🎨AP Art & Design Unit 1 – Course Overview

What's This Course About?

• AP Art & Design is a college-level course that focuses on developing your skills in creating and presenting art
• Explores various art and design concepts, techniques, and media to help you grow as an artist
• Encourages experimentation and innovation in your artistic practice, pushing you to explore new ideas and approaches
• Provides opportunities to develop your personal voice and style as an artist through sustained investigation and reflection
• Emphasizes the importance of process, including ideation, experimentation, and revision, in creating meaningful works of art
  • Involves keeping a process portfolio to document your artistic journey and growth throughout the course
• Prepares you to submit a portfolio of your work for evaluation at the end of the course, which can potentially earn you college credit

Key Concepts and Skills

• Develop an understanding of the elements of art and principles of design, and how to effectively use them in your work
  • Elements of art include line, shape, form, space, color, value, and texture
  • Principles of design include balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity
• Explore a wide range of art and design media, techniques, and processes, such as drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and digital art
• Learn to critically analyze and evaluate works of art, both your own and those of others, using appropriate vocabulary and concepts
• Develop skills in visual communication and storytelling through your art, conveying ideas, emotions, and experiences
• Enhance your ability to work independently and collaboratively, managing your time and resources effectively
• Strengthen your skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making as you navigate the creative process
• Learn to document and reflect on your artistic process, identifying successes, challenges, and areas for growth

Course Structure

• The course is divided into two main components: Sustained Investigation and Selected Works
  • Sustained Investigation involves creating a body of work that explores a central idea or theme over an extended period
  • Selected Works involves choosing and presenting your best works that demonstrate a range of art and design skills and concepts
• Class time is typically divided between lectures, demonstrations, studio work, critiques, and discussions
• You will have opportunities to work independently on your projects, with guidance and feedback from your teacher and peers
• The course may include field trips to museums, galleries, or other art-related sites to expose you to a variety of art and design practices
• You will be expected to complete assignments and projects outside of class time, dedicating significant time and effort to your artistic practice
• The course culminates in the submission of your portfolio for evaluation, which includes your Sustained Investigation and Selected Works

Projects and Assignments

• Projects and assignments are designed to help you develop and demonstrate your skills in art and design
• Sustained Investigation projects involve exploring a central idea or theme through a series of related works
  • You will choose a topic that is personally meaningful and relevant to your interests and experiences
  • You will create a body of work that demonstrates your ability to explore, experiment, and evolve your ideas over time
• Selected Works assignments involve creating individual works that showcase your skills and concepts in a variety of media and techniques
  • These works should demonstrate your ability to effectively use the elements of art and principles of design
  • They should also showcase your technical skills and creative problem-solving abilities
• Other assignments may include sketchbook exercises, research projects, written reflections, and critiques
• All projects and assignments will be accompanied by clear guidelines, expectations, and deadlines to help you stay on track

Materials and Resources

• You will need a variety of art and design materials and tools, depending on the media and techniques you choose to explore
  • Basic materials may include pencils, pens, paper, paint, brushes, and scissors
  • More specialized materials may include printmaking supplies, sculpting tools, and digital art software
• Your teacher will provide a list of required and recommended materials at the beginning of the course
• The school may provide some materials and resources, such as art books, magazines, and online databases
• You may also be expected to purchase some materials on your own, depending on your individual needs and preferences
• The classroom will be equipped with basic art-making facilities, such as sinks, tables, and storage space
• You will have access to school resources such as the library, computer lab, and other specialized equipment as needed

Grading and Assessment

• Your grade in the course will be based on a combination of factors, including the quality and quantity of your work, your effort and participation, and your growth and progress over time
• Projects and assignments will be graded using rubrics that outline the specific criteria and expectations for each task
  • Rubrics will typically include categories such as creativity, technical skill, composition, and adherence to guidelines
  • You will receive feedback on your work, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement
• Your Sustained Investigation will be assessed based on the cohesiveness and depth of your exploration, as well as the quality and variety of your works
• Your Selected Works will be assessed based on the demonstrated mastery of art and design concepts and techniques
• Other factors that may contribute to your grade include attendance, participation in class discussions and critiques, and completion of sketchbook assignments and written reflections
• You will have opportunities to revise and improve your work based on feedback from your teacher and peers

Tips for Success

• Develop a consistent studio practice, setting aside dedicated time and space for art-making outside of class
• Experiment with a variety of media, techniques, and styles to discover your strengths and interests
  • Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things, even if they don't turn out as planned
  • Embrace the process of learning and growth, and view mistakes as opportunities for learning
• Engage actively in class discussions and critiques, offering constructive feedback to your peers and being open to receiving feedback on your own work
• Keep a sketchbook or visual journal to document your ideas, observations, and reflections
  • Use your sketchbook to plan and refine your projects, as well as to explore new ideas and techniques
• Take advantage of resources such as art books, magazines, websites, and museums to expose yourself to a wide range of art and design practices
• Develop your skills in time management, breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks and setting realistic goals and deadlines for yourself
• Communicate openly and proactively with your teacher, seeking guidance and support as needed

What's Next?

• After completing the AP Art & Design course, you will have a strong foundation in art and design concepts and techniques, as well as a portfolio of work that demonstrates your skills and growth
• You may choose to submit your portfolio for evaluation by the College Board, potentially earning college credit or advanced placement in college art and design courses
• You may also choose to pursue further studies in art and design at the college level, either as a major or as an elective
  • Many colleges and universities offer programs in fine arts, graphic design, illustration, photography, and other related fields
• You may also choose to pursue art and design as a career, either as a freelance artist or as part of a larger organization
  • Possible career paths include graphic designer, illustrator, photographer, art director, museum curator, and art therapist, among others
• Regardless of your future plans, the skills and knowledge you gain in the AP Art & Design course will serve you well in any field that values creativity, critical thinking, and visual communication
  • These skills are highly transferable and can be applied in a wide range of personal and professional contexts
• You may also choose to continue pursuing art and design as a personal passion or hobby, using your skills to create meaningful works that express your unique vision and voice