Unit 1: Sustained Investigation

6 topics to cover in this unit

Unit Progress0%

Watch Video

AI-generated review video covering all topics

Watch Now

Study Notes

Follow-along note packet with fill-in-the-blank

Start Notes

Take Quiz

20 AP-style questions to test your understanding

Start Quiz

Unit Outline

Understanding the Sustained Investigation

This topic introduces the core purpose and requirements of the Sustained Investigation section of the AP Drawing portfolio. It emphasizes that this section is a visual exploration of a specific inquiry or idea through a series of related artworks, rather than just a collection of unrelated pieces.

Investigate (1.A: Articulate an inquiry-based question)Present (3.A: Select and present works of art and design)

Common Misconceptions

Students often think the Sustained Investigation is just a collection of their 'best' artworks, regardless of theme.
They might not understand the 'sustained' aspect, focusing on individual pieces instead of the progression of ideas.

Developing an Inquiry/Question

Focuses on formulating an effective, open-ended, and visually researchable inquiry question. This question serves as the driving force and conceptual anchor for the entire Sustained Investigation, guiding artistic choices and explorations.

Investigate (1.A: Articulate an inquiry-based question)Investigate (1.B: Investigate through practice, experimentation, and revision)

Common Misconceptions

Choosing a question that is too narrow (e.g., 'draw a red apple') or too broad (e.g., 'art').
Selecting a question that can only be answered in words, not visually explored.
Changing the inquiry question multiple times during the investigation without clear justification.

Visual Evidence of Practice, Experimentation, and Revision

Explores how to visually document and present the artistic process. This involves showing iterative development, exploration of materials and techniques, and revisions, demonstrating growth and learning throughout the investigation.

Investigate (1.B: Investigate through practice, experimentation, and revision)Make (2.A: Skillfully manipulate materials, processes, and ideas)

Common Misconceptions

Only including 'finished' or 'perfect' pieces and omitting process work.
Making all pieces look similar without showing clear evolution or development.
Believing that showing early, less refined work will negatively impact their score.

Skillful Manipulation of Materials, Processes, and Ideas

Focuses on demonstrating technical proficiency and intentionality in the use of drawing materials and techniques. Students learn to make informed decisions about formal elements (line, shape, form, value, color, texture, space) and principles of design (balance, emphasis, contrast, rhythm, movement, unity, pattern) to communicate their ideas effectively.

Make (2.A: Skillfully manipulate materials, processes, and ideas)Make (2.B: Make informed decisions about materials, processes, and ideas)

Common Misconceptions

Equating 'skill' only with photo-realistic rendering.
Failing to understand how formal elements and principles of design contribute to the meaning of the work.
Using materials or techniques without clear artistic intent or justification.

Connecting Works to the Inquiry

Emphasizes the importance of creating a clear conceptual thread throughout the Sustained Investigation. Each artwork must visibly relate back to and expand upon the initial inquiry question, forming a cohesive and evolving narrative.

Investigate (1.C: Articulate how works of art and design demonstrate an investigation)Present (3.B: Describe how works of art and design demonstrate an investigation)

Common Misconceptions

Including artworks that are aesthetically pleasing but do not clearly relate to the inquiry.
Presenting works without a clear visual or conceptual link between them.
Failing to show a clear progression or transformation of ideas across the investigation.

Writing the Sustained Investigation Commentary

Covers the process of writing clear, concise, and insightful responses for the Sustained Investigation. This commentary is essential for articulating the inquiry, describing the artistic process, and explaining how the visuals demonstrate the investigation's development.

Investigate (1.C: Articulate how works of art and design demonstrate an investigation)Present (3.B: Describe how works of art and design demonstrate an investigation)

Common Misconceptions

Writing vague or generic statements that do not specifically address the artworks or the inquiry.
Simply describing what is visible in the artwork without explaining the conceptual connections or process.
Not addressing all parts of the commentary prompts or failing to link the writing directly to the visual evidence.

Key Terms

Sustained InvestigationPortfolioInquiryBody of WorkConceptual DevelopmentInquiry QuestionThemeConceptVisual ResearchOpen-ended QuestionIterationExperimentationProcessRevisionMedia ExplorationMediaTechniqueCompositionFormal ElementsPrinciples of DesignCohesionNarrativeVisual ConnectionThematic DevelopmentEvolution of IdeasCommentaryReflectionArticulationIntentProcess Description

Key Concepts

The Sustained Investigation is a cohesive visual journey demonstrating artistic growth and problem-solving.
It requires a clear, overarching idea or question that unifies all included artworks.
A strong inquiry question is broad enough to allow for diverse visual solutions but focused enough to provide clear direction.
The question must be answerable through visual means, not just verbal explanation.
The investigation is about the journey of artistic development, visible through a series of related works.
Showing 'failed' experiments or revisions is crucial, as it demonstrates learning and problem-solving.
Technical skill is demonstrated through control, intentionality, and effective use of materials to convey meaning, not solely through realism.
Informed artistic choices about materials, processes, and ideas strengthen the visual argument of the investigation.
Each artwork should serve as a visual 'answer' or further 'question' in relation to the central inquiry.
The sequence of works should demonstrate a logical progression of thought and development of the inquiry.
The written commentary complements the visual evidence by explaining the 'why' behind artistic choices and conceptual development.
It demonstrates critical thinking, self-reflection, and the ability to articulate artistic intent and process.

Cross-Unit Connections

**Overall Portfolio Submission:** The Sustained Investigation is one of the two main sections of the AP Drawing portfolio (alongside Selected Works). Mastering this unit is fundamental to understanding the entire portfolio's evaluation criteria.
**Skill Development for Selected Works:** The drawing skills, conceptual development, and understanding of formal elements and principles of design honed in the Sustained Investigation are directly transferable and essential for creating strong pieces for the Selected Works section.
**Formal Elements and Principles of Design:** Concepts like line, shape, value, composition, and emphasis, explored in depth within the Sustained Investigation, are foundational to all art-making and will be applied universally across any artwork created for the portfolio, regardless of section.
**Critical Analysis and Self-Reflection:** The process of investigating an idea, experimenting, and articulating one's artistic journey in this unit strengthens critical thinking and self-reflection skills vital for continuous artistic growth and success in any creative endeavor.

Unit 2: Selected Works