Glossary
Be Specific
The instruction to use precise art terminology and provide concrete examples to support answers, rather than vague or general statements.
Example:
When discussing their artwork, the student was advised to Be Specific by naming the exact type of paint used and explaining how its opacity contributed to the visual effect.
Critical Thinking
The ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate one's own artwork and the work of others, reflecting on creative decisions and their impact.
Example:
The artist's journal entries demonstrated strong Critical Thinking, as they meticulously documented their process, challenges, and solutions for each piece.
Free Response Questions
An exam question type that requires students to develop a sustained investigation or respond to a prompt, demonstrating their ability to create meaningful artwork and show a clear line of inquiry.
Example:
The Free Response Question on the exam asked students to design a series of artworks exploring the theme of 'connection' across different cultures.
Guiding Question
The central idea or spark that fuels a Sustained Investigation, directing artistic exploration and serving as the foundation for the entire portfolio.
Example:
Instead of just drawing flowers, an artist might pose the Guiding Question: 'How do ephemeral natural forms reflect the passage of time and human memory?'
Inquiry
The artistic journey of creating art that explores a central idea or question, involving development, revision, and exploration of a concept over time.
Example:
A student's year-long Inquiry into the impact of climate change on local ecosystems might involve creating a series of mixed-media pieces depicting environmental degradation and renewal.
Internal (Self-Based Questions)
Topics or questions that rely solely on personal experiences, thoughts, or feelings, making them difficult to communicate visually or for an external audience to understand.
Example:
A question like 'What does happiness feel like to me?' is too internal for a visual investigation, as its meaning is inaccessible to viewers.
Materials and Techniques
The various art-making processes, media, and methods used by an artist to create their work, demonstrating skill and purposeful application.
Example:
The artist's mastery of Materials and Techniques was evident in their intricate linocut prints, which combined traditional carving with digital manipulation.
Multiple Choice Questions
A common exam question type that assesses knowledge of art history, design principles, and vocabulary through a selection of predefined answers.
Example:
On the exam, a Multiple Choice Question might ask to identify the art movement associated with a given artwork.
Read Carefully
The crucial practice of thoroughly understanding all instructions, keywords, and nuances of an exam question before attempting to answer.
Example:
Before starting the essay, the student made sure to Read Carefully the prompt, noting the specific requirements for media and theme.
Reflect and Connect
The process of demonstrating understanding of how artwork relates to the guiding question and how artistic choices contribute to the overall meaning and inquiry.
Example:
In their written commentary, the artist was able to Reflect and Connect their use of fragmented imagery directly to their guiding question about memory and trauma.
Short Answer Questions
An exam question type requiring concise, analytical responses, often asking students to explain creative decisions or analyze specific artworks.
Example:
A Short Answer Question might prompt students to explain how a specific principle of design, like rhythm, is used in a provided image.
Sustained Investigation
A core component of the AP Art & Design portfolio, demonstrating a student's in-depth artistic inquiry, exploration, and development of a central idea over time through a series of artworks.
Example:
For their Sustained Investigation, a student created 15 pieces exploring the concept of urban decay and renewal, showing a clear progression of ideas and techniques.
Time Management
The strategic allocation of time during the exam to ensure all sections and questions are addressed effectively without getting stuck on any single part.
Example:
Effective Time Management during the exam meant allocating specific minutes for each section, ensuring enough time to review answers.
Visual Communication
The effective use of visual elements (like line, shape, color) and principles of design (like balance, contrast) to convey ideas, emotions, or narratives in artwork.
Example:
Through bold colors and dynamic compositions, the painting achieved powerful Visual Communication, instantly conveying a sense of urgency and chaos.