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The Ultimate Guide to Acing the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam

By Eric Eng

Hey, aspiring artists! Are you ready to turn your passion for drawing into a masterpiece? We’re diving into the colorful world of the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam, and trust us, it’s more exciting than you think!

Whether you’re a sketching superstar or just starting your artistic journey, this blog is your go-to guide for acing the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam . No fancy art jargon here – just friendly tips, creative hacks, and a whole lot of encouragement to help you rock that canvas and earn those well-deserved accolades!

So, grab your pencils, throw on your favorite art apron, and let’s embark on this art-filled adventure together. Ready, set, draw!

What is the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam?

The AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam is an opportunity for high school students to demonstrate their mastery of drawing skills and artistic expression. It is part of the Advanced Placement program offered by the College Board , which allows students to earn college credit for their achievements in various subjects.

The exam requires students to create an artwork portfolio showcasing their understanding of drawing principles, techniques , and visual communication. This portfolio is then submitted for evaluation by experienced AP Studio Art teachers.

During the exam, students can explore various drawing techniques and styles. They can experiment with different mediums such as graphite, charcoal, ink, and pastels, allowing them to showcase their versatility and creativity. The portfolio should include various pieces demonstrating the student’s ability to work with different subject matters, compositions, and levels of complexity.

One of the critical aspects of the AP Studio Art : Drawing Exam is the emphasis on artistic expression and personal voice. Students are encouraged to use their artwork as a means of self-expression, exploring themes and ideas that are meaningful to them. This allows them to develop a unique artistic style and perspective, an essential exam component.

Students must demonstrate a strong understanding of drawing principles and techniques throughout the portfolio. This includes elements such as line, shape, form, value, texture, and composition. By effectively utilizing these elements, students can create visually compelling and impactful artwork.

Furthermore, the exam encourages students to think critically and reflect on their artistic choices. They are expected to provide written commentary for each piece in their portfolio, explaining their artistic intentions, influences, and the thought process behind their creative decisions. This allows students to articulate their artistic vision and demonstrate their ability to analyze and discuss their artwork in a thoughtful and insightful manner.

In addition to the portfolio, the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam also includes a section where students must complete a sustained investigation. This involves exploring a specific theme or concept, creating an interconnected series of interconnected artworks, and demonstrating a cohesive artistic exploration. This sustained investigation allows students to delve deeper into a particular subject matter and develop a more comprehensive body of work.

The AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam provides high school students a platform to showcase their artistic skills, creativity, and personal voice. It challenges them to think critically, experiment with different techniques, and develop a solid artistic portfolio that reflects their unique style and artistic journey. Through this exam, students can gain valuable experience and recognition for their artistic achievements, setting them toward further artistic exploration and growth.

What is on the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam?

The AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam consists of two main sections: the Selected Works and the Sustained Investigation. In the Selected Works section, students submit a portfolio of 5 artworks demonstrating their skills in various drawing techniques and styles.

The Selected Works section is an opportunity for students to showcase their artistic abilities and creativity. It allows them to choose their best pieces that highlight their mastery of different drawing techniques, such as shading, perspective, and composition. Students may include drawings that explore various subject matters, such as still life, portraiture, landscapes, or abstract concepts. This section not only assesses technical skills but also encourages students to express their unique artistic voice.

When selecting the artwork for this section, students should carefully consider the range and diversity of their pieces. It is essential to demonstrate versatility and show proficiency in different drawing styles. The portfolio should reflect the student’s growth and development as an artist , showcasing their ability to adapt and experiment with different mediums and approaches.

The Sustained Investigation section of the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam requires students to delve deeper into a specific theme or concept. This section allows students to explore a topic of personal interest and develop a cohesive body of work around it.

During the Sustained Investigation, students are encouraged to experiment with different materials, techniques, and approaches to drawing. They should clearly understand their chosen theme and show how their ideas have evolved and developed over time. This section allows students to showcase their critical thinking skills, as they analyze and interpret their chosen theme through their artwork.

Throughout the Sustained Investigation, students should document their artistic process, including sketches, studies, and written reflections. This documentation provides insight into the student’s creative journey and helps the AP examiners understand the context and intention behind their artwork.

The AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam assesses students’ technical skills, creativity, and ability to develop a sustained body of work. It challenges students to think critically, experiment with different approaches, and express their unique artistic voice. Students can showcase their artistic growth and readiness for college-level art studies through this exam.

How long is the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam?

The AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam is a portfolio-based exam with no specific time limit for completing the exam. Students must submit a portfolio of artwork for evaluation at the end of the school year. The portfolio includes two components: the Sustained Investigation and Selected Works.

The Sustained Investigation section requires students to create a body of work that demonstrates sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision, and it consists of 15 digital images. The Selected Works section is assembled physically and is not “testing time” in the usual sense. Experienced studio art educators assess the portfolios and contribute to the final portfolio score, which is on a 5-point scale.

Format of the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam

The AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates students’ artistic skills and understanding of drawing techniques. The exam is divided into two parts: the physical portfolio submission and the digital submission.

Physical Portfolio

For the physical portfolio, students must create a collection of artworks using traditional materials such as pencils, charcoal, ink, or pastels. This part of the exam allows students to showcase their mastery of various drawing techniques and ability to manipulate different mediums. The artwork can be done on paper, canvas, or any other appropriate surface, allowing students to explore different textures and surfaces to enhance their artistic expression.

The physical portfolio submission is a testament to students’ dedication and commitment to their craft. It requires meticulous planning and execution, as students must carefully select and arrange their artworks to create a cohesive and visually stimulating collection. Each artwork should demonstrate the student’s technical proficiency, creativity, and unique artistic voice.

Tackling the Physical Portfolio Section

The physical portfolio section of the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam is called the Selected Works section, and it is assembled physically. The meeting to assemble the Selected Works section of the portfolios is not “testing time” in the usual sense . Experienced studio art educators assess the portfolios and contribute to the final portfolio score, which is on a 5-point scale .  Here are some steps to tackle the physical portfolio section of the exam:

• Create a body of work : The Sustained Investigation section requires students to create a body of work that demonstrates sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision, consisting of 15 digital images .
• Select works for the Selected Works section : Students should select works that demonstrate their skills and abilities in drawing. The Selected Works section is assembled physically and should include five works that demonstrate a range of drawing skills and techniques .
• Document the inquiry that guided the sustained investigation : Students should document in writing the inquiry that guided their sustained investigation .
• Submit the portfolio : The portfolios are submitted digitally, but the Selected Works section is assembled physically. Experienced studio art educators assess the portfolios and contribute to the final portfolio score, which is on a 5-point scale .

It is important to note that students should not use any artificial intelligence tools in any AP assessment work, and they are prohibited from duplicating works or images among the portfolios.

Digital Submission

In addition to the physical portfolio, the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam also includes a digital submission component. This allows students to photograph or scan their artworks and upload them online. The digital submission allows students to present their artwork digitally, allowing a broader audience to appreciate their talent and creativity.

However, the digital submission is not limited to showcasing the physical artworks. It also includes a written component where students explain the ideas and concepts behind their artworks. This written component is crucial in helping the examiners understand the thought process and artistic intentions behind each artwork. It allows students to articulate their artistic choices, influences, and the messages they aim to convey through their drawings.

The written component of the digital submission encourages students to reflect on their artistic journey and develop their critical thinking skills. It requires students to analyze and interpret their own artworks, as well as the works of other artists that have influenced their creative process. This reflection and analysis deepen students’ understanding of their own artistic practice and help them refine their skills and techniques.

Overall, the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam provides students with a platform to showcase their artistic abilities and express their unique artistic voice. Combining the physical portfolio and the digital submission allows students to demonstrate their technical proficiency, creativity, and critical thinking skills. It is a challenging yet rewarding experience that prepares students for further studies in art and design.

Tackling the Digital Submission Section

To tackle the digital submission section of the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam, students should follow these steps:

• Create a body of work : Students should create a body demonstrating sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision. The Sustained Investigation section requires students to submit 15 digital images .
• Select works for the Selected Works section : Students should select five works that demonstrate a range of drawing skills and techniques for the Selected Works section. The works should be photographed and submitted digitally .
• Prepare digital images : Students should ensure that all digital images are in JPEG format, RGB color mode, and 72 pixels per inch (ppi). The maximum file size for each image cannot exceed 3.0 MB .
• Submit the portfolio : Students should submit their portfolio components (Sustained Investigation Images, Written Evidence, and Selected Works) to the AP Program through the AP Digital Portfolio by May 10, 2024, 8 p.m. ET. They should review the portfolio components again and confirm they are correct before submitting them as final. Experienced studio art educators assess the portfolios and contribute to the final portfolio score, which is on a 5-point scale .

Students can find more detailed instructions on the AP Art and Design Digital Submission Guide for Students and can use the Digital Submission Checklist for Students and Teachers to ensure they have completed all the necessary steps.

AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam Scoring Breakdown

The AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates students’ artistic abilities and understanding of various drawing techniques. This exam plays a crucial role in determining the students’ proficiency in the field of drawing and their potential for further artistic growth.

Scoring for the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam is done on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score achievable. The scoring process considers both the technical and conceptual aspects of the artworks submitted by the students.

In the Selected Works section of the exam, the artworks are carefully evaluated based on their quality, variety, and complexity. The examiners analyze the technical skills demonstrated by the students, such as their ability to use different drawing mediums effectively, their understanding of composition and perspective, and their mastery of various mark-making techniques. Additionally, the evaluators also consider the conceptual aspects of the artworks, including the student’s ability to convey their ideas, emotions, and narratives through their drawings. This section of the exam provides students with an opportunity to showcase their artistic versatility and creativity.

The Sustained Investigation section of the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam focuses on the students exploring ideas and developing a personal voice in their artwork. This section allows students to delve deeper into a specific theme or concept and demonstrate their ability to sustain a cohesive body of work. The evaluators assess the students’ artistic process, looking for evidence of growth, experimentation, and risk-taking. They consider how effectively the students have developed their ideas over time and how well they have communicated their artistic intentions through their drawings. This section provides students with a platform to showcase their artistic journey and their ability to engage in meaningful artistic inquiry.

In conclusion, the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates students’ technical skills, conceptual understanding, and artistic growth. The scoring process considers the quality, variety, and complexity of the artworks submitted in the Selected Works section, the exploration of ideas, the development of a personal voice, and the growth of the artistic process in the Sustained Investigation section. This exam is a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their artistic abilities and potential for future artistic endeavors.

Topics Covered in the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam

The framework for AP Art and Design, as detailed in the course and exam description, delineates specific skills for students to cultivate consistently throughout the academic year. These skills are instrumental in fostering inquiry into the conceptualization and creation of art. Notably, Skills 2 and 3 undergo targeted assessment in both portfolio segments, namely, Sustained Investigation and Selected Works.

