AP Art and Design
Selected Works
2020 Scoring Commentaries
Sample 1
Score: 5
2D Skills
This body of work provides evidence of advanced 2D skills, most notably through figure/ground
relationships that engage the compositional format throughout the works. The activation of
line to suggest surface and movement is notable in works 2,3,4, and 5. Similarly, work 3 reveals
an aerial viewpoint combined with a reflective surface that is juxtaposed with linear and
circular elements to create contrast. The human form is represented through the dynamic use
of color, plane, and form in the works. The variety of color to indicate skin tones is unified
through materials and technique and implies a rhythmic activation of 2D space.
Materials, Processes, and Ideas
The relationships among materials, processes and ideas demonstrate synthesis. The knowledge
of building form in watercolor painting is apparent in work 1, with tonal washes revealing color
in color, as the subject puts on glasses to “see better.” Color values are enhanced through the
use of directional hatching, as well as layered with curvilinear scribbles, particularly in works 2
and 4. The hands, as a way to communicate through gesture, are a dynamic subject, and the
way in which the student artist selected materials and aligned ideas through processes enable
the viewer to see the actual “hand” of the artist throughout all the works.
Writing
In the five works, the written ideas are visually evident. The student artist clearly identifies the
concepts used in creating the visual work and is able to elaborate on the relationship between
text and image. Work 4 focuses on the “beauty of conversation and the communication of
ideas”, while Work 5 focuses on “the importance of prayer in life” as the student explores the
“tenderness and strength found in prayer.”
AP Art and Design
Selected Works
2020 Scoring Commentaries
Sample 2
Score: 4
2D Skills
The visual evidence in these works demonstrates good 2D design skills. In each of the five
works the student effectively activates the entire picture plane. For example, work 1
demonstrates good skills by using contrast to execute the cityscape and therefore creates a
focal point in the center of the lightbulb. In work 3, the student uses proximity, as well as the
repetition of color and value to unify the subject, while employing a wood texture to active the
negative space. In work 5, the student uses diagonal movements to create a dynamic
composition that is enhanced by a variety of rhythms in the drill, the drill bit and the texture of
the wood.
Materials, Processes, and Ideas
The relationship among materials, processes and ideas are evident. In all five works, the
student selected materials and employed processes to execute works that align with each
subject’s character. In work 1, 2 and 5, the limited palette conveys a metallic surface and the
dimensionality of the subjects are enhanced by a range of value. In all works, especially work 4,
the shapes are clearly defined to convey the strength and precision of the machined subjects. In
all works, the student creates dynamic compositions of mundane objects by utilizing unique of
points of view of the subjects.
Writing
Written evidence identifies the materials, processes and ideas and the written ideas are visually
evident. In works 1 and 2 the student clearly articulates how decisions were made to align with
the idea in each piece. In work 1, the student merged images to convey how the use of a
lightbulb has evolved over time and in work 2 the student depicts a collection of
communication devices to convey their history. In works 3 and 4 the student describes the
materials selected, as well as the tools used to execute the works and how the accuracy derived
from the use of compasses and rulers align with the mechanical nature of the subject matter.
AP Art and Design
Selected Works
2020 Scoring Commentaries
Sample 3
Score: 1
2D Skills
There is visual evidence of rudimentary 2D skills in this body of artwork. The exploration of
elements of color, shape, and line are superficial. Work 3 attempts to combine these elements
in a more substantial composition, the resulting image would benefit from further development
because there is little evidence of accomplishment. Works 2 lacks unity, as well as a
consideration of proportion and scale. The negative space is too large and interferes with the
visual connection between the colored shapes. The use of diagonal movement in works
1, 3, and 4 display a fundamental awareness of the elements and principles. The results still do
not achieve success beyond the rudimentary level.
Materials, Processes, and Ideas
There is little to no visual evidence of relationships among materials, processes, or ideas. The
works represent explorations in color and shape that are limited in scope. The opportunity for
a more substantial engagement with repetition is missed by the use of seemingly random color
combinations in work 2. Properties of warm colors are investigated in works 4 and 5 but do not
support processes or ideas. In all the works there is little to no visual evidence of relationships
materials, processes to the ideas because the student artist did not articulate intent.
Writing
The student artist has provided no writing.
AP Art and Design
Selected Works
2020 Scoring Commentaries
Sample 4
Score: 2
2D Skills
The visual evidence in these works demonstrates rudimentary 2D design skills. In most of the
works, there is little awareness of figure/ground relations ships. In work 2, elements are placed
in the negative space, but there is no connection to the subject. In work 3, the composition is
unbalanced, and the upper half of the picture plane is not adequately considered. In work 5,
there is no purposeful placement of the elements and the composition lacks unity. It is merely
a collection of disparate parts.
