The Concentration! - Sewanhaka Central High School District

12 Artworks, Student Directed, Based on an idea of your
choice! Working as an artist!
A concentration is defined as “ a body of work
unified by an underlying central idea that has
visual coherence.”
You will be required to write a short statement
describing what your concentration is and how
it evolved over time.
Exam readers look for
Before you begin…
•Research, plan, brainstorm, think, write, listen to music, watch your favorite
movies, hang out with your friends…find inspiration everywhere!
•Work on planning sheets- learn about YOURSELF- what are your interests? What
would you like to explore visually? What would you like to say to people with your
art? What would you want to share?
•Explain and describe your idea
•Take photographs, collect images, sketches, etc
•Find artists/reference artists and works that have influenced you…write down the
titles of specific works!
Once you’ve started….
Don’t get too broad- don’t say you are just “doing portraits.” Instead, state what it
is about the portraits that interests or intrigues you, or what you hope to achieve
through creating them
Keep growing…it’s OK to change…as long as you improve and expand on your
original idea.
Concentrations are not:
•Styles of art through history
•Many ways to use acrylic paint
•Kitty Cats
•Me and my boyfriend (or girlfriend) at rock concerts
•My Dog (or hamster, or cat, or iguana, or bird)
•Body Parts
•State of the world as I see it
•Winged horses and unicorns
•My Face on the body of celebrities, or famous portraits on my body
•People who are unaware that they are the subject of my concentration
•A Tropical Feel
•A portfolio of paintings
•Reverting to using a pen to draw rather than a pencil
•Trees. Trees that show emotion. Happy little houses and mountains with happy little
•Well-lit sports equipment.
•Anime, cartoons, caricatures, political cartoons, etc.
Concentrations are
Projects that you can find a number of solutions to, that are open ended, have
room for infinite creative possibilities- Discovery and Growth! These can also fit
your interests…try to think of some of your own. We don’t want to bore the Exam
•Science- under a microscope,
• Freedom and Restraint
bacteria, abstractions
•Doors and portals
•My world view (points of view,
•Oppression of _____
fisheye, fishbowl, key hole)
•Wrapped objects (what can this
•Things that fly or things that hang
(lights, necklaces, mobiles)
•An antique escapade (what
•Emerging from shadows
objects could you find?)
•Order vs Chaos
•Death with dignity
•Surviving ____________
•Adrenaline rush (interest in sports,
•Parallel Universe
extreme activities, outdoors)
•My life as an ant…my life as a giant
Artist Retrospectives
Find out if your favorite artist had a retrospective- what themes do they use
throughout their career? How do they continue to grow?
Student Samples from AP (2010)
Contemporary Artists
Check the work of artists who are represented by galleries in NYC, Brooklyn
and beyond.
What themes do these artists work from?
What style of art history would you connect them to?
What do they say about their artwork?
College Art
Visit local colleges such as Adelphi University and CW Post
Look at work from college level students
Visit their BFA, MA, and MFA thesis receptions- what themes do they use?
What materials are they using?
How they conveying their ideas?
AP Studio Art Drawing Portfolio
Concentration Examples
Mundane Tasks
Briefly define the nature of your concentration project:
Through my concentration pieces, I attempted to display the seemingly
mundane tasks of everyday life and make them seem more special and
important. By utilizing a wide range of bright colors, the ordinary, daily
activities people perform -- eating, sleeping, shaving -- become essentially
more eye-catching, demanding a closer look.
Briefly describe the development of your concentration project and the
sources of your ideas. You may refer to specific slides as examples.
For one reason or another, I find myself surveying the human figure, tracing
what I see with a mental finger -- outlining a shoe or a hand. Also, I chose to
focus on people in their daily routines in order to capture an element which
is essentially private and because I feel a close contact with those that I
paint. Artists such as Johannes Vermeer and Edward Hopper, who gave great
importance to domestic and private activities, served as a source for these
ideas. I wanted to use a wide range of colors to give each painting
personality, a flair, a jolt... And, colors are simply more fun.
Mechanical Objects
Rationale for Score: In this portfolio, the student presents a thorough investigation of the structure
of mechanical objects through selective drawing. This student’s informed understanding of contrast
relationships is stylistically confident and consistent. Form is rendered by the student’s close
attention to structure and detail and is presented in varying perspectives. Color is used for emphasis
and facilitates visual movement. The student’s highly developed drawing skills are technically
consistent throughout this body of work.
What is the central idea of your concentration?
My concentration is on mechanical objects. The subject matter in my pieces
ranges from cars to hack-saws, to speakers. I chose this focus because I
wanted to take a brake [sic] from the everyday portraits and do something I
find interesting. The development of my pieces was a long process, because
I first had to find my objects and then execute them in a very creative and
distinguished manner. Most of the subject matter I chose is either my
belongings or objects I have seen somewhere else.