The structure of the AP Art and Design course framework encompasses a range of elements, including course skills, big ideas, essential questions and enduring understandings, learning objectives, and essential knowledge. Within the skill categories of AP Art and Design, overarching principles are crucial to the comprehensive exploration and application of art and design. These three skill categories, foundational to advanced learning, necessitate students’ development, practice, and application of these skills across various contexts.

Furthermore, the framework introduces three significant big ideas for AP Art and Design courses. Importantly, flexibility is granted for the organization of course content, allowing educators to structure it according to their preferences.

• Big Idea 1: Investigate materials, processes, and ideas.
• Big Idea 2: Make art and design.
• Big Idea 3: Present art and design.

The exam encompasses a wide range of topics, ensuring students have a well-rounded understanding of the subject. Let’s explore some of the key topics in detail:

• Line drawing and contour studies:  This topic focuses on the fundamental skill of creating accurate and expressive lines. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to capture the essence of an object or figure through contour studies, which involve carefully observing and rendering the outlines.
• Value and shading techniques: Understanding how to use value and shading effectively is crucial in creating depth and dimension in drawings. Students are challenged to master techniques, such as hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and blending, to create realistic and visually compelling compositions.
• Anatomy and proportion: A solid grasp of human and animal anatomy is essential for creating convincing and well-proportioned drawings. Students are encouraged to study the skeletal structure, muscles, and proportions of the subjects they depict, enabling them to represent the human form or animal anatomy accurately.
• Composition and design principles: The arrangement of elements within a drawing plays a significant role in its overall impact. Students must demonstrate their understanding of composition and design principles, such as balance, emphasis, contrast, and unity, to create visually engaging and harmonious artwork.
• Texture and surface treatment: Texture adds tactile qualities to a drawing, making it visually and conceptually intriguing. Students are encouraged to experiment with various techniques to depict textures, such as smooth, rough, shiny, or matte surfaces. Additionally, they explore surface treatments like stippling, scumbling, or sgraffito to enhance the overall visual interest of their artworks.
• Perspective and spatial relationships: Understanding perspective is crucial for creating drawings accurately representing three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. Students learn about one-point, two-point, and three-point perspectives, as well as atmospheric perspectives, to create a sense of depth and realism in their artworks. They also explore spatial relationships between objects, considering how size, position, and overlapping affect the perception of space.
• Expressive mark-making:  This topic encourages students to explore and develop their unique artistic voice by experimenting with expressive mark-making techniques. They are challenged to create drawings that convey emotions, moods, or narratives through their choice and manipulation of marks, lines, and strokes.

By covering these diverse topics, the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam provides students with a comprehensive understanding of drawing principles and techniques. It challenges them to think critically, experiment with different approaches, and develop their artistic skills to create visually captivating and conceptually rich artworks.

Why is the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam important?

The AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam is an excellent opportunity for aspiring artists to stand out in college admissions and scholarship applications. Here are some of the reasons why it’s important:

• Achieving a high score in the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam goes beyond merely showcasing artistic talents; it is a testament to the artist’s unwavering commitment and dedication to the arts realm. This achievement reflects not only proficiency but also a sustained passion for artistic expression.
• The examination offers a unique opportunity for artists to receive insightful feedback from seasoned AP Studio Art teachers. This feedback, rooted in experience, becomes a valuable tool for honing skills and fostering growth. Artists can leverage this guidance to refine their techniques and elevate their status as creators.
• Participation in the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam becomes a platform for artists to unveil their distinctive style and unleash their creative prowess. The exam encourages the exploration of diverse techniques and mediums, urging artists to stretch the boundaries of their capabilities. Through a varied portfolio, students can exhibit their adaptability and versatility across different artistic contexts.
• Beyond an individual pursuit, the exam acts as a catalyst for a community among artists. It unites individuals with diverse backgrounds, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas. This collaborative environment serves as an inspiration, propelling artists toward new perspectives and approaches, thereby contributing to personal growth and artistic development.
• In addition to its significance in college admissions and scholarship applications, the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam has many benefits. Rigorous exam preparation instills discipline and time management skills, which are essential for success in any field. The exam also stimulates critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, demanding artists to analyze and interpret visual elements to craft meaningful compositions.
• Participation in the exam can be a gateway to exciting opportunities beyond high school. Exceptional performance attracts recognition from art galleries, museums, and other artistic institutions. This recognition, in turn, paves the way for potential internships, exhibitions, and even diverse career paths within the art world.
• Invaluable Feedback and Guidance:
• The feedback provided by experienced AP Studio Art teachers during the evaluation process is priceless. These educators offer constructive criticism and guidance, aiding artists in identifying strengths and areas for improvement. This feedback not only enhances technical skills but also stimulates the exploration of new artistic concepts and experimentation with different styles. It becomes a catalyst for continuous artistic evolution.

How hard is the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam?

The AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam is a challenging course that requires dedication, creativity, and hard work .  The difficulty of the exam depends on the individual student’s artistic skills, creativity, and the amount of time and effort they invest in preparing for the exam. 

What factors affect the difficulty of the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam?

Several factors can influence the difficulty of the exam. Here are some factors that contribute to the difficulty of the exam:

• Time management : Effective time management is critical when preparing for the AP Studio Art: Drawing exam. Students must give themselves enough time to plan, prepare, and create artwork, while also allowing for breaks and setting achievable goals .
• Creative skills : The exam tests students’ proficiency in drawing, as well as their ability to conceptualize and communicate ideas visually . Students must demonstrate a high level of artistic skill and creativity to succeed in the exam.
• Technique and materials : Students are expected to experiment with different drawing techniques and materials throughout the course .  Mastering various techniques and materials can be challenging, especially if students are new to them.
• Portfolio preparation : Students must create a body of work that demonstrates sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision, as well as a range of drawing skills and techniques .  This requires a significant amount of time and effort.
• Feedback and criticism : Students should seek feedback from their teachers and peers throughout the process to ensure they are meeting the requirements and improving their skills . Constructive criticism can be challenging to receive and implement, but it is essential for growth.

Who should take the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam?

The AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam is designed for individuals with a strong interest and aptitude in drawing and visual arts. Here is a list of individuals who should consider taking the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam:

• Students who have a genuine passion for drawing and visual arts, and who enjoy expressing themselves through drawing.
• Individuals who have successfully completed advanced art courses, particularly those focusing on drawing techniques and principles.
• Students who plan to pursue a college major or career in art, fine arts, illustration, or any field that requires a strong foundation in drawing skills.
• Individuals who enjoy thinking creatively and expressing ideas through visual storytelling, composition, and artistic representation.
• Students looking to build a comprehensive art portfolio for college admissions or to showcase their drawing abilities for future opportunities.
• Individuals interested in pursuing careers as illustrators, fine artists, graphic designers, or in any field where drawing skills are crucial.
• Those who enjoy academic challenges and want to engage in a rigorous, college-level art course that explores advanced concepts in drawing.
• For students planning to pursue art-related majors or minors in college, as the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam can provide a strong foundation for future coursework.
• Students interested in using drawing as a medium for visual storytelling, narrative expression, and conveying ideas through images.
• Those who enjoy solving visual problems and are interested in using drawing as a means of addressing challenges in creative and innovative ways.
• Students looking to strengthen their college applications, especially if they are applying to programs or colleges that value a strong background in the visual arts.
• High school students who have taken art courses and wish to continue their artistic development by exploring advanced concepts in drawing.
• Students intrigued by the art of observation and representation, capturing the essence of subjects through detailed and expressive drawing.
• Art Education Majors:
• Students aspiring to become art educators who want to deepen their understanding of drawing principles and enhance their ability to teach these concepts.

Do colleges care about the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam?

Colleges do care about the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam as it offers students the opportunity to earn college credits by demonstrating their mastery of subject matter at a college level . The exam is designed to test students’ proficiency in drawing, as well as their ability to conceptualize and communicate ideas visually . Successful performance in the exam can set students’ portfolios apart and demonstrate their artistic potential .

Colleges may award credits based on the student’s performance in the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam. For example, Penn State awards 3 general studio art credits for a grade of three, four, or five in the exam . These credits may apply as general credit, credit for a particular course, or allow students to advance to the next in a series of courses or take an honors-level course . However, the evaluation of credits awarded for Advanced Placement Exams is subject to change and may be reviewed and revised periodically by colleges .

How to register for the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam

Registering for the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam involves several steps. Here is a general guide to help you through the registration process:

• Start by contacting your school’s AP coordinator. This person is responsible for organizing AP exams at your school and will provide you with essential information about the registration process.
• Typically, students taking the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam are enrolled in a corresponding AP course. If your school offers this course, consider enrolling to receive comprehensive preparation for the exam.
• Visit the College Board website (collegeboard.org) and create an account if you don’t already have one. This account will be essential for exam registration and accessing your scores later.
• Check with your AP coordinator for the specific exam dates and times. AP exams are usually administered annually in May, and each subject has a designated date and time.
• Your AP coordinator will provide you with a unique join code for the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam. This code is necessary to access the exam on the test day.
• Exam fees may vary, and some schools or districts may cover some. Check with your AP coordinator for information about fees and payment deadlines. Payments are often made through the school or directly to the College Board.
• The AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam requires the submission of a portfolio as part of the assessment. Work closely with your AP teacher to create a portfolio that aligns with the requirements and guidelines provided by the College Board.
• Familiarize yourself with the portfolio submission guidelines available on the College Board website. This will ensure that your portfolio meets the specified criteria.
• Submit your completed portfolio by the specified deadline. Portfolios are typically submitted digitally through the College Board’s online platform. Ensure that you adhere to all submission requirements and deadlines.
• Take advantage of the resources provided by your AP Studio Art: Drawing course, including textbooks, assignments, and guidance from your teacher. Practice and refine your drawing skills in preparation for the exam.
• Some schools offer pre-exam sessions to provide important information about the exam day procedures. Attend these sessions if available to ensure you are well-prepared for the test.
• On the exam day, arrive at the testing location well before the scheduled start time. Bring any required materials for the in-person exam portion, and be prepared to submit your digital portfolio by the specified deadline.
• Receive Scores:
• Scores for the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam are typically released in early July. You can access your scores online using your College Board account.

Following these steps and staying informed about deadlines and requirements, you can successfully register for and take the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam. If you have any questions or need additional information, consult your school’s AP coordinator or the College Board website.

