This section of the AP Art and Design Portfolio Exams offers students the opportunity to make and present works of art and design based on an in-depth investigation of materials, processes, and ideas done over time. Sustained investigation is guided by questions. It involves practice, experimentation, and revision using materials, processes, and ideas. The Sustained Investigation section is expected to demonstrate skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas. Works from the Sustained Investigation section may also be submitted in the Selected Works section, but they don’t have to be. There is no preferred (or unacceptable) basis of inquiry, type of investigation, or use of material, process, idea, style, or content for the Sustained Investigation. Students should be the principal artist or designer of the work they submit.

    So basically, YOU will come up with a "Big Idea" or and "Essential Question" that you want to explore. You will take notes in your sketchbook exploring the idea or question, writing down your thoughts and reactions, and researching it in a bigger context. These notes will then begin to form your first sustained investigation piece. This will, in turn, lead to the next piece and then to the next. Think of your S.I. like the branch of a tree. You don't know what twists and turns it might take. Just let the art guide you. You will revise your works, you will experiment, you will continue to take notes. Your goal is a total synthesis of ideas, visuals and materials. It will be very important for you to "KNOW YOUR WHY." Why are you using acrylic instead of watercolor? Why does this image symbolize a part of your big idea? Why are you using the color palette that you chose?...You will be able to explain all your choices because they all matter.

     I realize that is might be a little overwhelming at first, especially if you are more used to being told what to draw. But I promise you will end up loving the freedom because it is a much more authentic art-creating experience.

 

REQUIREMENTS AND PROMPTS:

Submit 15 images that demonstrate:

- Sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision

- Sustained investigation of materials, processes, and ideas

- Synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas

- 2-D/3-D/drawing skills (depending on type of portfolio submitted)

​

   In addition to submitting the images, students will need to write a statement about their selected works. Please see the page on writing your artist statements.

​

Sustained Investigation (Si) Inquiry Ideas
Spend a good amount of time developing your ideas for your Sustained Investigation!

Remember that the AP Course Skills are looking for you to successfully demonstrate the following:  
Inquiry and Investigation
•    Investigate materials, processes and ideas
Making through practice, Experimentation and Revision
•    Make works of art and design by practicing experimenting and revising
Communication and reflection 
•    Communicate ideas about art and design

​

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SUSTAINED INVESTIGATION
1.    It is not enough to focus on a subject (trees) or a medium (charcoal). If trees, why trees? Is it about growth?  Negative space in nature?  Protective canopies? Strength and endurance? Branch and leaf structures? The “design” of a forest in compositional relationships?  Look at Mondrian, van Ruisdael, Courbet, van Gogh and Fairfield Porter.
2.    Your exploration should go deeper than merely taking a subject and executing it in a variety of media or styles. Example: Apples rendered in watercolor, stipple, crosshatch, cubism, fauvism and surrealism.
3.    Ideally you should develop a visual language that fits your idea, a style and medium and format appropriate to the theme you are investigating.
4.    A sustained investigation can be a series of works that are very consistent in theme and approach OR it may evolve and develop as the visual idea is explored, ending in a different place than where it began.  In either case it is best to start out with a clear plan of attack; if the idea changes, the change will usually be the natural result of discoveries made in the process of exploration.
5.    Do not choose to work in a medium in which you have absolutely no experience. This is not the time to try something completely new. The point of the investigation is to work in depth. This can usually be best achieved in a medium in which you are already familiar. You are developing concept, not technique.
6.    Research artists who have worked in styles similar to your own direction or with similar subject matter. Do not rely totally on yourself for inspiration. Look at historical masters, contemporary artists, the world around you and your peers to cross-pollinate your own ideas.
7.    If you choose to work in an area rich in cliché or teenage stereotypes your work must be very original. It is strongly recommended that you avoid topics such as blood dripping, skulls, large eyes, hearts, fairies, vampires, emotion through eyes, your girlfriend/boyfriend, sunsets, rainbows & clouds, or sad clowns.
8.    ALL images must adhere to copyright laws. By using original imagery or drawing from life you will avoid any issues.
9.    Themes such as “my feelings and emotions”, “nature” or “flowers” are much too broad for a concentration. Even the more common concentration themes such as portraits or still life need a specific focus. Still lifes that tell as story or emphasize a certain interest in composition or design will be more successful. If the concentration is “portraits”, you should consider things like format, intent, point of view, lighting, style and expressiveness.
10.    Visit the College Board Website. READ the Concentration Statements and then look at the artwork. Really LOOK at how the artwork is connected and the artist developed the idea.
11.    Remember that EACH Piece of ART must be tied to or reflected back to your essential question that prompted your sustained investigation that inspired this body of work that you are going to create