Assignment: AP Studio Art 2D – Sustained Investigation Portfolio
Objective:
Develop and submit a portfolio of 15 images that represent a sustained investigation into a particular visual idea. This body of work should demonstrate your ability to deeply explore and develop a concept through 2D design.
Duration:
This project will be an ongoing commitment throughout the school year, culminating in the submission of the completed portfolio to the College Board AP Portfolio website.
Materials:
Digital camera or smartphone for photographic documentation
Computer with image editing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop)
Various art supplies depending on your chosen media (e.g., pencils, ink, watercolor, acrylics, markers, collage materials)
Sketchbook for planning and notes
Access to a printer for digital works that need to be printed
Instructions:
Choose a Central Inquiry:
Select a compelling question or idea that interests you and can sustain deep inquiry. This should be a topic that allows for exploration and development over multiple works.
Your central inquiry should lead to a series of decisions about how to create and develop your work. It's not just about producing multiple pieces but rather demonstrating a thoughtful, in-depth exploration.
Research and Planning:
Conduct research related to your chosen inquiry. This could include visual inspiration, historical contexts, related artists, and various techniques.
Maintain a sketchbook where you document your ideas, experiments, and progressions. This sketchbook is an essential part of your sustained investigation, showing your thought process and development over time.
Producing the Works:
Create a series of 15 images that are cohesive yet demonstrate a clear development in thought and execution. Each piece should be a response to your sustained investigation, showing a progression of ideas and techniques.
Experiment with different materials and techniques within the 2D design framework. Your works can include but are not limited to drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media.
Documentation and Submission:
Photograph each piece of artwork in high quality to prepare for submission. Ensure that the photographs accurately represent the colors and details of your work.
Write a reflection on your sustained investigation, discussing how your ideas evolved, what you discovered, and how you made decisions throughout your creative process.
Upload your 15 images along with any required written materials to the College Board AP Portfolio website by the designated deadline. Ensure you follow all guidelines for formatting and image quality.
Preparation for Review:
Check each submission on the website to ensure that files have uploaded correctly and are displayed as intended.
Review the College Board’s AP 2D Art and Design Portfolio requirements carefully to ensure your portfolio meets all criteria, including sizes, formats, and any written descriptions or annotations as needed.
Assessment Criteria:
Inquiry and Investigation: Depth and breadth of the investigation into the chosen idea.
Coherence and Development: How well the series of works relate to each other and demonstrate a progression or evolution.
Technical Skills: Mastery of chosen 2D media and techniques.
Presentation: Quality of the final photographic documentation and overall presentation of the portfolio.
College Board Resources:
Ensure you regularly review the College Board guidelines for AP 2D Art and Design to understand the expectations for portfolio submissions, including specific requirements and deadlines. This information can be found directly on their website under AP Art and Design Portfolio Exam.
Notes for Students:
This assignment demands high levels of self-direction, commitment, and critical thinking. Use your class time efficiently for discussions, peer reviews, and consultations with your teacher to ensure you are on track and making the most of your artistic exploration. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your artistic development and thought processes on a national platform.
Rubric for Sustained Investigation Portfolio Submission
This rubric is designed to evaluate the quality of the 15 images submitted for the AP Studio Art 2D portfolio. Each image can earn a total of 1 point, divided into two categories: successful upload and proper presentation. The total possible points for this rubric are 15.
Upload Criteria (7.5 Points Total)
Each image uploaded to the College Board AP Portfolio website will be assessed for successful submission.
0.5 Point per Image: The image has been successfully uploaded without technical issues, and is viewable in the intended format on the website.
Presentation Criteria (7.5 Points Total)
Each image will be evaluated on its presentation quality, focusing on cropping, absence of shadows, and correct alignment.0.5 Point per Image: The image is cropped correctly to focus on the artwork without unnecessary background distractions. There are no shadows that obscure the details of the artwork, and the image is not skewed or angled incorrectly, ensuring the artwork appears as intended.
Detailed Breakdown:
Criteria Points per Image Total Points
Successful Upload 0.5 7.5
Correct Cropping, No Shadows. 0.5 7.5
Total Possible Points 1.0 15
Notes:
Successful Upload: Ensure that each file has been correctly uploaded to the College Board website. Check that each image opens and is displayed correctly, reflecting the actual artwork without any errors or omissions.
Correct Cropping and Free of Shadows/Angle: Each photograph must be taken with care to represent the artwork accurately. Proper lighting and alignment are crucial for professional presentations. Images must be oriented correctly; artwork should not appear tilted unless intentionally designed that way. Pay attention to cropping to ensure the focus is on the artwork and backgrounds do not distract from the piece itself.