1. AP Studio Portfolios
Concentration Ideas
Homework Assignment: Compose three complex concentration statements that explore art techniques,
personal concepts, and principles of design you are interested in exploring for a concentration for this
course.
Example Concentration Statement: In my concentration series, I will explore combining figure drawing
with mixed media collage. In each piece, I will use expressive color for the figure that will be repeated in
the mixed media collage. The relationship between the foreground and background will be expressed
through color and repeating design motifs.
Ideas for 3D Concentrations:
• A series exploring cultural intersections
• A series about ritual and self-portraits
• A series about weaving with nontraditional and traditional materials that evolve into
objects
• A series of animal- or plant-inspired forms that evolve into formal objects
• A series of wire figures in various environments
• A series about changing the function of common objects
• A series exploring rhythm and movement with common materials
• A series giving human qualities to common objects
• A series using elements of the urban landscape as a basis for three-dimensional
design
• A series of abstractions from natural objects
• A series using multiples to create formal three-dimensional design
• A series of personal icons
• A series of enlarged common objects constructed from unusual materials
• A series of interpretive busts or figure studies that emphasize expression and/or
abstraction
• A series of architectural models for homes, public buildings, or monuments
• A series of assemblages that juxtapose the coarse and refined qualities of a material
• A series of multiples/modules to create compositions that reflect psychological or
narrative events
• A series of sculptures that explore the relationship between interior and exterior
space
• A series of personal or family history communicated through the content and style of
narrative assemblage
• A series of figures exploring aspects of self
• A series of sculptures and installation pieces centered around cultural views of
women and their bodies
• A series of sculptures reinterpreting themes and deities from world religions
• A series of self-portrait busts
• A series of welded metal sculptures that investigate formal design elements
Ideas for 2D & Drawing Concentrations:
• A series of interiors simplified to contour lines that served as the basis for a process of
investigation of other elements, most predominately color and space (the assertion and negation
of space).
• A series of works done with encaustic, printmaking, and a variety of other media, concerned with
different approaches to the picture plane as discussed in the text Drawing: A Contemporary

2. Approach (Claudia Betti and Teel Sale 2004, Wadsworth).
• A series of works done in 2D and low relief as a response to the work of Jim Dine. The student
investigated a tool (hammer) in a body of work done in a variety of media, with a variety of
techniques as well as processes. Investigation combined interest in imagery developed from
direct observation as well as engaged in issues of formal design.
• A photographic and illustrative investigation into the subject “My Little Brother.” The student
produced a number of photographs that were strong in composition as well as technical
(processing) ability. He furthered his investigation into the specific subject by producing a series
of illustrations showing his brother engaged in various pursuits.
• A series of works based on the subject “Skateboards.” The student began painting random
pictures of (cartoonish) characters on broken/discarded skateboards—two were brought in as
summer assignment work. I encouraged the student to pursue the idea, but to paint images that
were more relevant to the idea of “skateboard” or his experiences as a skateboarder.
• A series of works from a student’s visual journal. Sophisticated in terms of development, the book
included text, personal photographs, collage items—ticket stubs, product labels, fortunes (fortune
cookies), netting, bubble wrap. Student enhanced the compositions with intimate illustrations,
many figurative and/or based on human anatomy.
• A series of black-and-white photos that showed strong evidence of investigation into a number of
design elements and principles. Examples included works showing repeating shapes/patterns,
geometric division of space, and balance.
• A series of photos related by subject—such as portraits, self-portraits, landscapes, architectural
details, a family history.
• A series of mixed media pieces based on childhood memories using collaged and layered
imagery that incorporated text.
• A series of illustrations based on the “Seven Deadly Sins.”
• A series of work based on the life of the graffiti artist.
• A digital self-portrait series that incorporate digital photos with text.
• A digital series that juxtaposed incongruent imagery—based on Surrealism and the work of
photographer Jerry Ulseman.
• A series of invitations, program covers, and poster designs created with Adobe PhotoShop.
• Exploration of pattern and designs found in nature and/or culture.
• Abstractions developed from cells and other microscopic images.
• A personal or family history communicated through symbols or imagery.
• A series of fabric designs, apparel designs, or weavings on a theme.
• A series of works based on the subject “Skateboards.” The student began painting random
pictures of (cartoonish) characters on broken/discarded skateboards. Paint images that are more
relevant to the idea of “skateboard” or experiences as a skateboarder.
• Series of landscapes that use color and composition to intensify artistic expression.
• A series of works done in graphite, colored pencil, and Adobe PhotoShop illustrating aspects of
the subject “Roller Coaster.” The investigation increasingly moved away from illustrative
renderings to bold, graphic symbols.