How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of
your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples.
All of my concentrations are done in pencil or acrylic paint. From the
beginning of my pieces, I used pencil because I was more drawing orientated
[sic], then as I got more practice with paint; my pieces progressed into
realistic vivid works. In the end I am proud of my pieces and happy with the
way they turned out.
Abstraction of the Human Figure
Rationale for Score: An evocative theme, inspired by observation and photo references, is
presented in these figure drawings. Additionally, a sense of real and uncluttered space is rendered
through expressive mark-making, value and color contrast, and sophisticated lighting. This student
uses chiaroscuro and tenebrism that go beyond mere special effects. Of further note is the student’s
informed use of point of view in a variety of perspectives—birds-eye, eye level, and worms-eye—
and use of the full pictorial space. The quality of craftsmanship is excellent.
What is the central idea of your concentration project:
The central idea for my concentration was to create an abstraction of the
human figure through movement, color, and different light values. With
these strategies I was able to form abstract shapes which detached the
figure from its traditional image.
refer to specific slides as examples. As my concentration progressed I found to gain the
movement and abstraction I was searching for in the human figure I had to have a strong
concrete light source. Images 1 through 3 best show the affects of a strong light source and how
movement can be captured within the highlights, midtones, and shadows. Furthermore, with
this light I was able to begin the beautiful abstract tone to pieces. I noticed as the light source
became more intense I was losing the midtones. I admired the images without them, and I
noticed the abstract shapes that were being formed. As my concentration progressed I had to
search for ways to create shapes in order to abstract the human figure. I then began to direct
the figure into a more contorted form (images 5 through 12). As can be noticed, muscles within
the neck and upper body became more prominent and formed obscure shapes. This took it to a
more abstract level, each of my pieces progressively looking less like the human figure. I also
began to incorporate abstract colors, which helped the body morph into abstraction (images 5
through 7 and 11 through 12). With my concentration I want my viewers to discern the human
figure as being beautiful through its progression to an abstract shape.
My Space
Rationale for Score: These works make a highly imaginative connection between the idea of the
concentration and the work presented. The inventiveness and exuberance reflected in the works
engage viewers, inviting them to identify with the student in images 9 and 11. The works
demonstrate highly effective integration of concepts and drawing skills. Mastery of techniques is
outstanding, and developmental thinking goes well beyond technical concerns. The work is of
excellent quality and gives voice to the student’s unique vision. The theme is evocative.
What is the central idea of your concentration?
The theme was “my space”, which incorporates the factual, tangible, and
conceptual things that I have seen and combin[ed] with image[s] of my own
creative works.
How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of
your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples.
Most of [the] images are a picture of a hand drawn characters that I have
Crowds of People
Rationale for Score: The portfolio presents a compelling visual study of an everyday situation, with
the artist placing herself somewhere within the image. The work reflects a mature exploration of
subject matter and watercolor technique. Versatility of the color palette is notable, as seen in
images 1 and 11.Atmospheric perspective effects are emphasized in image 6, while the drama of
light and shade is most evident in images 7, 10, and 12.Deliberate spatial tension is created through
the variety of approaches to the subject matter, including the overlap of form in image 2 and the
scale of figures in images 3, 4, and 8.The concentration is explored in a myriad of ways and is
inventive and original.
What is the central idea of your concentration?
The subject of my concentration is crowds of people. I wanted to explore the
ways that being in a crowd make me feel. Because of this I did a series of
watercolor paintings, and painted myself into each one. I also tried to give
each piece an overriding emotion.
How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of
your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples.
In my work I wanted to challenge myself to convey an abstract emotion in a
realistic piece of art. I experimented with different styles and techniques of
painting to create a distinct mood in each picture. For example, in my sixth
piece I used high contrast and bright colors, and a lot of white, which gave a
cheerful and upbeat feel to the painting. In my eleventh painting I used
subtle muted colors and soft lines to encourage a quiet and detached
atmosphere. I also included a depiction of myself in each piece. In most of
my pictures I made myself very small, but as my work evolved and I became
more confident in my ability I ended up painting myself bigger, so that my
later pieces are more of self portraits.
Abstract Nature
Rationale for Score: The connection between the concentration topic and the work presented is
evident. There is moderate decision making and emerging growth seen in images 9 and 11,
although the detail images 10 and 12 seem unnecessary. Though uneven, the work demonstrates
emerging technical skills. The line variation seen throughout the work adds playfulness to the
student's voice. Overall the work exhibits an emerging level of accomplishment.
What is the central idea of your concentration?
My concentration is abstracted nature studies. I derived inspiration from
artist Bobbi Meier, and a visit I made to Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania. I
achieved this through exploration of techniques in watercolor and ink.