How to study for the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam

Preparing for the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam requires a unique approach, focusing on creating a portfolio demonstrating your skills and creativity. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to study and prepare for the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam :

Understand the Exam Structure:

• Familiarize yourself with the three major sections of the portfolio: Quality, Concentration, and Breadth. Each section has specific criteria, and your portfolio should showcase various skills and artistic exploration.
• Understand the Portfolio Scoring Rubric:
• Study the scoring rubric provided by the College Board. This will give you insights into how your portfolio will be evaluated and what aspects are crucial for achieving a high score.

Enroll in an AP Studio Art: Drawing Course:

• Take an AP Course:
• Enroll in the AP Studio Art: Drawing course if available at your school. This course provides guidance, feedback, and structure to help you prepare for the exam.

Develop Your Artistic Skills:

• Dedicate consistent time to drawing practice. Regular practice helps you refine your skills, experiment with different techniques, and develop a strong artistic voice.
• Explore a variety of drawing mediums, such as graphite, charcoal, ink, and pastels. Experimenting with different mediums enhances your versatility as an artist.
• Master Basic Drawing Techniques:
• Focus on mastering fundamental drawing techniques, including shading, line work, perspective, and composition. These foundational skills are essential for creating strong artworks.

Build Your Portfolio:

• Clarify the purpose of each portfolio section. Quality emphasizes the excellence of individual pieces, Concentration explores a thematic or conceptual focus, and Breadth showcases a variety of artistic approaches.
• Choose a concentration theme that interests you. Your concentration should explore a specific idea or concept, demonstrating your ability to delve deeply into a subject.
• Breadth requires a range of works that showcase your skills across different concepts and techniques. Aim for diversity in subject matter, materials, and styles.
• Seek Feedback:
• Regularly share your work with your teacher, peers, or mentors. Constructive feedback helps you refine your ideas and improve the quality of your portfolio.

Document Your Process:

• Maintain a visual journal or sketchbook to document your artistic process. Include sketches, notes, and reflections on your ideas and inspirations.
• Photograph Your Work:
• Take high-quality photographs of your finished pieces. Clear documentation is essential for presenting your portfolio online.

Time Management:

• Allocate Time Wisely:
• Develop strong time management skills. Allocate sufficient time for ideation, planning, execution, and refinement of each artwork, considering the specific timelines for portfolio submission.

Review and Revise:

• Periodically review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with the criteria for Quality, Concentration, and Breadth. Identify areas for improvement and revisions.
• Revise and Refine:
• Be open to making revisions based on feedback and self-reflection. The ability to revise and refine your work is a crucial aspect of the artistic process.

Stay Inspired:

• Explore the works of established artists and contemporary creators. Understanding different artistic styles and movements can inspire and inform your own creative choices.
• Visit Galleries and Exhibitions:
• Attend art galleries, exhibitions, and events to gain exposure to diverse artistic expressions. This exposure can broaden your perspective and influence your creative approach.

Prepare for the In-Person Section (if applicable):

• Practice In-Person Work:
• If the exam includes an in-person section, practice working within a time constraint. Familiarize yourself with the materials you will use during the in-person session.

Submitting Your Portfolio:

• Ensure you adhere to the College Board’s submission guidelines for the digital portfolio. Follow the specified format, size, and documentation requirements.
• Submit Your Portfolio On Time:
• Meet the submission deadlines for your portfolio. Late submissions are not accepted, and punctuality is crucial for a successful exam experience.
• If applicable, prepare any materials you may need for the in-person section. Check the exam guidelines for specific requirements.
• Stay Calm and Focused:
• On the exam day, stay calm and focused. Trust in your preparation and artistic abilities. Use the allocated time wisely to present your best work.
• After the exam, reflect on your overall experience. Consider what went well and areas for improvement. This reflection can inform your future artistic endeavors.
• Receive and Analyze Scores:
• Once scores are released, analyze the feedback provided by the examiners. Use this information to understand your strengths and areas for growth.

Remember, the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam is an opportunity to showcase your creativity and artistic development. Dedicate time, stay committed to your craft, and embrace the journey of creating a portfolio that reflects your unique artistic voice.

When is the AP Studio Art: 3-D Drawing Exam in 2024?

The AP Art and Design Exam is a portfolio-based exam, and students digitally submit their portfolios through the AP Digital Portfolio by May 10, 2024, 8 p.m. ET. The portfolios are assessed by experienced studio art educators and contribute to the final portfolio score.

For a complete list of the 2024 AP Exam dates, here’s a full list:

When do AP scores come out?

AP scores are typically released in early to mid-July of the year the exams were taken. The exact release date may vary slightly from year to year, but students who took their AP exams in May can generally expect their scores to become available.

You can check for updates on the College Board’s official AP scores website if you are waiting for your AP scores. They will also email you when your scores are added to your score report. If you haven’t received your scores by mid-August, contacting AP Services for Students is recommended for assistance.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to prepare for the AP Studio Art: Drawing Exam. Remember, practice, experimentation, and perseverance are the keys to success. Best of luck on your artistic journey!

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3.6 Writing for AP Art

5 min read • june 18, 2024

Sherry Ross

How to Write for AP Art and Design

A significant portion of your score for AP Art and Design comes down to you being able to come up with an idea, and then being able to articulate that idea both in written and visual evidence. While that may sound scary, it's actually not bad! 😉 Here are some tips to get you through it.

Keep a Sketchbook! 📖

Ummmmm, a sketchbook is for drawing, why are you talking about it in a writing section? 🤨 Not only is your sketchbook a place to visually record your images, but it's a record of your entire creative process. You should use it to record ideas for future works, record your thoughts, do samples of paints, save scraps or color swatches you like, and most importantly, document your work.

What do you mean "document my work"? Exactly that.....as you try different things, think of yourself as a scientist conducting experiments and record that data. Scientists start with a  hypothesis  (an idea or concept they think might be true), then they try different things to prove or disprove that hypothesis. As you try things, write them down. State what you tried, how it turned out, and if it was what you thought would happen or not. Then, look back and what works and what didn't. Use that information to think about next steps and write those ideas down. Doing this as you work will be invaluable later!

If you get stuck, it's always good to go back and revisit the ideas in your sketchbook. Sometimes, looking back you will find new inspiration or something that hadn't occurred to you before.

After each completed assignment, go in and list the following with your preparation pages. Make sure to keep it all together. It will make it so much easier to enter the information required later for your submission.

• Work title (if it has one - it might not)
• Idea - what were you trying to do or show? What are you exploring? (WHY)
• Materials used - list all the supplies you used include things like paint, photos, wire, etc. Concentrate on physical materials used (WHAT)
• Processes used - this can be things that are actions. I took photographs for reference, I planned, I polled, I researched my subject, I sketched, I tested, etc (HOW)
• Size - height x width x depth. If it's strictly 2D, you would list 0 as the depth.
• Reflections - what did you like? what would you change? Where should you go next?

Writing About Your Guiding Question ✍🏽

There's an entire section on how to come up with and develop your  Guiding Question so check that out. Here's where you can get a few tips if you are worried about the writing. Don't stress, it's not traditional English class writing you are doing, with footnotes and wherefores and such. This is simple, factual writing. As a matter of fact, there isn't enough spaces to use "fancy English class writing". You might need to abbreviate or even leave out some words due to space considerations.

On each piece, you will need to fill out specific information. All of that should be already written in your sketchbook (see above), so it will be easy for you to just plug it in. Since you did it as you completed each piece, you won't have to worry about forgetting anything.

A Conversation with the Reader

Think of your writing as a conversation with the AP Reader. You are telling them WHAT you did, HOW you did it, and WHY you did it. Keep in mind, the WHY is really important and should not just be something like "I wanted my Art to get better". That's the goal of every artist, it's not the WHY they made a specific piece. The WHY goes back to your Guiding Question , as it should be guiding your body of work. Make sure you talk about it and explain your WHAT, HOW, and WHY.

Enter as You Go

In mid-November, you can create your account to upload your  AP digital submission . As you complete each work, make sure to  photograph it and upload it. You will then fill out the writing parts as you go. It gets easier as you practice, so doing it throughout the year will make you feel more confident in the process. Plus, an added bonus of doing it early means you won't be as stressed at the end when EVERYONE is trying to upload.

It's super simple to go back in and change the wording, the location of images, or even adding or deleting images if you decide you want to do so. Just make sure you save as you go so that you don't lose all of your work.

Always Spell Check and Character Count

The College Board is VERY CLEAR they don't penalize for spelling or grammar. However, if it cannot be understood by the Reader, that is a problem. As you write, try using a word document to check spelling and grammar.

Once you have it the way you like it, check your CHARACTER COUNT . A character count means letters, numbers, spaces, and punctuation count toward your total. After you've made sure you have everything all spiffy, you might need to go back in to start abbreviating to get under the count. 😂 You want to make sure you are AS CLOSE to the 1200 character limit as possible without going over.

It's always a good idea to have someone proof your work. Have them read your information and make sure you've included everything. Make sure the writing and artwork stand alone to make your point. If you need to explain your idea or it isn't clear, FIX IT. Have someone pretend to be a "Reader" and, without your help, test how clear your idea is. This is SO IMPORTANT. If you do this as you work, it gives you a chance to change and revise (major components in the rubric) so that you will be successful when you submit. 🙌🏽

Key Terms to Review ( 9 )

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AP Studio Art Drawing Portfolio: tips from a student who gained 100%

Last Updated on September 1, 2023

These are a selection of works and commentaries from Ratthamnoon Prakitpong, a graduate from Thai Chinese International School in Bangkok, Thailand. Ratthamnoon was one of sixteen students worldwide to receive a score of 100% for his AP Studio Art Drawing Portfolio in 2015, earning every point possible on each portion of his portfolio. His portfolio scored a perfect six.

AP Studio Art: Breadth

The Breadth section of the AP Studio Art portfolio is a great chance to brush up on skills and experiment. The Breadth section of the portfolio consists of 12 works of art that demonstrate a mastery of skills whilst showing the artistic range of a student. Here are some examples of what I did to make my work better and more personal:

The importance of a good composition

READ NEXT: How to make an artist website (and why you need one)

For this class project, we had to work on transparent textures. Having strong painting skills is important; having a strong composition to work from equally so. The first batch of preliminary images I did were indoors with two wine glasses. I felt like the contrast and depth were sufficient, but my teacher, Elizabeth Jendek , asked me to try other kinds of glass to make the composition more interesting. I took loads of photos to find compositions that worked. On the second and third preliminary compositions I presented to my teacher, the light was indoors and the glass didn’t have reflective areas. The third composition was better because of the outdoor light, but it still wasn’t great.

