Students in AP Painting and Drawing study self expression in addition to drawing and painting techniques. There are style changes over time as a result of the new methods they use, constructive criticism from teachers, peer development and personal development.
Every piece the artist creates shows the viewer their state of mind in those moments. As the students look over their previous work, it shows that the environment around them influences their art style and makes them view art from different perspectives. These different artistic styles show creativity and personality in an artist.
The pieces they create can also be influenced by their favorite artist at the time, current affairs or personal conflicts. These factors are what shift their artwork to represent themselves.
Junior Raven Akinwale talks about how through her journey, she faced many challenges that made her not want to continue with art, but she persevered through it.
“I wanted to quit art so many times. [I had a] lot of art block, I tend to compare myself with a lot of different artists, so that was also a major problem for me, but once I realized that art is all about…how you feel and how you express how you feel, I became very more tunnel vision, I focused more on my artwork and I just go with the flow,” Akinwale said.
Teachers frequently urge students to step outside their comfort zones and explore fresh ideas and methods. By offering constructive feedback and inspiring students to take risks, they foster an environment where creativity can thrive.
Senior Ava Saucedo speaks about how the critiques her teachers made through the years have made her work harder while also exploring her individuality and enhancing her creativity.
(Ashlynn Do)
“I take critiques now and it’s like, ‘How can I make this more me?’ The teachers wanted more emotion, and I feel like I’ve been able to really resonate that and live up to their expectations as I focus on more personal values,” Saucedo said.
Looking back on their past work, most AP style students are surprised at how different their artwork turned out. Older pieces of work may look like it was created by someone with a different style and attitude that does not resonate with them anymore.
Senior Gabriele Minney talks about how when they first started art, it did not resonate with them as much as it does now. As the years have gone by, they have been able to make their pieces more authentic.
“I think my art is more authentic to myself, especially since starting out, I was trying to be edgy or cool or come off a certain way. I don’t really try to do that anymore, and I’m more comfortable with my art, and so it’s kind of just me,” Minney said.
As these students continue to dive deeper into their artistic paths, they realize that creating art is not only about perfecting skills. It is also about uncovering and sharing who they really are. By facing challenges, receiving helpful feedback and growing personally, their artwork develops into a showcase of their individual perspectives and life stories.
