Each month I will be spotlighting one of my students – past or present, and their artistic ventures! I work with students of all ages and abilities and you’ll get to learn a little bit about these amazing artists and their work!
Our June spotlight is on:
Dorothy McCormick
Dorothy is 17 years old and is beginning her Senior Year of High school. Although she has been taking art lessons since she was 4, she started taking classes at In the Art Room at age 12. Dorothy enjoys creating works inspired by her life experiences however she has also created many works featuring wildlife. As someone who loves blending colors, her favorite mediums are colored pencils and watercolors. Dorothy spends anywhere from 2-15 hours on each piece. Since she devotes so much time to her projects, she has entered several art competitions and is a 7 time “Junior Duck Stamp 1st Place Category Winner” and 1 time state “Best in Show.” She has always been interested in the arts and is a classically trained vocalist and guitarist. Due to her love of singing and songwriting she hopes to pursue a career in Christian Music. Dorothy looks forward to continue taking lessons this coming year, as she believes art is one of thee greatest forms of self discovery and expression.
Work: I Am a Garden
Date: Completed October 2019
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Description: This piece was inspired by the importance of self-care. Just as gardens need to be gently cared for and cultivated, we need to care for and cultivate ourselves. With the right actions we will flourish.
Work: Cuteness Overload
Date: Completed October 2018
Medium: Acrylic on Chalkboard
Description: For a period in my life I had a strange fear of petting zoos. However, in the fall of 2018 I visited one and absolutely fell in love with some alpacas there. Ever since then, Alpacas have been a symbol of conquering fear for me; so I decided to paint this as a reminder.
Work: A Soldier’s Footsteps
Date: Completed February 2020
Medium: Graphite Pencil
Description: This year I entered the Young American Creative Patriot Art Contest. It features the story of my great-great uncle who fought in WWII, including: the battles he fought in, the medals he earned and his infantry’s standard.
Work: The Ugly Duckling’s Antithesis
Date: Completed March 2020
Medium: Ink and Watercolor
Description: Normally when painting waterfowl I pick a bird I consider beautiful. However for the Chincoteague Migratory Bird Art Contest, I wanted to do the opposite. So when I came across the “Horned Grebe” with its spikes, sharp beak, and seemingly red eye, I knew it was perfect. However, I soon found out that these unsightly birds are quite cute as ducklings, and realized: this is the opposite of the Ugly Duckling
Dorothy’s dedication and determination in her art – whether it’s creating a piece for a contest or expressing herself, help her to continue to reach her artistic goals! Her natural talent and abilities are strengthened by her persistence. She has a passion for self-discovery that is sure to inspire others as she continues in her artistic journey!
