AP Studio Art Benchmark,2nd Quarter (200 points):

DUE: Wednesday, JANUARY 8th, 2014.

NAME: _________________________________

PART 1: Breadth/Concentration Portfolio: (100 points)

1. Complete 5 of the breadth assignments to “Portfolio” quality from this quarter.

2. Complete 5 of the concentration assignments to “Portfolio” quality from this quarter.Look back at all of the work you have completed in the first quarter and pick the 10 most successful pieces. You will present them for critique in a “Portfolio Ready” state:

- Complete, no sketches, shading is at an AP level, no empty backgrounds, no smudges, no torn or crumpled paper. (LAY ARTWORK FLATLY!) (Photo students will make a list of their 10 best pieces with detailed descriptions – these MUST be uploaded to your blogs for consideration)

- Review rubrics and grades that I have returned to you and make adjustments based on the feedback. Make adjustments based on the feedback of your peers.

- Stored in a portfolio. - If you want a piece to be re-graded, include the original rubric/self

evaluation for these works (Ms. Guiles will provide one for you). - DO NOT include works from your 1st quarter benchmark. If you

want me to photograph something that you have finished from 1st quarter, bring it to me separately.

PART 2: Breadth/Concentration Artist Statement (typed). (50 points)

For 2nd quarter, you are to revise your existing artist statement (or create a new one if you didn’t do one or were

unhappy with yours) to include discussion of works from your breadth and concentration.

How to write an artist statement for AP Studio Art:

Your artist's statement can be a moving testament to your creativity and integrity. The expression of this commitment will vary, but the

effectiveness of your artist's statement stems from the authority with which you write it.

WRITING YOUR ARTIST'S STATEMENT

You'll need pencil and paper, a dictionary, and a thesaurus.

STEP ONE (Pre-writing – turned in with typed statement):

1. Take five minutes and think about why you do what you do. How did you get into this work? How do you feel when work is going well? What are your favorite things about your work? Jot down short phrases that capture your thoughts. Don't worry about making sense or connections.

2. Make a list of words and phrases that communicate your feelings about your work and your values. Include words you like, words that make you feel good, words that communicate your values or fascinations. Be loose. Be happy. Be real.

3. Answer these questions as simply as you can. Your answers are the meat and potatoes of your stew. Let them be raw and uncut for now.

1. What is your favorite tool? Why?2. What is your favorite material? Why?3. What do you like best about what you do?4. What do you mean when you say that a piece has turned out

really well?5. What patterns emerge in your work? Is there a pattern in the way

you select materials? In the way you use color, texture or light?6. What do you do differently from the way you were taught? Why?

6. Write five sentences that tell the truth about your connection to your work. If you are stuck, start by filling in the blanks below.

When I work with__________ I am reminded that___________.

I begin a piece by______________.

I know a piece is done when__________________.

When my work is going well, I am filled with a sense of _____________.

When people see my work, I'd like them to ________________.

STEP TWO: Artist Statement (typed).

Write a three paragraph artist's statement. Keep your sentences authentic and direct. Use the present tense ("I am," not "I was," "I do," not "I did.") Be brave: say nice things about yourself.. Refer to yourself with the pronouns "I, me, my." Use the suggestions below to structure your statement. Write six to eight sentences per paragraph.

First paragraph. Begin with a simple statement of why you do the work you do. Support that statement, telling the reader more about your goals and aspirations.

Second paragraph. Tell the reader how you make decisions in the course of your work. How and why do you select materials, techniques, themes? Keep it simple and tell the truth.

Third paragraph. Tell the reader a little more about your current work. How it grew out of prior work or life experiences. What are you exploring, attempting, challenging by doing this work.

At its best, an artist's statement reads easily, is informative, and adds

to your understanding of the artist and the painting. At its worse, an

artist's statement is difficult to understand or rambles on, is

pretentious, and irritates rather than informs (or, even, provokes

laughter).

What Should an Artist's Statement Say? An artist's statement

should be an explanation of your painting style and subjects or

themes. Add a bit about your approach or philosophy if you wish.

Consider mentioning which artists (living and dead) have influenced or

inspired you.

Help, I Find It Impossible to Describe My Work in Words!It can

often be difficult to explain something visual in words – and after all,

you're an artist not a writer! But, as with making art, practice makes it

easier and perseverance is essential. You're unlikely to produce a

polished artist's statement the first time you try, so be prepared to

rework it several times.

Think about how you would describe your work to someone who didn't

know you, what other people have said about your work, what you are

aiming to achieve in your paintings, your outlook on life. Ask a friend

for comments on what you've written (but pick someone you know will

give you an honest answer, this is no time for "that's lovely"

comments). Write your artist's statement in first person ("I work ..."),

not third person ("Mary works ...").

Can an Artist's Statement Change? Certainly, because you and

your work will change.

PART III: Mid Term Self Evaluation (Breadth and Concentration) (50 points):

AP STUDIO: SELF EVALUTATION NAME: _______________________________

Breadth: These artworks should demonstrate a variety of approaches to subject matter, media within each drawing, 2d design, or 3d design portfolio

Breadth critique: These works should show a variety of approaches to art making and to subject matter. This particular series of works show:___ little variety, repetitive___ some variety, somewhat repetitive ___ good variety - little repetition___ wide variety- shows a broad range of approach to subject matter and materials

How original or unique are these pieces?___ common ___somewhat original ___ original ___highly original

How skillful and consistent are the techniques shown in this work? ___ somewhat skillful/inconsistent___ skillful/ some inconsistencies ___ highly skillful/consistent

What are the strongest pieces/skills at this time? Why?

What pieces should be replaced or modified before the AP Exam? Why?

Suggestions for new ideas for work: What ideas have you started to develop in your work and/or sketchbook over the course of this quarter?

Concentration: The Concentration section of the final portfolio shows the student's in-depth planned investigation to an idea in art that is personally fascinating. Your mastery of design and/or drawing skills should be apparent in the composition, concept, and execution of your works, whether they are simple or complex.

Concentration critique: These works should show a cohesiveness of approaches to art making and to subject matter. This particular series of works show:___ little cohesiveness, scattered in concept and technique. ___ some cohesiveness, somewhat scattered. ___ good cohesiveness – the work has similar concepts/approaches, with some deviations. ___ excellent cohesiveness- the series gels well together and shows growth and development.

How original or unique are these pieces?___ common ___somewhat original ___ original ___highly original

How skillful and consistent are the techniques shown in this work? ___ somewhat skillful/inconsistent___ skillful/ some inconsistencies ___ highly skillful/consistent

What is your artistic goal? Discuss the theme, subject, and/or media

exploration you wish to accomplish.

Where or from whom did you get your inspiration?