Category: Art

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 August spotlight is on:

Kiersten Yates

Hi, my name is Kiersten, aka, Stella K. I’m in 9th grade and I love doing art – it’s my passion! I love trying new things; this year, I’ve tried volleyball, basketball, and entered my artwork into the county fair!

How long have you been taking art lessons? “3 years.”

Why did you begin to take art lessons/how did you become interested in art? “I started taking lessons because I wanted to learn more about art and learn more techniques.”

What or who inspires you to create your artwork? “My mom she loves my art and I love making art for her.”

What are your favorite mediums and/or subjects for your artwork? “My favorite is pencil work, I love making realistic drawings.”

Is there anything else about you that you’d like us to know? “My favorite food is ratatouille”

Besides visual arts are you into any other art forms? “I’m into digital art as well”

Why do you think art is important? – Why is it important for you? “Art is a form of expression and you can pour all your emotions into a piece canvas or paper ,You can make anything out of art.”

What is your favorite thing about art? “Making a piece of art and it turning out great.”

What artist(s) from history do you admire most and why? “Frida Kahlo, I’ve always been fond of her art work ever since I was a little kid”

Do you plan to have a career in the arts? “Yes I want to make murals or sell my art.”

Do you enter your artwork in any shows or contests? “Yes, I put my art into fairs.”

Is there a certain style, or type, of art that you’d like to someday try? “I would love to try new things but I really want to try ink art and self portraits”

Do you have a favorite color? “Maybe purple or red but I don’t exactly have a favorite”

How long does it take you to complete your artwork? “2-3 hours or sometimes a couple days.”

What is your favorite thing you’ve ever created and why? “My favorite piece I’ve made is a realistic eye I made with pencil and pen.”

When you’re making your art do like to listen to music or watch tv for inspiration (if so what)? “I like to listen to music it helps me relax.”

Is there an aspect of art that you don’t like, and why? “Not at all, I really love all types of art.”

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to become an artist or improve their skills? “Practice, practice makes perfect and just go with the flow, art what you want and have fun with it.”

What do you think makes a good artist and/or piece of art? “When they love what their doing.”

How has your artwork improved/what have you done to keep improving as an artist? “It’s improved a lot, I’ve practiced, taken advice, and took some lessons.”

Kiersten enjoys art – having fun while she’s creating and whether she’s encouraging a class-mate, or gifting her artwork, she brings joy to others in the process. She is open to trying new techniques and mediums; not afraid to go for it and dive right in! Even when a piece isn’t turning out the way she planned, Kiersten stays positive, persists, and works through! Keep on creating Kiersten!

Check out our other student spotlights here!

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 July spotlight is on:

Ema Riggin

Hi, my name is Ema, I am homeschooled and in 11th grade. I like to read; romance and fantasy are my favorite genres. When I get older, I want to travel the world – Scotland is at the top of my list! My favorite season is fall, I like pumpkin spice lattes and sweaters!

How long have you been taking art lessons? “I have been taking lessons on and off for 8 years.”

Why did you begin to take art lessons/how did you become interested in art? “The pictures at the county fair inspired me when I was little.”

What or who inspires you to create your artwork? “Matthew Grey Gubler – he wrote and illustrated his own children’s book and draws a lot when he’s not acting.”

What are your favorite mediums and/or subjects for your artwork? “Charcoal & Clay.”

Is there anything else about you that you’d like us to know? “Taylor Swift runs my life.”

Besides visual arts are you into any other art forms? “I like to watch ballet, but I don’t dance.”

Why do you think art is important? – Why is it important for you? “I think it’s important because you can’t go anywhere without seeing it, like even if it’s a poster at the grocery store; it’s everywhere. It’s important for me because it’s a way to express myself in a colorful & fun way.”

What is your favorite thing about art? “That you can make anything with anything!”

What artist(s) from history do you admire most and why? “Marie Laurencin because she does abstract stuff but it still has a bunch of details and uses a lot of pastel colors. And she’s French!”

Do you plan to have a career in the arts? “Yes, I want to sell my own stuff and be able to do commissions for people. In addition to that, I plan to be a librarian.”

Do you enter your artwork in any shows or contests? “I do when we have art shows in class – like at the Ward Museum & when we show work at the Deli at Pecan Square.”

Is there a certain style, or type, of art that you’d like to someday try? “I want to try oil painting”

Do you have a favorite color? “Pink. But once it hits that red-ish pink, no!”

