COURSE DESCRIPTION
The AP 3D Art and Design Course is a fast paced, intense course designed to be equivalent to a one-semester college course in 3D art and design. It is an inquiry based approach to learning about and making forms and structures in art and design. Students are expected to conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of materials, processes, concepts, and ideas in three dimensions. The framework focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within a college art and design 3-D foundation course, with the same intent: to help students become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers able to create, explore, and develop works as well as to articulate information about their work. AP 3-D Art and Design students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, exploration, revision, communication, and reflection.
AP Art and Design Program
Learn about the course and portfolio for AP 2-D Art and Design, AP 3-D Art and Design, and AP Drawing.
https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/art-design-program
What is the AP Portfolio?
The portfolio consists of 15 pieces of original art that revolve around your own chosen theme, known as a “concentration” or “investigative approach”. The College Board uses these terms interchangeably, but basically it’s an idea or concept you would like to explore in your portfolio. All of your work must center on the development of your chosen idea, and show growth and maturity as you progress. A short, written statement will accompany the slides you submit so that the judges can give context to your work as they view it. Any medium of art is acceptable!
How do I get started?
1) First, review the attached list of Concentration Topics. These are very broad, general topics
that are acceptable for your portfolio concentration. You do not have to choose from this list, but
they will get your mind thinking about possibilities for topics…
https://eastartroom.wordpress.com/2016/07/01/99-concentration-topics-ap-studio-art/
2) Next, view actual portfolio samples of student work on the College Board website. They post
dozens of student portfolios and show you the written statements along with what scores they’ve earned. Passing scores range from 3 to 6. Pay attention to the themes chosen by high scoring students. The concepts are thoughtfully developed, well written and often personal. You can also do a google image search under “AP portfolio samples”.
3) Review the rubrics for AP Studio- 3D Design on the College Board website.
Scoring rubrics for AP portfolios
4) Come up with your concentration theme. Write a one paragraph statement describing the
central idea behind your concentration. This statement will guide the development of your art for
2020-2021 School Year. Make sure you choose an idea you can live with and work at for the entire year; something that has enough depth for you to explore.
5) Create “thumbnail” sketches. These are very small, simple drawings that help you plan out
your ideas before you create larger works of art. You will need a total of 15 thumbnail sketches before you can begin the artwork for your portfolio.