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Portfolio of Art High School Applications

Introduction

đź’Ą Link information: Please note that the application artworks provided are from when my artistic skill was not as experienced than present day.

This website contains my successful application artworks to 3 different art high schools. Idyllwild Arts Academy, OCSA, and Walnut Hill. OCSA is located in Santa Ana, California, and is currently ranked #9 best art high school in America. It's diverse community and talented teachers mean that anyone can fit in, and secure a good future. Idyllwild Arts Academy, located between Los Angeles, and ranked #3 best art high school in America is a school built around culture. Their boarding system and beautiful campus ensure a comfortable and lively stay. Finally, Walnut Hill School for the Arts, located in Natick, Massachusetts, and ranked #8 best art high school in America is powered by community and academics. Their boarding system ensures a comfortable environment, while still ensuring great academic performance.

See application guidelines here:

đź’ˇ Walnut Hill Application Guideline Information: Walnut Hill only shows their application guidelines after you apply through their website first. I cannot show my application guidelines for Walnut Hill. đź’Ą Link information: The links to the application guidelines may change in the future. The current links are to the guidelines I followed while applying.

Application Details

The guidelines for Idyllwild Arts Academy applications are as follows: Applicants to the Visual Arts Department must submit at least 7 pieces that give a clear picture of who they are as an artist. All submissions must be the applicant’s original work. Images of artwork should be submitted as part of the student’s online application. In addition to the 2D requirements listed below, applicants may include painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, animation, architecture, printmaking, mural work, graphic art, creative technology, and video art.

Your portfolio must include: Two (2) direct observation drawings of objects or buildings (not from photographs) using pencil, charcoal, or pen. Self-portrait from observation, any non-digital medium. Two-Four (2-4) quick sketches or drawings from a sketchbook. Four (4) other works in any medium.

đź’ˇ Application information: Idyllwild Arts Academy changes their portfolio requirements every year so the same prompt isn't used twice.

The guidelines for OCSA applications are as follows: At the time of submitting their application, all Visual Arts Conservatory applicants will upload only three (3) pieces of art, created as a response to the three (3) specific Artwork Prompts listed below. Please scan the three artworks and combine into a single PDF.

Artwork Prompt # 1: Using any traditional art medium (drawing or painting) or digital art medium, please create a COLOR image of your favorite meal or snack that includes the wrapper or the bowl or plate it sits on. Please include eating utensils if required. You could also add the surface area such as a tablecloth or the environment around the food. Be mindful of texture on objects and utensil reflections. Be sure to use COLOR in your design. Work on paper - document size 8.5” x 11” or larger. Any art media is fine as long as it includes color.

Artwork Prompt # 2: Use a #2 lead pencil (no color) and an eraser to create an observational drawing of four small objects together on one table surface using different VALUES (shades of light to dark). Make sure at least one item is shiny/reflective and one item is soft fabric (a plushie stuffed animal or clothing item). Objects should sit together in a scene and should tell a story about your personality or interests and experiences. Objects could be shoes, sunglasses, small toys, bottles, seashells, plants, postcards, small electronics or most any other small item. Drawing of objects should be realistic and should include shading, shadows, texture and volume. Hand-drawn with a #2 lead pencil on plain paper, size 8.5” x 11” or larger. (Not digital)

Artwork Prompt # 3: Design an ORIGINAL HERO CHARACTER with THEIR PET MASCOT Using any traditional (drawing or painting) or digital art medium, design an original hero character for a fictional story of your own creation. Your illustration should be a color full-body illustration and include one animal pet/mascot. As you design your character, think about shape-language, color and props that will help your hero character look even better and help tell the story of your character. Have fun with it. Work on paper or document size 8.5” x 11” or larger.

đź’ˇ Application information: OCSA changes their portfolio requirements every year so the same prompt isn't used twice.