How long does it take you to complete your artwork? “I think roughly and hour to two hours if it’s a small piece, but paintings take more like 3-4 hours or more and I like to work on them an hour at a time.”

What is your favorite thing you’ve ever created and why? “Umm, one time I made a dollhouse out of a cardboard box – It’s my favorite because I really like fairies and making miniatures makes you realize how big you are literally and figuratively.”

When you’re making your art do like to listen to music or watch tv for inspiration (if so what)? “I listing to music; I like indie music, Fay Webster, Mazzy Star, and I also like Taylor Swift & Louis Tomlinson.”

Is there an aspect of art that you don’t like, and why? “I don’t like pop art – I’m note sure why…..maybe because I don’t like that it sometimes repeats the same thing with different colors.”

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to become an artist or improve their skills? “Draw all the time and whenever you wish you could draw something, just do it! Also, Pinterest is full of inspiration.”

What do you think makes a good artist and/or piece of art? “If you can be original in your artwork and show your personality.”

How has your artwork improved/what have you done to keep improving as an artist? “I guess that I’ve been trying new mediums and subjects that I didn’t do before & it opens my eyes to a different way of doing stuff.”

Ema really enjoys the process of creating – she comes to class full of ideas and is ready to jump right in! She has grown as an artist so much from when she first began classes; becoming much more confident in her work and not afraid to try new techniques or mediums! Keep up the great work and continue to create!

Check out our other student spotlights here!

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:

Shekinah Burnsed

My name is Shekinah, I am 12 years old and in the 6th grade. My interests are in dance, art, nature, learning, walks, & horses!

How long have you been taking art lessons? “1 year so far.”

Why did you begin to take art lessons/how did you become interested in art? “I wanted to learn different art techniques. I became interested in art lessons from seeing all fun things my older brother did and learned through your classes.”

What are your favorite mediums and/or subjects for your artwork? “Acrylic Paint and Watercolor”

Besides visual arts are you into any other art forms? “I love my Jazz, Tap and Lyrical dance classes.”

Why do you think art is important? – Why is it important for you? “It helps people express themselves. I love to learn new things and to be creative.”

Do you plan to have a career in the arts? “I would love to do some type of Art, Dance or Photography as a Career.”

Do you have a favorite color? “My favorite color is Purple.”

What or who inspires you to create your artwork? “Books and Ms. Jenell”

Is there anything else about you that you’d like us to know? “I have been dancing for eight years. I love to read. I love anything to do with horses. I love any kind of Arts and Crafts. “

When you’re making your art do like to listen to music or watch tv for inspiration (if so what)? “Sometimes I listen to music when I am doing art projects. I love listening to worship music when I do. “

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to become an artist or improve their skills? “I would say keep practicing, do your best, and take as many classes as you can to expand your learning.”

What do you think makes a good artist and/or piece of art? “Never giving up and keep practicing. Have fun and be creative.”

Shekinah is always happy to try new ideas, mediums, and techniques. She’s able to enjoy the process of creating while being patient and willing to learn! Though quiet in class, she’s not afraid to express herself through her artwork – adding her own personal style and ideas! Keep on creating Shekinah!

Check out our other student spotlights here!

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 May spotlight is on:

Joelee Arey

My name is Joelee Arey and I am 11 years old and just completed 5th grade. I am a homeschooler and I enjoy dancing, reading, and playing with my sisters and our family dogs. I really enjoy board games and play them often with my family.

How long have you been taking art lessons? “This is my first year (2021-2022) taking art lessons with Ms. Jenell, but I have taken other art classes here and there as well since I was about 3.”

Why did you begin to take art lessons/how did you become interested in art? “My oldest sister had taken art lessons with Ms. Jenell. I really enjoy creating artwork of any kind.”

Is there anything else about you that you’d like us to know? “For Christmas I received a makeup vanity and I really enjoy trying new makeup looks and also doing my hair.”

Besides visual arts are you into any other art forms? “I enjoy dancing and have taken dance lessons since I was three years old. I take ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary. My favorite type of dance is tap. I also enjoy crocheting and have created many different items (pillows, purses, etc.)”

Why do you think art is important? – Why is it important for you? “I think art is important because it is a great way to express yourself.”

Do you have a favorite piece of art you’ve created and if so, why? “One of my favorite pieces is the painting with the swirls and dots. It took a little while to complete and was fun to create.”