Materials, Processes, and Ideas
There is little to no visual evidence of relationships among materials, process or ideas. The
student conveys an engaging narrative for each piece, but neither the selection of materials nor
the processes used to execute the works relate to the ideas. In work 4, the student mentions
collage, but there is no relationship to the idea. In the remaining works, the selection of
materials appears random.
Writing
It is minimal, but the written evidence identifies the materials, processes and ideas and the
written ideas are visually evident. In each example the student describes the intent of each
work, conveying the narrative of each piece. For example, work 1 addresses the Black Lives
Matter movement, work 2 was inspired by the music of Harlem and work 3 depicts the death of
Eric Garner.
AP Art and Design
Selected Works
2020 Scoring Commentaries
Sample 5
Score: 3
2D Skills
There is visual evidence of moderate 2D skills in this group of five selected works. The use of
reflection to explore shape in work 1 is clearly articulated and demonstrate a knowledge of 2D
skills. In work 2, a basic awareness of color theory demonstrates and moderate understanding
of the elements of art. Forms interrupting the natural environment investigated through
texture are seen in both works 3 and 4. Works 3, 4, and 5 display a moderate understanding of
composition space. Regardless of the success of work 1, overall the 5 works presented in this
section are inconsistent in the understanding and application of 2D principles.
Materials, Processes, and Ideas
The relationships among materials, processes, and ideas are visually evident but may be
unclear. In work 2, the student artist “wanted to draw something different that represented
warm colors that were appealing to the eye using bright colored pencils” but the intentions are
not fully developed throughout the rest of the work. Work 4, a digital photograph, describes
what he/she is depicting “an elegant and beautiful girl” but the idea is vague.
The 5 works suggest some knowledge of materials and processes through identification of
although the integration of ideas is not readily apparent.
Writing
Written evidence identifies materials, processes, and ideas; however, written ideas are not
visually evident. In work 2, there is no reference made to the selection of subject matter,
rather, something is drawn that is “appealing to the eye.” This is also highlighted particularly in
work 3, where the student artist “wanted to captures the texture of the polar bears fur”
although the bear is photographed primarily underwater. In work 4, the “elegant and beautiful
girl” is obscured by the natural grasses and lighting.
AP Art and Design
Selected Works
2020 Scoring Commentaries
Sample 6
Score: 5
2D Skills
The visual evidence in these works demonstrates advanced 2D design skills. Design principles
are used to guide decisions that enhance the interest of each composition. In work 1, the
student uses a violet line to define the human form. The complimentary relationship of the
violet to the yellow water creates contrast which in turn emphasizes that portion of the
composition. The composition in work 2 is very active. The student uses the repetition of color
to unify the composition. In all works, the student uses a variety of line, shape, color and value
to create engaging compositions.
Materials, Processes, and Ideas
Synthesis of materials, processes and ideas is evident throughout each work. In work 2, the
expressive use of bright colors conveys the fantasy world of the entertainment industry. In
work 3, the precise shapes used to create the subject reflect that of a machine-like figure. The
complimentary use of color, as well as the fluid lines used to depict the strings of the puppet
mimic dance-like movements. In work 4, each section of society depicted, is segregated from
the other. The separation is heightened by the use of color.
Writing
Written evidence identifies the materials, processes and ideas and the written ideas are visually
evident. In each work, the narrative/intent is clearly articulated. In work 1, the student
describes the warm feeling of the act of bathing and conveys that sentiment through the use of
warm colors. In work 5, the fluid movements and excessive amount of information overflow the
composition as the emotions due in the kingdom of one’s mind.
AP Art and Design
Selected Works
2020 Scoring Commentaries
Sample 7
Score: 3
2D Skills
Visual evidence of moderate 2D skills is exhibited in this group of 5 Selected Works. For
example, work 2 demonstrates adequate skills in combining photographic images and marks
to create a layered collage, although the images maintain a tenuous visual connection amongst
themselves. Work 4 uses color as emphasis, but the figure/ground relationship relies on the
undeveloped square format. Work 5 employs repetition of shape to create a focal point but
does not address compositional space completely. Work 1 is most accomplished visually in this
sample. Overall there is little integration between the positive/negative space indicating
minimal understanding of figure/ground relationships.
Materials, Processes, and Ideas
Relationships among materials, processes, and ideas are visually evident but are unclear.
In the portrait works, many of the faces are obscured or cropped. There are attempts at
combining various images, as seen in works 2, 3, and 4 but the connections between them are
vague. For example, the ambiguous marks in work 2, the abstract blue background in work 3
and the ochre framing device in work 4 lack development. The relationships to jewelry and the
environment in this sample are vague.