Then my teacher suggested I photograph outside in sunset. Being outside made the still life look more natural and lively; these effects were emphasized by the striped cloth, which increased movement. In addition, the sunset’s orange light really heightened the glasses’ shine and contrast. With the table’s directional line, I got the depth back from the first composition that was lost during the second and third tries. My composition was strong because my focal point was to the side, which follows the rule of thirds: there were size relationships showing depth and perspective. There also was variation by color and shape, making the composition more stimulating. A strong composition illuminated my skill of painting. Although this is a drawing portfolio, a good composition is as important as your great skill of painting in and of itself. To get the best compositions, I questioned myself; I didn’t expect things to work out the very first time, listened to my peers and teacher’s advice, and kept working on it until I got the best composition.

Revisiting work makes a big difference

As my skills improved, I found that some of my work looked a little uneven. I had a portrait that I did earlier, which no longer matched the skill level of my other work. Since the face was working fine, the teacher and I discussed the idea of cutting and pasting the head onto a new image. I took a few photos and did a new composition in Photoshop and came up with a new image. Once I was confident with my new idea, I sketched out my new composition on fresh paper, cut out the face and glued it to the new composition. My new version was much better and it evened up my skill level throughout the portfolio in my final submission.

I took calculated risks with time and composition. I scheduled my time well and used all the good guidance and technology available to finish this drawing. It turned out to be one of my favorites.

Sometimes abandoning a work of art is better than to keep fighting it

While I was doing my portfolio, I had a few compositions that needed reworking – one in particular really just wasn’t working out. I tried adding more to the composition; I did loads of preliminary sketches, and finally decided I was getting nowhere. After discussing and problem-solving with my teacher, we decided it would be better to start a fresh new artwork based off an alternative lesson. It’s true that it was hard to let go of so much work already done, and the new project was equally challenging, but it worked much better than if I would’ve continued beating a dead horse.

To compensate for lost efforts, I tried to add my own personal touches to this art piece. Even though the green plate can be seen just as a nice contrast to the orange shrimp, it’s also the same plate my family uses when we go out picnicking. We usually lay old newspapers underneath our seafood so that mess won’t spill anywhere. I took direct inspiration from that, and glued newspaper onto my work for texture; to finish, I copied Thai letters onto the composition. By adding my own personal touch, this simple project became more unique, and much richer. They were my shrimp, and this is how I eat them.

Look for inspiration around you, in unlikely places

Friends and I went on a hiking trip to Phu Kradueng. In this area of Thailand, automated services aren’t available, so local couriers offer their services by carrying huge loads to the top of the mountain area. Watching these men lift such enormous amounts was inspirational, and I took this great photo capturing their strength and beauty – it reminded me of Greek Gods. Although this wasn’t a class project, I painted it on my own anyway for two reasons: the tourist sight was so unique, and it was also an important memory for my friends and I. To further the personal nature of this image, I glued my train ticket to the composition to further add to that feeling of a snap in time, fully enclosing the character of the place and to add additional texture.

AP Studio Art: Concentration

Concentration is a section where I focused on a specific topic and many art skills. It’s very intense and pressuring. Here I commented on a few skills that I focused on to make my Concentration more successful:

Picking the right Concentration topic is incredibly important

Since the Concentration section needed twelve pieces based on a single topic, my teacher advised the class to look long and hard for a topic that had room for development and exploration, yet remained accessible. It took me a few months, but I settled on a Concentration topic about different perspective-based portraits in the kitchen.

Thematically, I picked this topic because I was already a hobbyist cook, and wanted to combine and explore the two things that I liked – art and cooking. I feel, in my country, there’s a cultural stigma about men in the kitchen that I wanted to both question and eradicate by demonstrating that men can cook as well as anyone else.

I decided to pursue portraits and create variation using different perspectives and color schemes. For my take on perspective, I used a selfie stick to find new perspective and angles. Where my hands were holding the camera, I superimposed kitchen tools – spoons, forks, spatulas – to hide the selfie stick in the drawing. As for the kitchen itself, I found inspiration from my personal exploration in using new kitchen tools, like cooking noodles for my lunch box or eggs in the morning. These were additional considerations I made when selecting this topic:

• My exploration was not only visual, but personal too. It showed my development as an artist and a thinker . I only had around 5 ideas at the beginning because I wasn’t familiar with the kitchen, but as I personally explored the kitchen more, inspiration came naturally.
• I cared about my topic . I was exploring my hobby and my culture. If I wasn’t passionate about my topic, by the 8th or 9th image I would’ve hated my work. Artwork without passion is apparent.
• It was visually appealing . Even though my personal story and passion were there, my Concentration wouldn’t be as strong if I did not play with perspectives and color schemes. I was really experimental about it too, and when the compositions didn’t work, they still served as a springboard for the next idea.
• My topic was versatile enough to have twelve different ideas united under it . The kitchen has interesting tools, objects and angles I could use to experiment. That kept my idea fresh, yet united.
• My topic was flexible . Choosing my kitchen as a basis for my topic might seem simple, but it provided enough room for experimenting with techniques that weren’t necessarily kitchen-related, like superimposition or collage.
• My topic was accessible . I could go back easily to the kitchen and photograph some more, or look for other inspirations. This made a huge difference when some compositions needed more reworking than others.

(If you are struggling to come up with your own AP Studio Art Concentration ideas, please read: Art Project Ideas: a guide to subject matter selection ).

Here are some examples of how I problem-solved composition concerns, increased depth, and manipulated my imagery.

I experimented with depth

I increased depth with my selfie stick; it gave me more options with regards to angles. The first composition in which I used the stick didn’t quite capture what I wanted, so I added an additional shelf at the top of my composition to increase depth. I used a fisheye lens to make the composition more interesting, and changed the hands that held the selfie stick altogether. I also manipulated color from the originally bland white into a triad color scheme to make it more visually dynamic.

Combining multiple skills enriches your art

I had already used bird’s eye and worm’s eye of view, so I had to come up with something unique for this one. When I looked at the oven, I remembered when my mother baked and thought of her delighted face when she pulled out her baking. So I decided to render some freshly baked food and the serenity on someone’s face when they first see the food. This gave my image more personal meaning. I also added pieces of a hand written recipe for texture and to increase movement. Additionally, I superimposed a meat fork where my selfie stick had been.

Final thoughts

In hindsight, I made many gutsy moves, and I failed – a lot. However, I succeeded a lot too. It really came down to commitment, to practice, to having many chances to fail and, in turn, to succeed. I made more than 24 art pieces, but I got to choose the ones I was actually proud of for a trimmed version of my portfolio. Most importantly, I’m just another person, and what I did may not apply to you. Listen to the people who know you, who are close to you – your teacher, your peers, and yourself. There’s no point in making anything unless you will be proud of it. That means sometimes an unyielding stance, or sometimes blind faith in advice.

This AP Studio Art Drawing course was taught by Elizabeth Jendek . Work from her students is used by Alison Youkilis, an AP Art teacher trainer, to teach other educators around the world. You can see additional outstanding artworks by Elizabeth Jendek’s students in the article: 50+ Still life drawing ideas for art students .

This high school art project was shared with our audience so that other students may benefit from the ideas, techniques and approaches used. We celebrate the effort and achievement of high school students and Art Departments around the world. If you would like to share your own art project (or that of your students), please read our submission guidelines .

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13+ Dazzling AP Art Portfolio Examples (Plus Tips for Creating Them)

Show them what you’ve got!

Creating an Advanced Placement (AP) art portfolio can be a challenging task for high school students. But it’s also an exciting opportunity to show off their talents. It requires creativity, planning, and a thorough understanding of the requirements set by the College Board. AP art students are typically passionate about art and design, but they’re also often overwhelmed by the portfolio’s complexity. Read on to learn more about the College Board’s current portfolio requirements and scoring criteria, as well as to get tips for creating portfolios, examples of high-scoring AP art portfolios, and insights from the students who created them.

AP Art and Design Portfolio Requirements

The current version of the Advanced Placement (AP) Art and Design Portfolio consists of two sections: Sustained Investigation (60% of total score) and Selected Works (40% of total score). While the previous version required 24 artworks, the current one requires just 15. Until recently, there was a breadth section that demonstrated student range and provided an opportunity for working with different mediums. The intent with Sustained Investigation is to demonstrate practice, experimentation, and revision through a number of images that seek to answer an inquiry chosen by the artist. While students can submit solely finished artworks, they can also include revision and process images as seen with many AP art portfolio examples. The Selected Works portion consists of five high-quality artworks.

There is also a writing requirement, which includes an artist statement of 1,200 words split into two 600-word sections. Additionally, artists have 100 characters to explain the process behind each work and 100 characters to explain the materials used.

While there have been changes to the AP art portfolio requirements in recent years, older, successful portfolios still provide valuable insights.

AP Art and Design Portfolio Scoring

The portfolio, which can be 2D, 3D, or drawing, is submitted digitally and scored from 5 (extremely well qualified) to 1 (no recommendation). A score of 4 is considered well qualified, a score of 3 is qualified, and a score of 2 is possibly qualified. Previous versions of the AP portfolio scoring had different ranges and went up to a high score of 6. A portfolio provides students the opportunity to earn college credit while showing off their talent. The collection of finished artworks and images should demonstrate students’ grasp of design and art concepts while also showing the full range of their abilities. A student’s portfolio should definitely show relationships between materials, processes, and ideas. It will also include written evidence of these things. Check out our tips and AP art portfolio examples before getting started.

Top Tips for Creating an AP Art Portfolio

• Don’t be afraid to revisit artworks.
• Pay careful attention to composition.
• Don’t be afraid to abandon an artwork if it isn’t working.
• Refer to apstudents.collegeboard.org/art-designprogram for the most up-to-date information.
• Show your development as an artist.
• Develop your sustained investigation and theme.
• Take some risks.

Examples From Successful Portfolios

1. a perfect 6.

A perfect score on the AP Art Portfolio is very rare but not completely unattainable. Although difficult, student Ratthamnoon Prakitpong earned every possible point in the different sections of his drawing portfolio. Prakitpong gives loads of good advice while providing examples, including before-and-after examples of different artwork. He also recommends drawing inspiration from unexpected places.

Learn more: AP Studio Art Drawing Portfolio: Tips from a Student Who Gained 100%

2. A 3D Compilation

This video compilation shows a wide variety of finished 3D artworks but also includes photos showing Cyan D’Anjou’s process. D’Anjou said that most of the concentration section of her portfolio was developed during her final year of high school. In today’s portfolio, this would be akin to the Sustained Investigation portion.

3. A Strong Theme

Once student Alina Rhoadarmer chose childhood memories as the theme for her AP art portfolio, she was able to set out creating a wide variety of artworks that fit that topic. Rhoadarmer explained, “I was constantly developing and redeveloping my question and reinterpreting my topic to create new art pieces.”

