Herrick H. Smith
1
Summer Assignments for AP 3D Studio Art
First of all, let me say that I am proud of you for accepting the challenge of such a rigorous course. In
August we’ll talk much more about national requirements, goals, and expectations. For now...as you begin to
approach the AP Art experience, I encourage you to enjoy the summer, spend time with family and friends,
volunteer your services, read, rest, walk on the beach. Whatever you do, do it with a heightened sense of
awareness to the aesthetic value all around us every day. I strongly encourage you to take photos constantly!
Get an inexpensive digital camera (I use a Canon Powershot) and take it everywhere and capture everything.
These photos will be a great resource later. Artists have always been and will continue to be the great
observers, interpreters, inventors, and creators in the societies in which they live. Slow down and observe
everything and experience what so many people never notice - explore not only with your eyes, but your heart
and your mind. Never just look, train your mind to see!
Now, the particulars…
Summer assignments help alleviate the pressure during the school year of having to produce the
required number of quality pieces needed for a successful and passing portfolio. At this point you may not be
quite sure what your body of work will be. Don’t fret if you’re not sure, you’ll actually find yourself gravitating
to the work that is most suitable for you.
The assignment you choose will be due the first week of school and will be your first AP grades.
Completing more than is required will put you that much further ahead when school starts. **Notes about
sketchbooks/journals: I believe in and strongly recommend keeping a working sketchbook (Most of you have
seen the way I work in mine). Take it with you whenever possible, record images, plan artwork, write ideas,
rough sketches and thumbnails, glue in reference photos, etc.** Every descent artist I’ve ever met or
researched kept a sketch journal-from Leonardo to the present. This does not exempt you from preliminary
sketches for your projects.
ASSIGNMENT:
You will complete a minimum of 1 series of work (3 pieces from 1 prompt unless otherwise noted in
the prompt) over the summer in preparation for your AP Studio Art class. This will be due the first day of class,
in August. You will receive a major grade for your summer work. If you choose not to complete the summer
assignments during summer, it will become a homework assignment due at the end of quarter 1. It is your
choice as to which assignments you complete from the list below. Pieces should be 3D and a minimum of 10”
in size unless otherwise noted– the assignments are about quality, not quantity. Work with a size that is
comfortable to you. You may use any media or mixed media of your choice. You are encouraged to explore
media that you have not used before.
For these summer assignments, you will plan, execute, and produce a series of work (3 pieces unless
otherwise noted) that will demonstrate your ability to develop and maintain a dedicated and consistent studio
practice. Depending on your personal interests and your experience as a practicing artist, the work can follow
several different directions or can focus on one overarching idea. The emphasis remains on the making, and
on developing your personal mark or application processes. How you make the work and how you resolve the
work is directly tied to your artistic intent, but you will need to demonstrate the appropriate time and effort
expected of advanced art students.
AP requires evidence of your process therefore experimentation and working beyond your current
studio practice is encouraged, as the goal of this course is to expand your range of possibilities as you gather