How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of
your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples. As my portfolio
begins, I was focused on color and unity. Through the portfolio I took greater
risks and explored the media further by experimenting [with] new
techniques. As the portfolio progresses, I began focusing on the element of
texture, and the principles of repetition and unity. Many pieces have the
same background detail, as demonstrated in image 7. This detail gives the
piece a whimsical, fantasy feel while providing unity through the portfolio.
The use of sumi ink in both the foreground, and the background as in image
4, also creates unity through the portfolio. Texture was created through
various techniques with the watercolor, such as salt, alcohol and imprinting,
which is very dominant in images 9 and 11.
The Orange
Rationale for Score: The concentration topic and the work presented are closely associated.
Although the work demonstrates adequate technical competence with a range of drawing media,
growth and experimentation are somewhat limited. The work exhibits some clear decision making
with regard to design solutions but generally lacks a sensitivity to space and figure/ground
relationships, as in images 3, 4, 5 and 12.Generally the work exhibits uneven levels of
accomplishment but overall is of good quality.
What is the central idea of your concentration?
Oranges can be found within many classic still-life paintings as an accent of
color. Artists such as Cezanne rendered the fruit with minimal brush strokes
and thus simplified the many details of an orange. My concentration focused
on the single subject of an orange, cut and arranged to make an interesting
composition with a specific focus on the textures. By slicing and magnifying
the orange, I created realistic portraits of the fruit that eventually
progressed to more abstract renderings.
refer to specific images as examples. Traditionally, the great multiplicity of the common
orange's image is simplified by still life artists who use the orange as a spherical jolt of color. My
concentration focused on the ignored details of an orange. Through my concentration, I learned
how to portray the orange in a way that focused on the many textures instead of the general
appeal of the brightness of the subject. Some of my pieces were done in watercolor which best
illustrated the translucent nature of a sliced orange (see images 2, 5 and 9). In my oil pastel and
acrylic pieces, I built up the texture through such techniques as impasto to show the uneven
textures of the peel (see both 7 and 1). Each medium stressed different qualities found in the
subject of an orange. As my pieces progressed, I became less focused on the forms of the
spherical orange and more focused on the abstract shapes and textures created when an
orange is dissected.
Wrecking Yard
Rationale for Score: The student presents a strong body of work with an engaging visual theme.
The work is technically strong; markers and colored pencils are used well to express the ideas. There
is growth and transformation from early flat line drawings like images 1 and 4.In images 5 and 6, line
variety and overlapping help create three-dimensional form and space. Improvement in both
composition and range of values is evident from images 7-12.The work presents an original vision
and overall is of strong quality.
What is the central idea of your concentration? Since I was a little kid I
played at my godfather's wrecking yard. I was fascinated with exploring the
wrecks. I began to think about the wrecks and how the wrecks happened.
When someone crashes a car it is violent and noisy. Dreams are demolished.
People are injured and sometimes killed. My drawings make me think of
broken dreams.
How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of
your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples. At first I explored
my ideas using a brown marker on white paper [images 1-6]. Then I began to
get interested in the range of values and reflections on the wrecks. I used
white colored pencil, an Ebony [pencil] on toned paper [image 7-12]. My
brother's dream car was a silver 2001 Lincoln Town Car [image 7]. It is now a
wreck. [I] feel really close to this work since [I] helped rebuild his car before
it was wrecked.
Rationale for Score: Integration of the concentration topic and the presented work is succinct and
unmistakable. Art-historical references and the narrative structure of the work exhibit innovation,
investigation and thoughtful, sophisticated decision making. The work is technically excellent, and
the watercolor medium is effectively used to express engaging and whimsical ideas. The
appropriation of themes or photographic sources clearly provides a visual reference that is uniquely
transformed and placed in service of a larger, personal vision. Overall the work is outstanding and
sustains a high level of conceptual and technical accomplishment.
What is the central idea of your concentration?
This concentration "Animalocalypse" is a narrative series that resembles an alternate
universe where the roles of animals and humans are switched. Several are based
from famous paintings (the first, fifth and last images), but the majority of the
watercolors are done from my imagination. As they progress from the first to the
last, the message grows more suggestive to the viewer. Some paintings have a more
light hearted mood, and all provoke a story.
How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your
idea? You may refer to specific images as examples. There were many ideas I
originally had that I never ended up making, because the other ideas were either
stronger, or easier for the viewer to be able to understand. I really enjoyed this
concentration, because there were many things I could do that could represent the
idea of animals and people switching places. Before I began working on them, I listed
the best ideas, and put them in a specific order so I would be able to easily transition
from one painting to the next. Some of my work, like image 11, titled "Fair Game,"
have [sic] a much darker context than some of its earlier cousins. I did this on
purpose; once the viewer was pulled in, they would notice that the revolution of the
animals became more serious as the sequence continued.
Score 6
Small colored pencil
First one is tempera
Largest colored
pencil is 11x14
Score 5
Score 4
Score 3

similar documents