Learn more: 2020-2021 AP Art Portfolio Showcase

4. Digital Painting Concentration

This is an example of a 2D AP art portfolio with more of a commercial focus since it centers around character creation and development. Although there are a wide variety of platforms for digital painting, this particular artist used Ibis paint, incredibly, on her iPhone. The artist created many different types of characters and environments, including variations on Thomas Edison. The portfolio expresses the story and concept of the characters while also demonstrating the artist’s range and ability.

5. Three Portfolios, One Artist

While a video compilation of an AP art portfolio is helpful, a video including three is even better! First, we see artworks from a 2D portfolio submitted in 2015 during their junior year. Next, we see a portfolio for drawing from the artist’s senior year. Finally, we see their 2D portfolio from their senior year. Although difficult to do, all three of these portfolios scored a 5 (strong).

6. Artworks With Explanations

Artist/student Conan Gray does a nice job showing his artwork while providing his rationale for each image. Since a still-life can fall flat, Gray recommends incorporating meaning and shares an example of his own still-life that succeeds at that.

7. 2D Photography Example

These images are from a perfect score AP 2D Art and Design portfolio. This artist explores the animal world through photography. As with any good AP art portfolio examples, there is a clear mastery of the chosen medium as well as consistency in theme throughout the works.

Learn more: AP Art Portfolio (score 5)

8. A Perfect Score on a Drawing Portfolio

The artist in this video provides helpful tips and examples for obtaining a perfect score on the drawing portfolio while also being hilarious. This artist used 11 completed works in her Sustained Investigation portion and 4 more revision and process images to round out the required 15 images. She provides helpful tips like using your best works toward the beginning and end and putting your least favorite works in the middle.

Examples of Sustained Investigation

9. theme: femininity and masculinity through the 20th century.

This Sustained Investigation is particularly effective since it not only explores gender but the expression of gender throughout different moments in the 20th century.

Learn more: AP Art Studio

10. Theme: Negative and Positive Effects of Social Media on Self-Esteem

This artist explored the negative and positive consequences of social media on self-esteem. They used color to express positive effects while a lack of color clearly indicates the negative consequences.

11. Theme: Feeling Comfortable vs. Uncomfortable

Looking at artworks on a given theme is helpful, but having the artist explain their processes and ideas is even better. Artist Karina Singh does a wonderful job of explaining her use of composition and materials to explore her topic of being comfortable versus being uncomfortable. Her work shows a thorough exploration of a theme with ideas ranging from female sexuality, COVID, and family to environmental waste.

12. Theme: Nonverbal Communication

Artist/student Sophie Miller chose nonverbal communication for her Sustained Investigation so she could draw “with elevated contrast.” According to the artist, at least half of her drawing time was done during a free period or at home. Her theme is made undeniably clear through her drawings of people with intense facial expressions and hand gestures.

Learn more: AP Art Students Complete Their Portfolios

13. Theme: Phobias

This artist chose a topic that certainly allowed for endless possibilities of subject matter. He showed his range by creating images that represented different phobias while utilizing different materials and mediums.

Learn more: AP Studio Art Concentration Portfolio (Phobias)

Other Ideas for Sustained Investigation

• Abandonment of people and places
• Evolution of illness
• Human influence on the environment
• Effects of social media
• Reflections on  various surfaces
• Close-ups (food, body parts, etc.)
• Effect of corporate advertising on human psyche
• Painting friends in different historical eras
• Modernization of famous fairy tales
• Woodcuts based on Japanese printmaking
• Found-object sculptures
• Exploration of clothing across cultures

Examples of Low-Scoring Portfolios

Seeing examples of high-scoring and well-flushed-out portfolios is helpful, but it can also be useful to see examples of what not to do. The AP College Board posts examples of low-scoring portfolios while including the rationale behind the scores. See below for some examples of portfolios that only scored a 1.

• 2D Portfolio Example 1/AP Central/College Board
• 2D Design Portfolio Example 2/AP Central/College Board
• AP Central/College Board/Sustained Investigation

You can also find examples of complete portfolios that scored high on the 2022 portfolio exam as well as more scoring commentaries at the AP Central College Board website .

Check out our Art & Creativity page for art lesson ideas and activities!

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AP Art Drawing

Good luck, artists! Here’s a full guide for AP Art Drawing. This PDF is 30 pages and covers topics such as mediums, elements of art, various techniques, and ways to present your artworks.

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Course Features

Course details, course overview.

The AP Drawing course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of drawing. The course is divided into sixteen units, each of which focuses on a different aspect of drawing. In the first unit, students will be introduced to the course and its various components, including the sustained investigation, and will learn about the importance of ethics, artistic integrity, and plagiarism.

The units will cover topics such as drawing vocabulary and skills, physical and digital work submission, generating ideas for sustained investigation, materials, processes, and ideas, critique and analysis, and revision. Students will also learn about drawing mediums and techniques, composition and design, mark making and line exploration, light and shade, line direction and form, figure-ground relationship and space, pencil sighting, color theory and techniques, and drawing the human figure and portraiture.

Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on practice and experimentation to develop their own unique drawing style. They will also learn how to use different mediums and techniques effectively, as well as how to properly photograph and edit their artwork for submission. At the end of each unit, there will be a review and exam to assess students' understanding of the material. By the end of the course, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of drawing and will have created a cohesive body of work to showcase their mastery of the concepts covered.

Sample Lesson - Introduction

Scope and Sequence

Unit 1: Introduction to the Course and Sustained Investigation In this unit, students will be introduced to the AP Drawing course and its various components. The unit covers the course information, including the big ideas and course skills, as well as the sustained investigation and selected works. Students will learn about the sustained investigation vocabulary and rubric, and how it is used to assess their progress throughout the course. The unit also discusses ethics, artistic integrity, and plagiarism, emphasizing the importance of originality in students' work. Examples of sustained investigations and selected works will be provided for students to examine. The unit will conclude with a review and exam to assess students' understanding of the course material.

Unit 2: Drawing Vocabulary and Skills This unit focuses on introducing students to the fundamental concepts and vocabulary of drawing. Students will experiment with mark making, line, surface, space, light and shade, and composition. The unit also covers monoprint and line exploration, visual potential, positive and negative shapes, and the rule of thirds. Students will be encouraged to experiment with these concepts and techniques to develop their own unique drawing style. The unit will conclude with a review and exam to assess students' understanding of the drawing vocabulary and skills.

Unit 3: Physical and Digital Work Submission In this unit, students will learn how to properly photograph and edit their artwork for both physical and digital submission. They will also learn how to create composite images and write about their artwork to accompany their submissions. The unit will conclude with a review and exam to assess students' understanding of the submission process.

Unit 4: Generating Ideas for Sustained Investigation This unit focuses on helping students generate ideas for their sustained investigation. Students will learn how to use a sketchbook to generate design ideas, mind map their ideas, and formulate essential questions to guide their investigation. They will also learn how to use inspiration images and discover resources and processes to support their investigation. The unit will conclude with a review and exam to assess students' understanding of the idea generation process.

Unit 5: Materials, Processes, and Ideas In this unit, students will learn how to choose materials to support their ideas and experiment with appropriation in art. They will also learn how to annotate their artworks for discovery and process, and reference images in their artwork. Students will work on their sustained investigation and synthesize their materials, processes, and ideas to create a cohesive body of work. The unit will conclude with a review and exam to assess students' understanding of the relationship between materials, processes, and ideas.

Unit 6: Critique and Analysis This unit focuses on art critique and analysis. Students will learn how to describe, analyze, interpret, and evaluate artworks, including their own. They will continue to work on their sustained investigation, incorporating feedback from their peers and instructor. The unit will conclude with a review and exam to assess students' understanding of art critique and analysis.

Unit 7: Practice, Experimentation, and Revision In this unit, students will learn the importance of practice, experimentation, and revision in their artwork. Through reflection, students will learn how to revise their work using the SCAMPER technique, which involves rethinking and expanding on initial ideas. They will also explore how to rethink a cliché image to make it more original. Students will learn about different processes for revision, including I and II, and how to practice, experiment, and revise their work. The unit will culminate in a review and exam, allowing students to showcase their mastery of these concepts.

Unit 8: Drawing Mediums and Techniques In this unit, students will explore the variety of drawing pencils, techniques, and other mediums, including colored pencils I and II, charcoal I and II, ink pen, and collage. They will learn about the unique qualities and applications of each medium and how to use them effectively in their artwork. Through hands-on practice and experimentation, students will develop a deeper understanding of drawing techniques and mediums. The unit will culminate in a review and exam, allowing students to showcase their mastery of these skills.

Unit 9: Composition and Design In this unit, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of composition, including unity and variety, contrast, emphasis, balance, movement, repetition, and rhythm. They will learn about composition recommendations and how to use a viewfinder to create abstract and non-objective designs. Students will also explore how to build design ideas and experiment with different compositions. They will learn how to create a composition from a photograph and receive a mid-term review and exam to assess their understanding of these concepts.

Unit 10: Mark Making and Line Exploration In this unit, students will explore the different types of marks and lines that can be used in their artwork. They will learn about contour lines, line quality, cross-contour lines, gesture lines, implied lines and edges, blind and semi-blind contour drawing, continuous line drawing, and extended mark making. Through analysis and experimentation, students will develop a deeper understanding of the surfaces, mark making, and lines that they can use in their artwork. The unit will culminate in a review and exam, allowing students to showcase their mastery of these skills.

Unit 11: Light and Shade Unit 11 introduces light and shade, where students will learn how to develop a value scale I and II, identify basic values, and translate color into value. They will learn about value on form, drawing reflective objects, value shapes, value and line as texture, and create a tonal drawing. The unit will begin with an introduction to the concept of light and shade and the techniques used to achieve it. Students will then practice applying these techniques to their own work through a series of assignments and projects. The unit will conclude with a light and shade review and exam to assess students’ understanding of this concept.

Unit 12: Line Direction and Form In this unit, students will learn how to create dimensionality in their drawings by mastering line direction and form. They will learn how to draw with shapes and add spherical, cylindrical, and conical forms to their compositions. They will also explore planar analysis, which involves breaking down an object into its individual planes and drawing each one separately. Students will practice mass gesture drawing and draw complex shapes and forms in a still life setting. Additionally, they will learn planar analysis drawing with value, which involves using shading to create the illusion of depth. The unit also includes lessons on painting cloth and an illusion review and exam.

Unit 13: Figure-Ground Relationship and Space This unit focuses on the relationship between the figure and the surrounding space. Students will learn about foreshortening, which involves drawing objects that appear shorter or compressed due to their angle relative to the viewer. They will also explore ambiguous space, where the foreground and background merge, and an introduction to linear perspective. Students will be taught how to draw in one-point, two-point, and three-point perspective to create the illusion of depth. They will also learn how to draw units on a receding plane and the circle in perspective. Furthermore, they will examine the benefits and limitations of linear perspective and apply these skills to drawing complex shapes and forms in a still life setting, landscape drawing, and space and perspective review and exam.