Writing
Written evidence identifies materials, processes, and ideas; however, written ideas are not
visually evident. The relationship between words and images are unclear. For example, in work
1, “I created this piece to emphasize her rings and how they fuel her creative process” does not
related to the static depiction of hands holding paintbrushes. Further, the description in work
2, “Inspired by the California Gold Rush, and the concept of Fool’s Gold, as well as the element
of human greed that jewelry inspires.” Is not supported in the variety of collaged images
presented.
AP Art and Design
Selected Works
2020 Scoring Commentaries
Sample 8
Score 5
2D Skills
The visual evidence in these works demonstrates advanced 2D design skills. The student uses
line, color, texture and scale to unify complex compositions. In work 1, the lines used to define
the outer edge of the figures are bolder and darker than the lines used to articulate the interior
of each form. Scale is used to distinguish figures from one another, while creating interest
through variety. In work 2, color is used to unify the central figure that is made up of multiple
components. In works 3 and 5 texture and pattern are employed to unify sections of the
compositions that allow the viewer to easily follow the narrative of these complex
compositions.
Materials, Processes, and Ideas
The synthesis of materials, processes and ideas, is evident throughout each work. In work 1, the
inspiration of Aztec cultures is clearly evident by the graphic character achieved through the
use of black and white media. The student’s intent of creating an image that is both disturbing,
yet fun is realized. In work 3, torture is humorously conveyed in the Viking influenced work. In
work 5, the viewer focuses on the two warriors enjoying the feast, while the smaller, secondary
ninjas are preparing to wreak havoc below. In works 2 and 4, color has been used to parallel the
use of color of comic books.
Writing
Written evidence identifies the materials, processes and ideas and the written ideas are visually
evident. In most works, the student identifies the research that was used in the development of
each piece, as well as the contrasting ideas that are successfully integrated. In works 1, 3 and 5
a different culture was used for inspiration. Even though the works were executed using just
black and white media, each work is visually different, reflecting the effective integration of the
information gained from research.
AP Art and Design
Selected Works
2020 Scoring Commentaries
Sample 9
Score: 2
2D Skills
There is visual evidence of rudimentary 2D skills in this group of five selected works.
Through cropping, the student artist attempts to enhance the compositions in works 1, 2,3, and
5 but the results demonstrate a tenuous relationship with the edges of the format. This is
further highlighted in work 4, which is centralized with little enhancement of figure/ground
relationships. The connection between the elements and principles in all the works is
undeveloped.
Materials, Processes, and Ideas
There is little to no visual evidence of relationships among materials, processes, or ideas in
these selected works. The works represent exploration with technical aspects of digital
photography and the camera in works 1, 3, and 5 but do not address the integration of ideas in
a purposeful manner. The manipulation of materials in works 2 and 4, although experiential, do
not further the 2D work and lack spatial integration within the composition.
Writing
In this student sample, the written evidence that accompanies the work is stronger than the
visual evidence. For example, the written description of work 4 enhances the understanding of
the simplistic visual evidence in that the student artist “wanted to experiment more with literal
layering as opposed to creating a simple illusion. I painted and layered separate sheets of
paper and set them in an order showing a color change in progress.” Much of the evidence
addresses the techniques used to make the work by the student artist. In work 5, the student
artist “wanted to explore what I could do with a camera, …..just by manipulating the natural
light I was given.” The intent that is articulated is engaging, however, the visual evidence does
not demonstrate a successful realization of the idea. There are attempts at experimentation
with limited success.
AP Art and Design
Selected Works
2020 Scoring Commentaries
Sample 10
Score: 3
2D Skills
The visual evidence in these works demonstrates good 2D design skills. In work 1, vertical and
horizontal movements are used to contrast the organic shape of the gessoed area. Variations
in rhythm are achieved through the texture of the gesso, as well as in the repetition of the
lanterns. In work 3, complimentary color schemes are applied to the compositions. In work 4,
color and shape are used to define the two sections of the compositions, while the continuation
of the dot pattern in the background unifies these two areas. In each composition, the entire
picture plane is activated.
Materials, Processes, and Ideas
Relationships among materials, processes and ideas are visually evident but are unclear. In all
works, the ideas involve the formal resolution of each piece, which is a valid approach. But in
most works, the processes and ideas are so general, it is impossible identify relationships. In
work 3, the student mentions using line and shape to create unity, but it is unclear how those
elements have been unified in the composition. In work 5 the student created an expressive
piece but is unable to articulate what was being expressed in either the written or visual
statement.
Writing
Written evidence identifies materials, processes and ideas; however written ideas are not
visually evident. In work 1, the student mentions the use of gesso and brushstrokes to convey
emotions, but the statement is vague. In work 2, warm colors are selected to relay a feeling of
warmth. As stated above, in work 3, the student mentions using line and shape to create unity,
but it is unclear how those elements have been unified in the composition. In all works the
writing superficially describes the work, which at times is not evident in the visual statements.
