Sustained

Investigation (concentration)
STUDIO ART
 Create a series of four works
Studio Art of art that investigate a single
visual idea.
Assignment This is a self directed project,
in other words the materials
and ideas are up to you.
 Write down all subjects, themes,
places, activities, hobbies or issues
that are personally relevant and
matter to you.
1. If you had to make 4 pieces of work involving the same theme
or topic, what subject matter would you choose?

2. Go further into detail. What about that topic would you like to
express?

3. How are you going to express it? Include at least one element
or principle of design in your response. Include media as well.
Answering those three
question is the key to
making a concentration!
Homework:
Make a list of 3 possible ideas for your concentration.

You don’t need to write more than a few words for each, but you
should be able to answer:

- What is the theme or topic

- What about it are you trying to explore, and
- How will you explore it (materials/techniques,
elements/principles)
Channeling your inner photographer will be
crucial for this assignment
Drawing from reference = Photorealism
“Reference” = is Something to refer to for increased
accuracy of dimension, color, shading, texture,
perspective, shape, etc.

Because our brain is not a visual library of infinite

images and scenarios, you shouldn't expect it to be.
Seeking reference is also a means of inspiration.
Take a look at the different portfolio examples
Portfolio example 1:
1. I explored the different reactions and responses humans experience when in various
situations and environments.
2. While experimenting with the different styles of deformation, abstraction, and scale to portray
the human figure, I associated them with a specific environment or background, consisting of
geometric and organic shapes or a specific color scheme. The intent of this was to form a
mood that would encompass the piece and give more insight into the figure itself, allowing
the audience to formulate their own take on the piece.

Link to see portfolio :

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/s
eries/ap-studio-art-2-d-design/portf
olio/2018-student-samples/sustaine
d-investigation-concentration?cour
se=ap-studio-art-2-d-design
Portfolio example 2:
1. The central idea of my concentration is something unusual breaking routine. I wanted to show
groups of people going through the expected, and running through their usual habits; all while
being totally ignorant of the exciting and electric events happening right in front of their faces. In
order to emphasize this, I made the only recurring element a single girl, captivated by what no one
else seems to notice.
2. I particularly wanted to explore my concentration through color, so throughout my concentration I
focused on using blue and pink. Throughout the pieces, I have blue act as the ‘routine,’ and pink act
as the ‘unusual thing.’ As a small detail, the girl’s body remains blue while a pink light is reflected
on her face, indicating that she is able to observe the absurd around her.

Link to see portfolio:

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org
/series/ap-studio-art-drawing/portf
olio/2018-student-samples/sustai
ned-investigation-concentration?c
ourse=ap-studio-art-drawing
Portfolio example 3:
“Jolie Laide” is the title of my portfolio which is focused on turning the ugly into the beautiful. Through this work I am
reconciling my memories and reflecting on my experiences of surviving the 2004 Southeast Indian Ocean Tsunami. The use
of a variety of mixed media including collage, paint, and drawing is intended to reference the chaos of the experience.

My Portfolio is a reflection of the events and memories leading up to and following the 2004 Southeast Indian Ocean
Tsunami that I lived through when I was 6 years old. My portfolio stems from the French saying “Jolie Laide” which means ”
Beautiful ugly” or, to make the ugly beautiful. It stands for something that is of unconventional beauty. Jolie Laide revolves
around reconciliation and transformation. The memories used for the majority of my portfolio were purposefully selected
because of their grotesque and graphic nature. The technique of collage was vital to this portfolio as the majority of the
images used were taken from Penang magazines released the weeks following the tsunami.

Link to see Portfolio:

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/series/a
p-studio-art-drawing/portfolio/2016-studen
t-samples/sustained-investigation-concent
ration?course=ap-studio-art-drawing