounds, outlining the elegance of these urban mystiques...

I'm hoping to pursue photography as a hobby in the future. I find taking pictures very enjoyable and I believe I have a good eye. Though I am not going to pursue a career in art, I am glad that I had the opportunity to take AP Art Studio, because It has definitely helped me learn and grow as a young artist.

Kaley's AP Studio Art Blog

This year has been crazy for me. Between juggling 3 jobs, 4 AP classes and a boyfriend, the one thing that has kept me sane through these past 9 months has been my artwork. Photography has taught me a great deal about life. I see things better through a camera and I feel so accomplished after reviewing my work at the end. I started off with just taking pictures of anything and everything I could find. Macro photography was a big hit for me. Everything just seems so much more interesting up close or when you can't see the big picture. When I was asked to do some family pictures for a friend, my confidence in my work sky rocketed. I went from nervousness to excitement within an hour! I had never taken a lot of people pictures, but they had faith in me so I knew it would be okay. Since that family shoot, I've done quite a few other family portraits as well as portraits for seniors, weddings, babies, and couples. I learn something new every time I pick up my camera. I enjoy telling stories with my work and showing things as they progress. I hope to continue learning more as I venture through college. My goal is to major in Digital Design and minor in Photography. Who would have thought?! I can't wait to see where my future takes me.

Abigail's AP Studio Art Blog

AP Studio Art has really made me look at my own work and discover my own style. My work has really grown this school year alone. The central theme of my work has been an intense use of lines, color, shape, and surreal imagery. Initially, I incorporated other people's works into my own by relying on images and outside resources. I gradually spun off of that and began to use my own imagination in my work by using unique lines. I like to stretch reality to the greatest degree, but leave a touch of what is real. I can be very random and in the moment when I paint; I see something and become inspired. Painting and drawing is a way for me to relax; I play my music and am free to be myself and get lost in my own world. Just because I am graduating this year does not mean I am saying goodbye to art. I plan on continuing to create art for the rest of my life, it's my hobby and is a part of me. My future plans include taking my general education either at a tech college or online, then transfering to a four-year college. AP Studio Art has given me confidence to make art a part of my future plans. I would like to pursue either art therapy or art education working specifically with children. I am thankful to have had this opportunity, thank you! =D

AP Studio Art Student Post-coming soon!

This year is my second year running an AP Studio Art class.  Although it's a ton of work, it's sooo worth it!  What an incredible learning opportunity for the students (and teacher).  For those of you that haven't had much experience with AP Studio Art, here is a brief overview...

Students work in one of three catagories: 2D, 3D, or Drawing. 
2D and 3D center around the succesful use of the principles and elements of design within their art.
Drawing is more about detail and mark making.
Each student submits work in three areas-
Quality-5 works sent in a portfolio to be viewed by the evaluators
Concentration-12 works entered electronically that center around a theme or transition through a process of growth.
Breadth-12 works entered elerctronically that demonstrate the students ability to apply the principles and elements to their work.
*In the 3D catagory the requirements slightly vary, as they are required to enter close ups and second views of images.

For more information check out  http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_studioart.html

Or the course description book pdf.  http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap-studio-art-course-description.pdf

  Last year we did very well on the portfolio exam.  All of the AP Art students received a 3 (on a 5 point scale) or above on their portfolios and commentary.  Last week  this year's AP portfolios were due.  I'm feeling quit optimistic for this group as well. In honor of all their hard work I'd like to give each of my AP students the opportunity to post a few of their images and write a blog about their work and /or the year in AP Art Studio.  Starting tomorrow through the end of May the AP students will be taking over the blog.  Every day or two there will be a new student post with their awesome artwork.
Enjoy!....