2.2 Experimentation & Risk

Trying new things

Growth comes from experimentation — testing new materials, techniques, subjects, and approaches. The portfolio rewards visible exploration, not playing it safe.

Productive risk

Risk-taking means attempting things that might not work. Even 'failed' experiments teach you and show your inquiry in action.

Practice

Practice builds skill through repetition. Sketchbooks and studies let you rehearse ideas and techniques before committing to finished pieces.

Key terms

Experimentation

testing new materials, techniques, and ideas

Risk-taking

attempting things that might not work

Productive failure

even failed experiments teach and document inquiry

Practice

repetition that builds skill

Sketchbook

a space to rehearse ideas and techniques

Try an AP-style question

Experimentation in art means…

1. avoiding mistakes
2. copying a style exactly
3. trying new approaches to learn
4. repeating the same work