What or who inspires you to create your artwork? “I inspire myself depending on my mood.”

Do you have a favorite color? “My favorite color is purple”

Do you plan to have a career in the arts? “I hope to include art in my future (whether it be as an artist, art teacher, or just a hobby).”

What are your favorite mediums and/or subjects for your artwork? “My most favorite medium is painting and then sketching is a close second.”

Is there a certain style, or type, of art that you’d like to someday try? “I am going to try digital art soon and am excited about it.”

Joelee is always focused when she comes to class. She works hard and puts forth her best efforts in all her artistic endeavors – taking her time, being persistent in her ability, and challenging herself. She’s open to new mediums, styles & subjects, and can dive in with an open mind! These are all great qualities that will help her continue to grow and develop her awesome artistic skills!

Check out our other student spotlights here!

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 April spotlight is on:

Ian Golightly

I am Ian Golightly and I am 11 years old. I have been taking homeschool art classes with Miss Jenell for over four years. I especially like her cat, Tux who joins us in the studio!

Why did you begin to take art lessons/how did you become interested in art? I decided to take art lessons when I was looking for a new hobby. I have always liked creating and building things – from Legos to model vehicles and customizing toy trucks.

Is there anything else about you that you’d like us to know? When I am not working on art, I enjoy playing soccer, bike riding, taking long walks with my dad, reading with my mom, swimming, roller skating, and being with my friends. My absolute favorite food is French fries and spicy foods like hot sauce!

What is your favorite thing you’ve ever created and why? “My proudest piece of artwork is an early acrylic painting I made of my cat Reuben. One of his preferred places to lounge was on top of our highest kitchen cabinets!”

Do you have a favorite color? I use blue in almost all of my art since it is my favorite color.

What is your favorite thing about art? “Watercolor pencils are my newest favorite medium along with acrylic paint and colored pencils. I am not a fan of pastels due to their appearance and tendency to smudge since I am left-handed.

Do you enter your artwork in any shows or contests? “Three of my piece of art have been on display at the Ward Museum.”

How has your artwork improved/what have you done to keep improving as an artist? I hope to continue improving as an artist by taking more classes with Miss Jenell and Tux!

Ian is always open minded when he comes to class, he’s not afraid to try new mediums, techniques, or ideas! He’s focused on his art and is able to be critical of his own work, making adjustments until he reaches the desired outcome – all while with a positive & happy attitude! These attributes will, without a doubt, continue to help Ian grow as an artist! Keep up the nice work Ian!

Check out our other student spotlights here!

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 March spotlight is on:

Syd Johnson

My name is Syd Johnson, I’m in 11th grade, and I’ve been taking art lessons for two years. I’ve always been interested in art and never really had the chance to make it to my best ability and never had enough supplies, so that’s why I started art lessons. My favorite type of art to make is assemblage but I really enjoy looking at watercolor paintings. My grandma really inspires me to make art because I always enjoy how happy it makes her when I show her something new I’ve made.

What artist(s) from history do you admire most and why? “My favorite artist is Keith Haring because he made a lot of art about what would be considered “sensitive/inappropriate” in the 80’s. I feel like that’s very brave, and his art is just awesome!”

Besides painting and drawing are you into any other art forms? “I like photography.”

Why do you think art is important? – Why is it important for you? “Art is important because it’s fun, it requires skill; not everyone can do it and it gets the creative juices flowing. Without creativity, life is dull and boring, art makes it fun and interesting.”

What is your favorite thing about creating art? “It’s fun to see the vision that you made in your head come to life.”

Do you plan to have a career in the arts? “Yes – but I’m not sure what specifically.”

Do you enter your artwork in any shows or contests? “I have done some, but I plan to do more in the future.”

Do you have a favorite color? “Yes, pink.”

How long does it take you to complete your artwork? “It depends, it could be from a quick sketch for fun, to multiple weeks on one piece.”

When you’re making your art do like to listen to music or watch tv for inspiration (if so what)? “I like to watch iCarly while I do stuff”

Is there a certain style, or type, of art that you’d like to someday try? “I’d like to try graffiti.”

Is there an aspect of art that you don’t like, and why? “I hate pretentious and arrogant people in the art community. I feel like they take away from the fun of making art, by turning it into more of a competition.”