Unit 14: Pencil Sighting This unit focuses on pencil sighting, a technique for accurately capturing proportions in a drawing. Students will learn how to use sighting angles, size, and image to scale to make precise measurements. They will also be taught how to draw the corner of a room, which involves using perspective techniques to create the illusion of a three-dimensional space. Finally, there will be a proportions review and exam to assess the students' ability to apply these techniques.

Unit 15: Color Theory and Techniques In this unit, students will study color theory and experiment with watercolor paint and acrylic paint. They will learn about color schemes, hue, value, and intensity and how to use these concepts to create the illusion of space and form. Students will also explore color mixing, draw an apple with colored pencils, and practice tonal painting. They will create a complementary color painting, where they use colors that are opposite on the color wheel to create contrast. The unit concludes with a color review and exam to assess the students' understanding of the material.

Unit 16: Drawing the Human Figure and Portraiture In this final unit, students will learn how to draw the human figure and facial features. They will start with basic proportions of the human figure, including its basic shapes and how to gesture draw the human form. They will then move on to the proportions of the human face and learn how to draw the nose, eyes, mouth, ears, foot, hand, and hair. Students will be taught how to draw a foreshortened figure and practice drawing groups of figures. They will also study the masters and practice drawing a charcoal portrait. Finally, there will be a final review and exam to assess the students' understanding of the material covered throughout the course.

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Advanced Placement

The Differences Between AP 2-D Art and Design, AP 3-D Art and Design, and AP Drawing

College Board

• April 20, 2022
• Last Updated November 1, 2023

Do you have a passion for creating art? If so, you may be thinking of taking one or more of the three courses that make up the AP® Art and Design Program . Learn about the similarities and differences between AP 2-D Art and Design , AP 3-D Art and Design , and AP Drawing so you can choose the course that’s right for you.

What Will You Learn in AP 2-D Art and Design?

In AP 2-D Art and Design you’ll develop skills using materials and processes such as graphic design, photography, collage, printmaking, fashion illustration, and others. As the course concludes you’ll submit a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to practice, experiment, and revise your own work while communicating your ideas about art and design. To learn more about the course visit the AP 2-D Art and Design course page.

What Will You Learn in AP 3-D Art and Design?

In AP 3-D Art and Design you’ll learn how to create art in different disciplines such as sculpture, architectural rendering, metal work, ceramics, and others. At the end of the course you’ll submit a portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge of art skills using three-dimensional materials. To learn more about the course visit the AP 3-D Art and Design course page.

What Will You Learn in AP Drawing?

In this course you’ll experiment with a variety of materials and processes as you develop your drawing skills. At the end of the course you’ll submit a portfolio that demonstrates the different drawing abilities taught in the course, which include mark-making, line, surface, space, light and shade, and composition. To learn more about the course visit AP Drawing course page.

How Are AP 2-D Art and Design, AP 3-D Art and Design, and AP Drawing Similar?

All three AP Art and Design courses conclude when you submit a portfolio of your artwork at the end of the school year—and none of the courses end in an “exam” with multiple-choice questions or essays. Your work in your art portfolio makes up the entirety of your AP score for each of these courses. You will work with your teacher or AP coordinator to upload the digital images of your work and commentary online. 

All AP Art and Design portfolios follow a two-section structure where you will demonstrate foundational knowledge and a range of understanding of visual methods. Each section is graded on a 5-point scale and contributes to the final portfolio score. 

You'll also learn similar skills in all three courses, including:

• Investigating the materials, processes, and ideas that artists and designers use.
• Communicating your ideas about works of art and design.
• Practicing, experimenting, and revising as you create your own work.

How Are AP 2-D Art and Design, AP 3-D Art and Design, and AP Drawing Different?

The topics covered in the three courses vary, as do the technical skills and knowledge you’re expected to show in your final portfolio. See the table below for examples of the mediums where you’ll develop and demonstrate these abilities throughout the course and in your portfolio.

Check out these recent student profiles from the AP Art and Design Digital Exhibit of work from AP 2-D Art and Design, AP 3-D Art and Design, or AP Drawing .

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How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay with Example

Are you a high school student preparing for the AP Language and Composition exam? Or perhaps you are a teacher looking to help your students with the skills to ace the synthesis essay? Either way, you’ve landed in the right place. This blog will serve as your comprehensive guide to mastering this challenging yet rewarding component of the AP Language exam.

We’ll dig into what a synthesis essay entails and its structure, and we’ll furnish you with actionable strategies to approach the task with confidence. We’ll also provide insights into selecting and integrating sources effectively, constructing a compelling argument, and polishing your writing to perfection.

Table of Contents

Overview of AP Language and Composition

AP English Language and Composition , widely known as AP Lang, is a popular and engaging Advanced Placement course taken by over half a million high school students each year. The course is designed to hone essential skills such as analyzing written works, synthesizing information, constructing rhetorical essays, and writing compelling arguments. While the course presents a rigorous challenge, with just over 60% of students achieving a passing score of three or higher on the AP exam, the rewards of mastering these skills are significant.

The AP Lang exam is a comprehensive assessment consisting of two distinct sections. The first section, a one-hour multiple-choice segment, assesses your ability to analyze written passages and answer questions based solely on the provided text. This section comprises approximately 45% of the total exam score. The second section is a two-hour and fifteen-minute free-response segment. It evaluates your writing skills through three distinct essays. This section accounts for the remaining 55% of the exam score.

The three essays within the free-response section target specific writing skills. The synthesis essay challenges you to develop an argument by incorporating information from multiple provided sources. The rhetorical analysis essay requires you to dissect how an author uses language to convey meaning and achieve specific effects. Finally, the argumentative essay prompts you to take a stance on a debatable issue and construct a persuasive argument based on evidence.

What is the AP Lang Synthesis Essay?

The AP Language and Composition exam’s first free-response task is the synthesis essay. It is a one-hour exercise during which you read six to seven sources on a specific topic and compose a well-developed essay. These sources include a mix of print texts, approximately 500 words each, and visual elements like graphs or charts. You are advised to allocate 15 minutes to reading and analyzing these sources, followed by 40 minutes for writing and 5 minutes for review, but the time distribution can be adjusted as needed.

The synthesis essay prompt comprises three paragraphs: a brief introduction to the topic, a claim about the topic, and instructions for the essay. The claim is often broad and open to interpretation, requiring you to take a stance—either agreeing or disagreeing—and support your position by synthesizing information from at least three of the provided sources.

According to the College Board, a successful synthesis essay should “ combine different perspectives from sources to form a support of a coherent position. ” This means you must clearly state your claim, establish connections between sources to reinforce your argument, and provide specific evidence to validate your points.

The synthesis essay contributes six points to the overall AP Lang exam score. A holistic rubric evaluates the essay based on the thesis statement (0–1 point), evidence and commentary (0–4 points), and sophistication of thought and complexity of understanding (0–1 point).

Here’s an example prompt and essay provided by the College Board :

Read also: Write an ap lang argument essay

How to Write a Synthesis Essay for the AP Language Exam

Step 1: analyze the prompt.

Begin by carefully reading and analyzing the prompt. Underline or highlight key terms to identify the central question and your task. Remember that you don’t need to decide your stance immediately; understanding the prompt is the priority here.

Step 2: Read and annotate the sources

Although you’ll only use three sources in your essay, read them all. This provides a broader understanding of the topic and helps you choose the most relevant evidence. As you read, actively annotate by highlighting key points, noting connections, and jotting down potential arguments.

After each source, briefly assess whether it supports, opposes, or nuances your emerging thesis. If you finish reading early, use the remaining time to start outlining your essay.

Step 3: Write a strong thesis statement

Your thesis statement should clearly state your position on the prompt’s claim. You can choose to defend the claim (argue it’s correct), challenge it (argue it’s incorrect), or qualify it (agree with some aspects and disagree with others). A strong thesis avoids summarizing the issue or restating the prompt; it establishes a clear line of reasoning.

Step 4: Outline your essay

Though it may seem counter intuitive when time is limited, outlining is essential. Your outline should include your thesis statement, three main points (one for each body paragraph), and the supporting evidence you’ll use from the sources. Briefly note how this evidence connects back to your thesis.

Step 5: Write your essay

With your annotated sources and outline in hand, writing your essay should be smoother. Begin with a focus on providing insightful commentary that explains how your evidence supports or refutes the prompt’s claim.

When referencing sources, use simple in-text citations like “Source 1,” “Source 2,” etc. Be sure to double-check your citations for accuracy. Before moving on, quickly proofread your essay for any errors.

Read also: How Long Should Your College Essay Be?

AP Lang Synthesis Essay Score Evaluation

The AP Language Synthesis Essay accounts for six points of the total exam score. Your essay will be evaluated on several key components. Primarily, a clear and defensible thesis statement that directly responds to the exam prompt can earn you up to one point. The majority of your score (up to four points) depends on how well you incorporate evidence from at least three sources and explain how that evidence supports your reasoning. Each piece of evidence should be explicitly linked to your argument, demonstrating a clear and consistent line of thought.

To earn the final point, your essay must show sophistication of thought. This can be achieved by writing a nuanced argument that acknowledges the complexities and tensions within the sources, situating your argument within a broader context to reveal its implications, or explaining the limitations of your or others’ arguments. Additionally, employing effective rhetorical devices and maintaining a vivid and persuasive writing style can further strengthen your essay.

Read also: Personal Statement Essay Examples

5 Tips to Ace the Synthesis Essay for the AP Language Exam

1. understand the prompt.

Begin by meticulously analyzing the prompt. Identify the central issue being discussed and the specific task you’re asked to perform (argue, evaluate, analyze, etc.). Underline key terms and phrases to ensure you fully grasp the expectations.

2. Engage actively with the sources

Don’t just skim through the sources; actively read and annotate the provided sources. Identify the main idea and supporting evidence in each. Note the source’s perspective and any potential biases. Highlight quotes or data you might use in your essay. Aim to understand how the sources relate to each other and the prompt.

3. Write a nuanced thesis

Your thesis should be a clear, concise statement of your position on the issue presented in the prompt. It should be specific and incorporate the nuances you’ve gleaned from the sources. Avoid merely restating the prompt; instead, offer an insightful perspective that you’ll support with evidence throughout your essay.

4. Construct a cohesive argument

Your essay should be a well-structured argument, not a mere summary of the sources. Each body paragraph should focus on a single point that supports your thesis. Use evidence from the sources to back up your claims, and provide your analysis and interpretation of that evidence. Connect your paragraphs with clear transitions to create a logical flow.

