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AP Drawing Study Guide

Overview of AP Drawing Exam

The AP Drawing Exam is divided into two parts:

  1. Portfolio Submission (60% of the Exam Score):
    You will submit a portfolio of your work, which consists of three sections:
    • Section 1: Sustained Investigation (20 works) – A collection of works that shows exploration of a specific theme or idea. This section should highlight your ability to research, experiment, and develop your work.
    • Section 2: Selected Works (5 works) – A set of five final pieces that showcase your best work. These pieces should demonstrate your technical skill, creativity, and understanding of the AP Drawing standards.
    • Section 3: Quality (1 work) – A single piece that is a refined, high-quality work showcasing your best artistic abilities.
  2. Written Response (40% of the Exam Score):
    The written response is your opportunity to explain your artistic process. You will submit written statements explaining the content, concept, and techniques used in your portfolio.

Key Concepts and Skills for AP Drawing

  1. Elements of Art
    • Line: Use of line in various ways to define shapes, convey movement, or create texture. Understand different types of lines (e.g., contour, gesture, implied).
    • Shape and Form: Recognizing the difference between 2D shapes and 3D forms. Develop skills in drawing from life and understanding how form creates depth and volume.
    • Space: Understanding the use of positive and negative space, as well as the concept of perspective (linear and atmospheric) to create depth.
    • Value: Creating depth and volume through light and dark contrasts. Mastering shading techniques such as hatching, cross-hatching, and blending.
    • Texture: Creating the illusion of texture or incorporating actual texture through mixed media or mark-making techniques.
    • Color: Although the AP Drawing exam doesn't require color, you may still use color to enhance your portfolio pieces. Understand how color can convey mood, atmosphere, and depth.
    • Composition: Organizing visual elements within the artwork to guide the viewer’s eye. Use principles like balance, rhythm, and emphasis.
  2. Principles of Design
    • Balance: How elements are arranged to create visual stability. This could be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial balance.
    • Contrast: The use of opposites (light vs. dark, rough vs. smooth) to create visual interest.
    • Emphasis: Drawing attention to a focal point in the artwork through contrast, color, or placement.
    • Movement: Creating a sense of motion or the path the viewer’s eye follows through the work.
    • Unity and Harmony: How all elements in the piece work together to create a cohesive design.

Portfolio Development Tips

  1. Theme Exploration (Sustained Investigation):
    • Select a concept or theme that is broad enough to explore across multiple pieces but focused enough to allow deep investigation.
    • Your work should show a clear evolution of ideas, starting from initial sketches to more refined final pieces.
    • Keep a sketchbook or digital journal documenting your process, thinking, and experiments. This will help you articulate your creative journey in your written response.
  2. Technique Mastery:
    • Focus on improving technical skills across various media, including graphite, charcoal, ink, digital media, and mixed media.
    • Experiment with different approaches to mark-making, composition, and texture to show versatility in your portfolio.
    • Consider using unconventional techniques (e.g., collage, photography, printmaking) to showcase your creativity.
  3. Showcase Your Best Work (Selected Works):
    • Choose 5 final pieces that highlight your strengths. These should be polished, refined works that showcase your mastery of drawing techniques.
    • Consider the impact of your pieces as a group: Do they show a range of techniques, themes, or media? Do they demonstrate both technical skill and conceptual depth?
  4. Create a High-Quality Final Piece (Quality):
    • This should be a standout piece that you feel represents your highest level of craftsmanship and thoughtfulness.
    • Pay attention to every detail, from the composition to the smallest textural elements. This piece should feel like a culmination of your learning and experimentation.

Written Response Tips

  • Artistic Process: Be prepared to explain your thought process behind each piece in your portfolio. You will need to communicate the decisions you made, how you executed them, and why they were important to your concept.
  • Specificity: Use clear and specific language to describe the media, techniques, and themes used in each piece.
  • Reflection: Reflect on how your work has evolved throughout the portfolio. Discuss what you learned and how you applied these lessons in later pieces.

Exam Preparation Strategies

  1. Start Early:
    Begin working on your portfolio well in advance of the submission deadline. The sustained investigation section is particularly time-intensive, so give yourself plenty of time to explore ideas and techniques.
  2. Document Your Process:
    Keep thorough documentation of your work from start to finish. This will help you write about your process in your written response and demonstrate growth in your work.
  3. Use Feedback:
    Regularly seek feedback from teachers, peers, and other artists. Constructive criticism can help refine your technique and strengthen your overall portfolio.
  4. Practice Drawing from Life:
    Much of the AP Drawing exam focuses on your ability to accurately represent the world around you. Practice drawing from observation, whether it's people, still life, or landscapes.