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to become an artist or improve their skills? “Just practice and even if it doesn’t look good at first, keep trying.”

What do you think makes a good artist and/or piece of art? “Define “good” – what one person sees as good, could be awful to someone else.”

How has your artwork improved/what have you done to keep improving as an artist? “With every piece of art I make I learn more and become better.”

Syd enjoys the process of creating and making, she comes with ideas and works to bring them to life! She sets goals for her artwork and overcomes any challenges along the way – completing a piece once she reaches the desired outcome. Through her process she is also developing her own unique style and includes a lot of herself in her work! Keep up all the awesome work Syd, can’t wait to see your artistic future!

Check out our other student spotlights here!

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 February spotlight is on:

Elijah Cockey

How long have you been taking art lessons? “I have been taking art lessons since 2012.”

Why did you begin to take art lessons/how did you become interested in art? “I began taking art lessons because, as a homeschooler, it is hard to find opportunities to do art.”

What or who inspires you to create your artwork? “Well, I have no muse, really, but (Ms. Jenell can back me up on this), I really like sharks and snakes, so I create a lot of art about them.”

What are your favorite mediums and/or subjects for your artwork? “My favorite medium I’ve used in class is probably acrylics. My favorite medium I’ve used outside of class is probably blacksmithing.”

Is there anything else about you that you’d like us to know? “One thing I’d like you all to know is that the word “Lego” comes from the Danish term “Leg Godt,” or “Play Well.” I thought that was interesting.”

Besides visual arts are you into any other art forms? “I am certainly into other art forms. I like music a lot. I play cello, upright bass, electric bass, and banjo. I’m considering learning bagpipes, but that’s still a work in progress.”

Why do you think art is important? – Why is it important for you? “I think that art is important for numerous reasons, but I’ll focus specifically on art’s historic significance. Art—whether that be paintings, carvings, photography, sculpture, etc.—has proved to be a key component of our understanding of history. For example, when we come across a culture whose writing system is yet to be deciphered, or a culture who may not have had a written language, their art is often one of the sole windows into their world that we have. Even in recorded history, images of historical events can give contextual evidence for historical events. Art is important to me for the same reason.”

What is your favorite thing about art? “My favorite thing about art is the wide variety of artistic mediums there are.”

What artist(s) from history do you admire most and why? “The artist I admire most in history is Caravaggio. Though he is underappreciated, he influenced other artists.”

Do you plan to have a career in the arts? “I do. I plan on becoming a musician.”

Do you enter your artwork in any shows or contests? “Whenever an opportunity comes up, whether that be through art class or through another organization like 4-H, I always submit my art. Did I say I win? No. But I submit.”

Is there a certain style, or type, of art that you’d like to someday try? “I’ve always wanted to try glassblowing. I’ve seen people do it at Jamestown, the Corning Museum of Glass, and Salisbury University. It’s a mesmerizing process.”

Do you have a favorite color? “My favorite color is orange. I like campfires, leaves, pumpkins, and all other things related to fall, so orange seemed like a natural favorite color.”

How long does it take you to complete your artwork? “My artwork takes as long for me to complete as I will stop talking in art class. Fact.”

What is your favorite thing you’ve ever created and why? “My favorite thing I’ve ever created in art class is a shark on a board. Kind of like a…Sharkuterie board. I crack myself up.”

When you’re making your art do like to listen to music or watch tv for inspiration (if so what)? “I like listening to music while I do my homework. I find it helps me focus.”

Is there an aspect of art that you don’t like, and why? “One thing that I don’t like about art is the fact that stick figures are often looked down upon. That’s kind of offensive…if you’re a stick figure, of course.”

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to become an artist or improve their skills? “Yeah, go take from Ms. Jenell.”

What do you think makes a good artist and/or piece of art? “I think that a good artist has a point to make with their art, and I think good art makes that point. It doesn’t have to be a deep, metaphysical point. It just ha to be worth making.”

How has your artwork improved/what have you done to keep improving as an artist? “My artwork has much improved over the years. One skill I have developed in particular is the ability to look at a picture and draw from that picture.”

Elijah brings fun and humor to class every week – he enjoys making others laugh (as well as “cracking himself up”), his sense of humor reflected in his artwork; bringing a smile to the viewers. He also likes to think outside the box and add his own perspective or take on the given subjects, mediums, & styles, creating unique and personal pieces of art!

Check out our other student spotlights here!