I have basic shading and sketching skills, however, I cannot color well and have not tried painting at all. Will they teach me those skills, or would I have to learn it myself before even getting into the course? (I have not taken an Art class during highschool)
Well, that may be an issue. Many HSs require a previous course before allowing enrollment into AP Studio Art. The skills taught in any particular class depends, in part, on the teacher, so ask him/her, but assume that all students have the basic skills down pat. Additionally, there are 3 AP Studio Art exams: Drawing, 2D Design, and 3D Design, so what skills you need for each will be different.
There’s little to no teaching is AP Studio Art classes. The class is time for the student to produce art for the AP portfolio that is graded by AP art teachers. It is very intense. I believe a student has to enter 30 pieces (digital images). Here’s the info from the College Board website. You can see the requirements and look at example portfolios. This is only for the serious art student.
Unless its AP Photography which at my achool is an intro class and submits a studio art portflio, I think you might stuggle. Talk to the teacher!
I would not even make the exception for AP Photography (aka AP Studio Art 2-D Design - Photography)
At my school, an intro photography class was required. A strong portfolio is more than 30 pretty point-and-shoot photos.
Look in your HS curriculum guide for pre-reqs…ours says: Prerequisite: Art I, Art II, and teacher
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