WET PAINT! ART STUDIO PORTFOLIO PREP PROGRAM

Our portfolio prep curriculum is based on the portfolio requirements set forth by the specialized art high schools in NYC, mainly LaGuardia H.S. For those applying to other art high schools, our studio will work with those applicants on an individual basis to fulfill any other specific requirements.

For the 2023 auditions, applicants were asked to create a series of original art pieces which included the following types of art pieces:

  1. Self-portrait - Using graphite pencil on paper, the applicant shall draw one (1) self-portrait from observation; this means drawing her/himself by looking directly in a mirror, not from a printed image or otherwise.

  2. Still Life - Using graphite pencil on paper, the applicant shall draw one (1) still life from observation; this means drawing a set of objects on a surface and placed in front of her/him, not from a printed image or otherwise.  

  3. Figure Drawing - Using graphite pencil on paper, the applicant shall draw one (1) full figure drawing from observation, this means drawing a live person posing in front of her/him, not from a printed image or otherwise. Drawing shall be done with much detail as possible including a background. 

4 to 7. Additional Pieces - Using any media, the applicant shall create three (3) pieces of artwork in any form. They may be 2D or 3D. These additional pieces could include another still life, a landscape, artwork created from the imagination or from memory. The pieces could be executed in acrylic, watercolor, graphite, colored pencils, collage, wood, clay, paper, mixed media, etc.

8. Creative Drawing - Some of the specialized art high schools require submitting one (1) creative drawing. For the 2022 auditions, the subject matter was drawing a “Fantastical Sandwich”. 

PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT

In order to make the applicant’s portfolio final selection, Wet Paint! along with each applicant, will review and asses her/his pieces using the following criteria:  

For the self portrait, the still life, and the figure drawing:

  • Shape, form, and value

  • Proportions, dimensions, and observation

  • Space and composition

For the figure drawing in particular, the quality of the line is critical.

For the creative drawing: 

  • Composition, creativity and use of imagination

For all artwork submitted:

  • Use of materials and display of ideas