AP Drawing
Unit 2: Selected Works
5 topics to cover in this unit
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Understanding Selected Works Section Requirements
This topic introduces the specific criteria, purpose, and expectations for the 'Selected Works' section of the AP Drawing portfolio. It clarifies how to select and present three distinct pieces that demonstrate a synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas.
- Students often think 'Selected Works' is just a collection of their absolute 'best' pieces without considering specific criteria.
- Confusing the goal of 'Selected Works' (demonstrating breadth and synthesis) with 'Sustained Investigation' (showing a focused inquiry).
Demonstrating Technical Competence and Craftsmanship
Focuses on the skillful manipulation of materials and processes to create visually compelling and well-executed artwork. This involves mastery over chosen media and techniques, ensuring the artwork is presented with high craftsmanship.
- Believing that 'experimental' or 'expressive' work excuses poor craftsmanship or lack of technical skill.
- Not pushing beyond basic or elementary techniques, leading to a lack of visual sophistication.
- Submitting work that appears unfinished, poorly mounted, or inadequately photographed.
Synthesizing Materials, Processes, and Ideas
Explores how artists integrate their chosen materials and processes with conceptual ideas to create meaningful and cohesive artworks. It's about making deliberate choices that support and enhance the artistic intent.
- Artwork being purely decorative without a clear underlying idea or concept.
- Ideas being too vague or not clearly expressed through the visual language of the piece.
- Choosing materials or processes randomly without considering their impact on the concept.
Effective Application of Elements and Principles of Art and Design
Examines the deliberate and effective use of the elements and principles of art and design to organize, unify, and enhance visual communication within each artwork. This includes understanding how these principles create impact and meaning.
- Randomly applying elements and principles without understanding their purpose or effect.
- Creating visually chaotic or unorganized pieces that lack a clear focal point or sense of unity.
- Not understanding *why* a particular principle is effective in a given context.
Articulation and Reflection on Artistic Choices
This topic covers how to effectively articulate the artistic choices, processes, and ideas behind the submitted works in the brief written statements required for the 'Selected Works' section. It emphasizes connecting visual evidence to verbal explanation.
- Writing generic statements that could apply to any artwork, rather than specific to the piece.
- Failing to connect the written explanation directly to the visual evidence in the artwork.
- Not explaining *how* choices were made or *why* certain materials/processes were selected.
Key Terms
Key Concepts
- Meeting College Board criteria for portfolio submission
- Demonstrating a range of artistic skills and conceptual approaches
- Intentional and effective use of materials and tools
- Producing work that is technically refined and visually clear
- Creating a coherent connection between the 'what' (idea) and the 'how' (materials/process)
- Ensuring the artwork effectively communicates its intended meaning or feeling
- Intentional design choices to create visual structure and impact
- Using principles to guide the viewer's eye and reinforce artistic intent
- Clear and concise communication of artistic intent and process
- Providing evidence-based explanations for visual choices
- Self-assessment and critical analysis of one's own work
Cross-Unit Connections
- **Unit 1: Foundations of Drawing:** The fundamental skills, elements, and principles of art and design introduced and practiced in Unit 1 are directly applied, demonstrated, and refined in the creation of 'Selected Works.' This unit is where students showcase their mastery of those foundational concepts.
- **Unit 3: Sustained Investigation:** While 'Selected Works' focuses on breadth and synthesis, the iterative process, conceptual development, and refinement of skills developed in the 'Sustained Investigation' directly inform and enhance the quality of individual pieces that might be chosen for 'Selected Works.' Strong individual pieces from a sustained investigation can sometimes be adapted for 'Selected Works' if they meet the specific criteria for demonstrating a synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas.
- **Sketchbook/Process Documentation:** The ongoing practice of ideation, experimentation, and problem-solving documented in a sketchbook (often a component of the overall portfolio submission) directly supports the creation of strong 'Selected Works' by providing a record of critical thinking and artistic development.