AP Studio Art Drawing Portfolio

1. Carolyn
Drawing AP Portfolio
An Exploration of the Hero’s Journey
2022-2023

2. guiding question
I experimented with acrylic paint, graphite, ink, and watercolor to explore how I can
use the female figure and flowers to illustrate the Hero’s Journey. The hero’s journey
is typically referenced as a uniform literary pattern, but I wanted to show that in real
life, different people can go through different parts of the Hero’s Journey. I drew
inspiration from Lisa Lach-Neilson’s focus on surrealism and muted colors. I focused
on the elements of light and shade to make my pieces come to life, as it emphasizes
the unity between the works.

3. evidence of practice, experimentation, and revision
I always feel like I’m climbing up an endless ladder, with no relief in sight. Books and
nature are my respite. Looking at my life through an author’s eyes & viewing life events
as steps in my journey has helped me persevere. 1&2 explore the connection between
females and flowers, facilitating my exploration of the Hero’s Journey: 3-14. Flowers
show a part of oneself that is hard to accept. Call to Adventure(4) experiments with
perspective, space & texture. Light & shade provide a motif throughout. 15 is the
culmination of my SI, displaying the integration of humanity, nature, & bliss.

4. Work 1: Two-page Idea Spread (the conception)

5. Work 2: Vanguard

6. “Normal World”
represents the protagonist’s world
before
they embark on their journey
head initially
to the side,
but the
bodily
position was
hard to
distinguish
Revised
positioning
to be more
natural,
centered her
used light and color to
emphasize features
- facial expression,
- the tigerlily
(representing pride)
- rich clothes.

7. Work 4: “Call to Adventure” (a momentous occasion)

9. Work 5: “Refusal of the Call” (forgotten)
Reference images
(combined them for the
final)
Shadow and
light
emphasized
on the rose
and shirt

10. Work 6: “Meeting the Mentor” (completion)
Final
Progress Shots

11. Work 7: “Crossing the Threshold” (transformation)

12. Work 8: “Allies, Friends, and Foes” (split consciousness)
Draft Sketch
Final piece, use of light and shadow in face and dress!

13. Work 9: “Approach to the Inmost Cave” (non consensual decision)

14. Work 10: “Abyss/Ordeal” (pierced through)
the hero goes through the
ultimate trial that tests their
perseverance.
There can be a lot of pain
associated with fighting the parts
of your personality that plague
you.

15. Work 11: “Seizing the Sword” (the embrace)
Focus initially on
the heroine
hugging flower(see
bottom right); too
simple
Switched
placement of girl,
made flowers into a
person- showing
that the parts of
ourselves we often
reject are human.
Arrangem
ent idea

16. Work 12: “Return to the Normal World” (homecoming)
Inspiration for
city- City II
by Jarman
Forgolde
Two ideas-opted for smaller idea
because of contrast
Completed final - maintained color palette and emphasis on light and
shadow and added clouds in for a sense of mystery

17. Work 13: “Resurrection” (down by the river)

18. Work 14: “Return With Elixir” (sunflower smile)

19. Work 15: “the Dive of Life”

25. Hey, new kids!
My main advice is actually really important if you want to enjoy your art class, so please don’t
ignore it :)
1. Base your portfolio off of something that you REALLY enjoy.
a. Ex: if you don’t like drawing beans, don’t make your portfolio about beans
2. Don’t take Prof Robson’s questions for granted!
a. She asks if you need help A LOT, so every once in a while make sure to ask her
some questions! Her advice has really helped me flesh out my style.
3. Don’t be afraid to change your topic question.
a. I changed mine halfway through, and it turned out really well for me and ended
up being a lot less confusing.
b. If you can manage to fit all of your pieces into the parameters of your new topic,
that is AMAZING, but don’t be afraid to use old pieces too!
4. Be basic
a. Don’t skip out on rudimentary artistic techniques for the sake of “looking
different”