Summer Assignments

Complete 6 of the 8 projects listed in the blog. These projects will be your first 6 grades of the fall semester.

Do's and Don'ts for AP Summer work

Success Criteria:

1. Download The GIMP, free image manipulation software (like a free photoshop): http://www.gimp.org Take some time to get used to this new program. Learn how to crop an edit photos if you don't have access to IPhoto.
2. Make educated decisions about color use. Choose a color theory when you work in color. If you need help go to http://kuler.adobe.com/
3. Use only your own material (photos or illustrations).
4. Spread your work over many days. Work on a few different things at the same time so you don't get bored.
5. Remember to include a full range of values from light to dark.
6. Make unique compositions--try to stay away from symmetry--use the Rule of Thirds and avoid putting the focal point in the middle of your work.
7. Work in layers-- most students stop before they are really done. Don't be afraid. Allow time --then build up. Place different parts on different layers so that you can manipulate them separately.
8. Avoid teenage stereotypes--smiley faces, hearts, roses, dolphins, rainbows, peace signs, blood, anime, you know...all that cheesy junk.
9. Go to museums and art galleries--take a sketchbook with you and be inspired :)

Looking for feedback?

If you would like some feedback (an in-progess critique) or just to share your work during the summer, please send an image of it to me at ldarco@berkshireschool.org . Or--set up your own blog where people can leave comments and suggestions for you. Wherever you are or whatever you're working on--make sure you enjoy doing it!

AP Studio Art Examples of Student Work

Before you start your summer work, check out the examples of student work on the following website. Click on "Breadth" to see examples of student work from breadth portfolios--the same portfolio you are working on this summer.


http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_information/2134.html#name4

Portrait Photography

Photos by: Maura McGovern, Berkshire '10
Set up an interesting portrait photography session with a model other than yourself. It should be someone you are very comfortable with, though--someone you can give direction to. Take a TON of photos. You can crop and edit them in iPhoto and/or Photoshop or The Gimp. In terms of lighting-- you will probably have the most luck outside, or you may work inside with a strong light source, or next to (but not directly in front of) a window.

*Research portrait photography. Here is a site with some helpful articles:
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/portrait-photography-tips
Look for inspiration from other artists. Determine who you would like to be your model(s). Email/text/contact those people to tell them about your project and set up your session. Or-- go out and start taking photos, use the people you run into as your subjects, just ask their permission. BE CREATIVE.

Leading Lines

Submit 6 strong photos that make use of leading lines (lines that direct the viewer's eyes into the composition towards some kind of point of emphasis). When working on photo assignments, take MANY photos so that you can weed through them and choose only the best. Crop and edit your photos if necessary.


Image by Kevin Harbor


Image found on Photo Junkie website