4.2 Skill & Synthesis

Demonstrating skill

Skill shows technical command: control of media, value, composition, and craft. Selected Works should display confident, deliberate handling.

Synthesis in action

Synthesis means the parts cohere — a work where subject, technique, and idea reinforce one another feels intentional and complete.

Intentionality

Strong Selected Works read as intentional: every choice — media, marks, composition — serves the idea. Nothing feels accidental or unresolved.

Key terms

Skill

technical command of media, value, composition, craft

Synthesis

subject, technique, and idea reinforcing one another

Intentionality

every choice serves the idea

Deliberate handling

confident, controlled use of media

Resolved

a work that feels complete, not accidental

Try an AP-style question

Synthesis in the Selected Works means…

1. copying a style
2. explaining the work in text only
3. integrating materials, processes, and ideas
4. using as many materials as possible