Breadth Section
"The Cross"
7.5"x9 7/8"
"Jumbled Studies"
8"x10"
"Freshen the air"
12.5"x17.5"
"tentangled"
11"x11"
Concentration Section
Each piece in my concentration has a deeper meaning than some might think. A bible verse is more than meets the eye, you really have to read between the lines and dig deep into the meaning of the scripture. That’s what I tried to do with each of these pieces. Each piece in my concentration portrays the message of the verse chosen, as well as the picture painted in your mind when the verse is read. I aimed for the viewer to examine each piece closely to really capture the message. For example, the piece “Proverbs 4:23” depicts Proverbs 4:23 obviously, which is “Guard your heart above all else, for everything you do flows from it.” The verse says to guard and watch your heart, keep it protected and safe from temptation and sin. This is why I included an alcohol bottle in the background, and damaged money/pearls to show that focusing on either of these objects just leads to a damaging life. My concentration isn’t only aimed for Christians, but for everyone to see the message, and to let it cut them deep to the heart. Throughout this concentration I have grown in my ability to capture hidden color in the piece and to have patience with subtle detail.
"isaiah 49:16"
11"x8"
"Psalm 40:3"
10"x6"
"Proverbs 31:25"
10"x12.5"
"Matthew 27:29"
10"x14"
Some of the most important skills I draw upon to create my work are the ability to make my own composition from reference photos and patience. When you just copy a reference photo, the piece isn't interesting. If you can take multiple reference photos and make your own picture, it makes the composition and message behind the piece much more interesting. Also, you need to have patience, let the watercolor dry, sharpen your graphite or colored pencil, and add intricate detail!
The most successful aspects of my work is the detail in some of my pieces and the composition behind them. In "Proverbs 4:23," I made my own picture from several reference photos. This piece turned out to be one of my best pieces since I actually put thought into the composition and how I was going to execute the piece. When it comes to detail, I made sure to be patient and sharpen my colored pencils when needed. I wanted my dog to look like she had fur on "Exodus 11:7." I needed "Psalm 98:7" to have accurate ocean waves so the viewer could see, "oh that's an ocean." Detail and patience are very important aspects in art and in pretty much anything.
Some of the best things I learned in AP Studio Art are time management and quick, skilled work. I was able to complete nice pieces of art work with a week time period and some even in a couple of hours, lol. I learned how to manage planning one piece while completing another, and then start another piece all in the same day. Yes, this class gets stressful, very stressful when you put off an entire art project to the night before it's due. But if you persist and fight through getting 8 hours of sleep, cause it ain't happening, you can still make amazing art. Whatever you do, don't take this class for granted, ever.
So you want some advice? My first piece of advice, is to TAKE YOUR OWN PICTURES. Even when you're in other classes, use your own pictures, cause you can't send in a copy of someone else's picture. I also advise you to be patient and use your time wisely. Don't procrastinate and plan each piece ahead of time in your sketchbook, that's one thing I didn't do and I regret it. Really put some thought into your pieces, my best pieces came from me thinking about the message and making my own picture out of reference photos. My best pieces weren't just drawn or painted copies of my pictures. Start thinking about the pieces after the one you're working on while you're working on that piece. It will save you so much time! My last piece of advice is to not get stressed, it's a great class with awesome opportunities. Take your time with each piece but still use it wisely, and always be organized, this will set you up for success. Also, don't be basic. Have lots of fun, and make awesome art! Don't be afraid to try a new media in your breadth section, the AP board likes that.