Example Portfolio:

Piece 1: Abstract Art (Geometric & Color Harmony)

Medium: Colored pencil or watercolor.
Process: Abstract design using geometric shapes, contour drawing, and 5 different styles of mark-making.
Focus:
- Demonstrate principles of design (balance, movement, rhythm, contrast).
- Explore complementary color harmony.
- Use different styles of mark-making to different render values: hatching, cross-hatching, sgraffito, scribbling, and stippling.
- Create a dynamic composition that emphasizes shape, form, and color interaction. 

Piece 2: Dimensional Still Life in Perspective

Medium: Graphite pencil on paper.
Process: Student selects 5 objects from their environment that are related thematically. The objects will be different types of materials/have different surfaces or textures. Drawn using 2-point perspective, directional lighting, from observation.
Focus:
- Select objects that tell a story about your personality and interests.
- Use perspective techniques to create depth and dimension.
- Practice shading, texture, and composition to enhance the realism and narrative quality of the still life.

Piece 3: Proportional Figure Drawing

Medium: Graphite pencil on paper.
Process: Drawn from observation with directional lighting.
Focus:
- Capture the human form in correct proportions.
- Use gesture/body language in the pose to communicate emotion or action.
- Study how lighting affects form and shadow.
- Learn how to draw fabrics on form

Piece 4: Symbolic Self-Portrait

Medium: Graphite pencil for the figure, colored pencils for the background.
Process: Drawn from both a photograph and direct observation.
Focus:
- Explore personal symbolism using imagery or objects in the background that express aspects of identity.
- Use of value scales, directional lighting, and texture
- Develop skills in proportion, contour drawing, values, mark-making and blending.

Piece 5: Student’s Choice

Medium: Open, any material or technique. 2D or 3D
Process: Concept and plan developed by the student and teacher
Focus:
- Encourage personal expression and creativity.
- Explore any theme or subject matter that reflects the student’s interests.
- Experiment with different materials, techniques, and styles.

Piece 6: Preparing the Portfolio

  - Photography: Learn how to photograph each artwork professionally.
- Editing: Use Photoshop or other editing tools to enhance images (color correction, cropping).
- Portfolio Curation
- Artist Statement: Write or record a statement that discusses:
- Creative influences and inspirations.
- Personal experiences and processes in art-making and hopes for future work.

———

Materials to bring:

1. Graphite pencils: HB, 4B, 4H, and one mechanical pencil .3 or .5 

2. 11x14 (smooth) Bristol Sketchbook

3. Metal ruler 

Materials Provided: 

Charcoal, erasers, colored pencils, watercolor, brushes, photographs, and others