AP Drawing Portfolio Senior Spotlight: Daniella Teixeira 

The AP Drawing Portfolio is an intensive course, requiring students to produce art at the college level. Students compile a portfolio of 24-29 original artworks demonstrating mastery in composition, technique, and concept. Twelve of those pieces explore a common idea called a concentration.

Daniella Teixeira has been a part of the Fine Arts Department since ninth grade. “Her work has continued to improve in technique and concept, she has truly mastered the art of acrylics and creating dynamic compositions that are inspired by artist Kehinde Wiley,” said instructor Rebecca Hoadley. “She works with a tiny paintbrush, careful to mix custom colors that are vibrant and beautiful! Her work has become a welcomed part of the community.” Her work has been hung in the Munnerlyn Gallery, the Library Gallery, and the Head of School Gallery. Daniella’s paintings reference her own photography and life. When she isn’t painting, she is working on her photos for AP photography.

What is the central idea of your concentration?

The central idea of my concentration is focusing on the little parts of life that are beautiful. I cropped some of my favorite pictures to focus on only part of the images that display the vibrant parts of people. I involve my friends in all of my pieces, exhibiting how even one part of someone can show how special the whole of them is. I have discovered through the process of my concentration that it is really easy for me to crop some pictures I love to make an even more interesting reference that leaves me wondering about the rest of the photo. I hope this same effect happens with the viewer, keeping them engaged in the piece.

How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea?

I use the same consistent style throughout the pieces as well as the same medium. I also make most of the backgrounds simple and involve one color so that the viewer can focus on the central focus of the piece. I have people in each of my pieces as well, which helps demonstrate my idea because it shows the beauty of life, even if it is just a small part of them.

How has your idea developed/changed since the beginning of the year?

My idea in totality has stayed mostly the same since the beginning of the year but I have figured out more about the process I use for my pieces. I have focused on getting the more difficult parts, such as hands, out of the way first so that the rest of the piece goes smoothly. I also have had a pretty easy time matching the background to the mood of the piece so they all look cohesive in themselves and compared to each other.