5. Leave time for revision

After writing your essay, take a few minutes to review it carefully. Check for grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, and clarity issues. Ensure that your argument is well-developed and your evidence is effectively integrated. A polished essay shows your command of language and strengthens your overall argument.

From the Desk of Yocket

Writing a good AP Language synthesis essay requires a balanced approach of critical thinking, careful analysis, and persuasive writing. You should begin by thoroughly understanding the prompt and identifying the central issue and the required task. Then, dig into the provided sources, extracting key points, perspectives, and evidence that relate to your developing stance.

A strong thesis is the backbone of your essay. It should clearly state your position on the issue and provide a roadmap for the reader, outlining the key points you’ll explore. As you bring together evidence from multiple sources, remember to provide insightful commentary, explaining how each piece of evidence bolsters your argument. Try to avoid simply dropping quotes or paraphrasing; instead, analyze the significance of each piece, showing a nuanced understanding of the issue and the sources.

You should conclude your essay by revisiting your thesis and summarizing your key arguments. You can also offer a thoughtful extension, such as suggesting implications for your argument, addressing potential counterarguments, or proposing future directions for research. Throughout your essay, prioritize clarity, coherence, and sophistication in your language and structure. This will show your ability to analyze complex texts and synthesize information into a compelling argument. Remember to maintain a strong connection with your audience, ensuring your writing on Yocket remains engaging and relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a synthesis essay on the ap language exam.

A synthesis essay requires you to develop a position on a given topic by incorporating and citing evidence from multiple sources. You’ll need to evaluate, select, and synthesize information from these sources to create a cohesive argument.

How many sources are typically provided for the synthesis essay?

The AP Language exam usually provides 6–7 sources for the synthesis essay, including texts and visual elements like graphs or charts.

What is the time allotted for writing the synthesis essay?

The entire free-response section of the AP Language exam, which includes the synthesis essay, rhetorical analysis, and argumentative essay, is 2 hours and 15 minutes. You may budget roughly 40 minutes to read the sources and plan your essay, leaving 40 minutes to write.

How is the synthesis essay scored?

The synthesis essay is scored on a 0–9 scale, with 9 being the highest. Points are awarded for a clear thesis, effective use of evidence and commentary, sophisticated analysis, and overall coherence.

Do I have to agree with the sources to use in my synthesis essay?

No, you can use sources to support a counterargument or provide alternative perspectives. The key is to engage with the sources critically and use them to build your argument.

How should I cite sources in my synthesis essay?

You can use parenthetical citations (author’s last name or source letter) to indicate where you’ve used information from the sources. It’s essential to avoid plagiarism by accurately attributing all borrowed ideas and language.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in the synthesis essay?

Try to avoid merely summarizing the sources without adding your analysis. Ensure your thesis clearly states your position and is supported by evidence throughout the essay. You should refrain from relying too heavily on one source and aim for a balanced incorporation of multiple perspectives.

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See the chilling photo that captures bullet as it flies past Trump

• Updated: Jul. 14, 2024, 5:54 a.m.
• | Published: Jul. 14, 2024, 5:51 a.m.

• Kevin Manahan | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Former president Donald Trump , who said he was hit in the ear by a would-be assassin’s bullet, came within inches of possible death at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., on Saturday night.

A photo credited to White House Press Corps photographer Doug Mills appears to capture a bullet as it flies past Trump.

A remarkable photo captured by my former White House Press Corps colleague Doug Mills. Zoom in right above President Trump’s shoulder and you’ll see a bullet flying in the air to the right of President Trump’s head following an attempted assassination. pic.twitter.com/FqmLBCytoW — Haraz N. Ghanbari (@HarazGhanbari) July 14, 2024

Trump issued a statement on his Truth Social media site, after the apparent assassination attempt , saying, “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong and I heard a whizzing sound of shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.”

The U.S. Secret Service is investigating how a gunman armed with an AR-style rifle was able to get close enough to shoot and injure former President Donald Trump at a rally Saturday in Pennsylvania, a monumental failure of one the agency’s core duties.

The gunman, who was killed by Secret Service personnel, fired multiple shots at the stage from an “elevated position outside of the rally venue,” the agency said.

The FBI early Sunday identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pa.

Here’s the complete Trump statement:

“I want to thank the United States Secret Service, and all of law enforcement for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania,” Trump said. “More importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong and I heard a whizzing sound of shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. God bless America.”

MORE COVERAGE:

Trump assassination attempt: Latest on shooter, Secret Service’s failure, Biden-Trump chat and more

Officials say man who opened fire at Trump rally was a 20-year-old from Pennsylvania

Trump rally eyewitness’ incredible story: We warned Secret Service and police about shooter on roof

Trump statement after apparent assassination attempt: ‘Felt the bullet ripping through the skin’

Shooting at Trump rally is being investigated as assassination attempt, AP sources say

Trump supporters, led by Clay Travis and J.D. Vance, point fingers at ‘left wing media’ and ‘Biden campaign’

Shooting at Trump rally: Reaction after apparent assassination attempt from Biden, Obama, Clinton, Cheney, more

Yankees react to Donald Trump shot in assassination attempt

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AP Art History

Review the free-response questions from the 2024 ap exam., exam overview.

Exam questions assess the course concepts and skills outlined in the course framework. For more information, download the AP Art History Course and Exam Description (CED).

Encourage your students to visit the AP Art History student page for exam information.

Mon, May 6, 2024

12 PM Local

AP Art History Exam

Exam format.

The AP Art History Exam has consistent question types, weighting, and scoring guidelines every year, so you and your students know what to expect on exam day.

Section I: Multiple Choice

80 Questions | 1 Hour | 50% of Exam Score

Questions on the exam will appear both as:

• sets of 2–3 questions, with each set based on color images of works of art.
• individual questions, some of which are based on color images of works of art.
• The multiple-choice section includes images of works of art both in and beyond the image set.

Section II: Free Response

6 Questions | 2 Hours | 50% of Exam Score

Question 1 : Comparison is a long essay question that assesses students’ ability to compare a work of their choice with a provided work from the image set and articulate a claim explaining the significance of the similarities and differences between those works, citing evidence to support their claim.

Question 2 : Visual/Contextual Analysis is a long essay question that assesses students’ ability to analyze visual and contextual features of a work of art from the image set (image not provided) and respond to the prompt with an art historically defensible claim supported by evidence.

Question 3: Visual Analysis is a short essay question that assesses students’ ability to analyze visual elements of a work of art beyond the image set (image provided) and connect it to an artistic tradition, style, or practice.

Question 4: Contextual Analysis is a short essay question that assesses students’ ability to analyze contextual elements of a work of art from the image set and explain how context can influence artistic decisions or affect the meaning of a work of art.

Question 5: Attribution is a short essay question that assesses students’ ability to attribute a work of art beyond the image set (image provided) and justify their assertion by providing specific visual evidence.

Question 6: Continuity and Change is a short essay question that assesses students’ ability to analyze the relationships between a work of art from the image set and a related artistic tradition, style, and/or practice.

Questions 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6  will include images of works of art.

Exam Questions and Scoring Information

Ap art history exam questions and scoring information.

View free-response questions and scoring information from this year's exam and past exams.

Score Reporting

Ap score reports for educators.

Access your score reports.

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How an Oscar-winning filmmaker helped a small-town art theater in Ohio land a big grant

An Oscar-winning filmmaker was instrumental in landing a big financial grant to help a movie theater in the small Ohio town where he lives. (AP Video: Patrick Orsagos)

The Littel Art Theatre is seen after the 7 p.m. showing of Raising Arizona on Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Yellow Springs, Ohio. When the Little Art Theatre set out to land a $100,000 grant to fund a stylish new marquee, the cozy arthouse theater had some talented help. Oscar-winning documentarian Steve Bognar lives in Yellow Springs, the bohemian Ohio town where the theater’s a downtown fixture. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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Coming attractions are previewed before the 7 p.m. showing of Raising Arizona at the Littel Art Theatre on Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Yellow Springs, Ohio. When the Little Art Theatre set out to land a $100,000 grant to fund a stylish new marquee, the cozy arthouse theater had some talented help. Oscar-winning documentarian Steve Bognar lives in Yellow Springs, the bohemian Ohio town where the theater’s a downtown fixture. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Popcorn pops for the 7 p.m. showing of Raising Arizona at the Littel Art Theatre on Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Yellow Springs, Ohio. When the Little Art Theatre set out to land a $100,000 grant to fund a stylish new marquee, the cozy arthouse theater had some talented help. Oscar-winning documentarian Steve Bognar lives in Yellow Springs, the bohemian Ohio town where the theater’s a downtown fixture. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Hot buttered popcorn is tasted before the 7 p.m. showing of Raising Arizona at the Littel Art Theatre on Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Yellow Springs, Ohio. When the Littel Art Theatre set out to land a $100,000 grant to fund a stylish new marquee, with a nod to its century-long history, the cozy Ohio arthouse theater had some talented help. Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Steve Bognar is a resident of Yellow Springs,where the theater is a downtown fixture. Besides being one of Little Art’s biggest fans, Bognar is an advocate for small independent theaters everywhere, as they struggle to survive in an industry now dominated by home streaming. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

A ticket and change for the 7 p.m. showing of Raising Arizona is handed out of the ticket booth at the Littel Art Theatre on Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Yellow Springs, Ohio. When the Little Art Theatre set out to land a $100,000 grant to fund a stylish new marquee, the cozy arthouse theater had some talented help. Oscar-winning documentarian Steve Bognar lives in Yellow Springs, the bohemian Ohio town where the theater’s a downtown fixture. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Popcorn pops for the 7 p.m. showing of Raising Arizona at the Littel Art Theatre on Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Yellow Springs, Ohio. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Steve Bognar, Oscar-winning documentarian, is photographed at the Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs, Ohio, on Monday, April 29, 2024. When the Little Art When the Little Art Theatre set out to land a $100,000 grant to fund a stylish new marquee, the cozy arthouse theater had some talented help. Bognar lives in Yellow Springs, the bohemian Ohio town where the theater’s a downtown fixture. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Wendy Clark, second from right, and her son Solomon Shemano, right, visit with Craig Mesure, left, as they leave the theatre after the 7 p.m. showing of Raising Arizona at the Littel Art Theatre on Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Yellow Springs, Ohio. When the Little Art Theatre set out to land a $100,000 grant to fund a stylish new marquee, the cozy arthouse theater had some talented help. Oscar-winning documentarian Steve Bognar lives in Yellow Springs, the bohemian Ohio town where the theater’s a downtown fixture. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Moviegoers look to the screen during the 7 p.m. showing of Raising Arizona at the Littel Art Theatre on Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Yellow Springs, Ohio. When the Little Art Theatre set out to land a $100,000 grant to fund a stylish new marquee, the cozy arthouse theater had some talented help. Oscar-winning documentarian Steve Bognar lives in Yellow Springs, the bohemian Ohio town where the theater’s a downtown fixture. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Moviegoers line up to purchase tickets for the 7 p.m. showing of Raising Arizona at the Littel Art Theatre on Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Yellow Springs, Ohio. When the Little Art Theatre set out to land a $100,000 grant to fund a stylish new marquee, the cozy arthouse theater had some talented help. Oscar-winning documentarian Steve Bognar lives in Yellow Springs, the bohemian Ohio town where the theater’s a downtown fixture. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

YELLOW SPRINGS, Ohio (AP) — When the Little Art Theatre set out to land a $100,000 grant to fund a stylish new marquee, with a nod to its century-long history, the cozy Ohio arthouse theater had some talented help.

Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Steve Bognar is a resident of Yellow Springs, the bohemian college town between Columbus and Cincinnati where the theater is a downtown fixture. Besides being one of Little Art’s biggest fans, Bognar is an advocate for small independent theaters everywhere as they struggle to survive in an industry now dominated by home streaming.

The eight-minute video Bognar directed and filmed for the theater’s grant application set out to illustrate just what its loss could mean to people, communities — even society as a whole.

“The fact that this movie theater is smack in the middle of town, it’s like the heart of our little town,” he said in a recent interview.

Bognar, who with the late Julia Reichert won an Oscar in 2020 for the feature documentary “American Factory,” began the video with some 100 different classic film titles flashing past on the Little Art Theatre’s current marquee. He then folded in interviews with local residents, who reminisced about their favorite movies and moviegoing experiences.

It wasn’t lost on the documentarian that such communal experiences are becoming increasingly rare, as rising home and charter school enrollments fragment school populations, in-person church attendance falls and everything from shopping to dining to dating moves more and more online.

“If there was one overall theme that emerged, or a kind of guiding idea that emerged, it was that a cinema, a small-town movie theater, is like a community hub,” Bognar said. “It’s where we come together to experience collectively, like a work of art or a community event or a local filmmaker showing their work.”

Among other events Little Art has hosted over its 95-year history are the Dayton Jewish Film Festival, the 365 project for Juneteenth and a Q&A with survivors from Hiroshima.

Bognar’s video did its job. Little Art won the grant, the first Theater of Dreams award from the streaming media company Plex. The company is using its grant program to celebrate other independent entertainment entities, as a poll it conducted last summer with OnePoll found two-thirds of respondents believed independent movie theater closures would be a huge loss to society.

“That collective experience of sitting in the dark and just kind of feeling, going through some story and feeling it together is beautiful,” Bognar said. “We don’t do that enough now. We are so often isolated these days. We stare at our screens individually. We watch movies individually. It’s sad.”

He believes that people share energy when they’re watching the same movie together, adding a sensory dimension to the experience.

“We feel more attuned because we’re surrounded by other human beings going through the same story,” he said. “And that’s what a theater can do.”

The theater plans to use the grant to replace Little Art’s boxy modern marquee with the snappier art deco design that hung over its ticket booth in an earlier era. The theater opened in 1929.

“We found an old photo of our marquee from the 1940s, early ’50s, and that was when it all came together,” said Katherine Eckstrand, the theater’s development and community impact director. “And we said, that’s it — it’s the marquee. We want to go back to our past to bring us into our future. So that’s where it started.”

Bognar, 60, said it’s the very theater where he was inspired as a youngster to become a filmmaker.

“Some of my deepest, fondest story experiences in my whole life have happened right here in this theater, where I’ve been swept away by a great work of cinema,” he said. “And that’s what I aspire to create for audiences, you know. It’s incredibly hard to do to get to that level, but I love swimming toward that shore.”

AP 2-D Art and Design

Learn all about the course and portfolio. Already enrolled? Join your class in My AP.

Not a Student?

Go to AP Central for resources for teachers, administrators, and coordinators.

About the Portfolio

• All portfolio types (2-D, 3-D, and Drawing) are submitted digitally only.
• Students are prohibited from using any and all artificial intelligence tools in any AP assessment work. Read more about our policy.

You’ll submit a portfolio of artwork for evaluation at the end of the school year.

The three Art and Design portfolios (2-D, 3-D, and Drawing) each include two portfolio components: the Sustained Investigation and Selected Works. Each component requires you to show a fundamental competence and range of understanding in visual concerns and methods as described in the AP Art and Design scoring guidelines. Portfolio components are scored separately, and each contributes to the final portfolio score, which is on a 5-point scale.

Note: You may submit more than one Art and Design portfolio exam in a given year, but each must be a different type of portfolio. You may not duplicate works or images among the portfolios and portfolios may not be combined. For example, if you want to submit a portfolio for both Drawing and 2-D Art and Design, you will need to submit two separate portfolios with two completely different sets of artwork, two different inquiry statements, and your AP Coordinator must order two exams for you.

For the AP 2-D Art and Design portfolio:

• Your work should focus on the application of two-dimensional (2-D) elements and principles including point, line, shape, plane, layer, form, space, texture, color, value, opacity, transparency, time, unity, variety, rhythm, movement, proportion, scale, balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, figure/ground relationship, connection, juxtaposition, and hierarchy.
• Think about how materials, processes, and ideas can be used to make work in a two-dimensional space.
• There’s no preferred or unacceptable content or style.
• Here are some formats you can submit: graphic design, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design, illustration, painting, and printmaking.
• Don’t submit video clips—they’re not allowed. You may submit still images from videos or film and composite images.

Portfolio Date

May 10, 2024, 8 PM ET

AP Art and Design Portfolio Due Date

AP Art and Design students must submit digital portfolios to AP by this date.

Portfolio Components

Section 1: sustained investigation.

15 digital images 60% of Score

You’ll create a body of work that demonstrates:

• sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision
• sustained investigation of materials, processes, and ideas
• synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas
• 2-D art and design skills

You’ll have to document in writing:

• the inquiry that guided your sustained investigation
• ways your sustained investigation developed through practice, experimentation, and revision

Section 2: Selected Works

5 digital images of 5 artworks 40% of Score

You’ll choose works that demonstrate:

For each work, you’ll have to describe in writing:

• the materials you used
• the processes you used
• image citations describing the source of ideas or pre-existing works (APA or MLA formal citations not required)

Works may come from the Sustained Investigation section, but they do not have to. They may be a group of related works, unrelated works, or a combination of related and unrelated works.

How We Score Your Portfolio

All portfolios are assessed by at least four highly experienced studio art educators (AP Art and Design teachers or higher education faculty). These evaluators, called AP readers, are trained to apply standardized scoring guidelines. Each of the two sections is reviewed independently based on criteria for that section.

If there is a wide divergence in the scores assigned by two readers to the same section of a portfolio, the section is forwarded to two Reading leaders for review and resolution of the scores.

Portfolio Essentials

Portfolio preparation, 2023 ap art and design exhibit.

Explore this online exhibit that showcases outstanding artwork created by AP Art and Design students for the May 2023 exam.

Sustained Investigation Overview

Get detailed instructions on building the Sustained Investigation section of your AP Art and Design portfolio.

Selected Works Overview

Get detailed instructions on building the Selected Works section of your AP Art and Design portfolio.

Sample Portfolios and Scoring Information

Go to the Portfolio Samples and Scoring Information section of the AP 2-D Art and Design portfolio page on AP Central to check out the latest sample portfolio sections of real student work, along with scoring guidelines and explanations.

Past Portfolios and Scoring Information

Go to AP Central to review sample portfolios and scoring information from past years.

AP Daily Videos

Once you join your AP class section online, you’ll be able to access AP Daily videos in AP Classroom. The AP Daily videos cover every skill outlined in the AP Art and Design Course and Exam Description. You can use these on your own for additional support as you prepare for your assessment task models. Sign in to access them.

AP Art and Design Course and Exam Description

This is the core document for the course. It clearly describes portfolio requirements, course goals, approaches to assessment, and the AP Program in general. The CED was updated in fall of 2023 to include revisions to the AP Art and Design course rubrics and scoring guidelines.

Guidance for Artificial Intelligence Tools and Other Services

Learn more about the AP Program’s policy on generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT).

Credit and Placement

Search AP Credit Policies

Find colleges that grant credit and/or placement for AP Exam scores in this and other AP courses.

Additional Information

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Tressie McMillan Cottom

Whoever the Democratic Candidate Is, Americans Have Already Lost

By Tressie McMillan Cottom

Opinion Columnist

I watched the debate from a pub in Ireland. A man sitting next to me pegged me for a Yank. “Sorry about all that — screwed, no matter what you do,” he said before the final minutes of the debate. I nodded, accepting his sympathies for my condition as an American during a week when it was hard to be an American.

It is only when I am not in America that I feel my Americanness. From the moment that blue passport cover places me in a different line at customs, my citizenship speaks louder than my race, gender or religion. Maybe I had to watch that debate from outside the U.S. to fully appreciate what was happening to us Americans.

A survey of the political commentariat shows a consensus forming: President Biden is fighting the final rounds of a match that the refs won’t call but probably should. Usually, after reading all of the news and polls, I turn to the everyday political discourse, which often diverges from that of the professional political watchers. What should scare Biden loyalists is that this time, the two agree. Even the most die-hard Democratic voters can see Biden’s decline for what it is: an opening for Donald Trump to win his second presidential term.

A few days after that disastrous debate , the Supreme Court finally weighed in on presidential immunity. There is no other way to read its decision than as a signal that whoever owns the Republican Party also owns the power to break the law. Whether he wins or loses, Trump owns the G.O.P., lock, stock and barrel. I’m not sure the country has fully accepted what that means.

When the Supreme Court decision was announced, I had moved on to Greece. Again, it felt like a portentous place to be as the United States moved closer to an autocracy than it had been since perhaps Reconstruction. Greece prides itself as the birthplace of deliberative democracy. As you walk through the ancient ruins, the biggest ideas to transform human society don’t look very big. The buildings where they were debated are crumbling. Modern development dwarfs what were once massive structures to Western ideology. Despite standing for more than 2,000 years, these relics of early democracy feel fragile.

Americans don’t build monuments as well made as the ancient Greeks built. The idea has always been that our democratic ideas are the real monuments. The statues and artifice of political memory should never be stronger than those ideas. Sometimes we have made our monuments cheaply , as if to say that having perfected the means of democracy — if not its platonic ideal — we don’t need to bother with strong foundations and materials.

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