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 October spotlight is on:
Gage Smartnick
“I’m Gage and I’m 15 and in 9th grade at James M Bennett High School. I like swimming and I swim on the YMCA swim team, running, playing on the computer, and art classes. I was adopted from China and have 3 brothers and 1 sister.”
“This is a paint by number on canvas. It took me a long time to finish.”
How long have you been taking art lessons? “8 years”
Why did you begin to take art lessons/how did you become interested in art? “To get more creative.”
What’s your favorite thing about art? “I like seeing the finished product from all my hard work. “
This is my favorite art work and I won an award for it at the Ward Museum.
What are your favorite mediums and/or subjects for your artwork? “I like painting landscapes the most.”
When you’re making your art do like to listen to music or watch tv for inspiration (if so what)? “I like it to be quiet when I work on my art. At home, I usually paint in my room because it’s away from all the noise.”
What is your favorite thing you’ve ever created and why? “The picture of Marty, my sister’s dog, that I painted her for her birthday.”
Do you have a favorite color? ” My favorite color when I was younger was green, but now I like blue.”
“One of my walls full of my art.”
What or who inspires you to create your artwork? “Ms. Jenell”
Is there anything else about you that you’d like us to know? “I’m an uncle already.”
Do you have any advice for someone who wants to become an artist or improve their skills? “Follow your dreams and never give up.”
Gage always has a positive outlook on his art – even when his work isn’t quite going the way he’d like! Instead of getting frustrated and giving up, he takes his time and carefully continues to work on the piece until he’s able to reach his artistic goals! His perseverance and determination is inspiring! Keep on creating Gage!
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 September spotlight is on:
Caroline Nielson
My name is Caroline Nielson. I am 5 years old and am in Kindergarten. I have been taking art lessons with Miss Jenell for 4 months. I began taking art lessons because I really like making art. Miss Jenell inspires me to do art because she is really good at it. I like using acrylic paint for my artwork and drawing pretty things like hearts and flowers. I also enjoy reading and playing with my little brother.
Title: The Pretty Petal Medium: Paint I used pink to paint the petals because it’s my favorite color.
What’s your favorite thing about art? “My favorite thing about art is drawing and coloring.”
Besides visual arts are you into any other art forms? “I take ballet lessons because I like dancing. I feel happy when I dance.”
Title: Moonlight Road, Medium: Paint
This is a painting of a road leading to a magical land in the mountains. I like the colors I used in this painting.
What is your favorite thing you’ve ever created and why? “My favorite thing I’ve ever created is my painting, “Moonlight Road.” It is my favorite because I like to paint.”
Do you have a favorite color? “My favorite color is pink because it’s bright and pretty.”
Title: Flower the Cat Medium: Pencil, Crayon This picture makes me feel happy because I like drawing pink hearts.
How has your artwork improved/what have you done to keep improving as an artist? “I’ve been taking art lessons with Miss Jenell every week. We color, draw, and paint a lot and that helps me get better.”
Caroline comes full of smiles and ready to create some art every week! She is eager to learn new art mediums and techniques and puts in a lot of concentration and focus to become better! She always has fun and is imaginative in her work as well! Keep up all the good work Caroline!
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:
Ellie Iman
“My name is Ellie, and I’m in 3rd grade. I have been taking art lessons with Ms. Jenell for about 5 years. I love to sculpt and paint. Outside of art I like to play with Legos, and I love traveling.”
“Just Crabby”, Acrylic Paint
He was partying with his fellow crabs.
“Bird-Tastic”, Watercolor and Pen
This Blue Bird was perching on its favorite tree.
“Patchwork Butterfly” , Mixed Media (Eric Carle inspired)
This was one of my favorite projects. The butterfly was having the most wonderful flight of her week. “A Day in the Wilderness”, Acrylic & Pastel landscape
This was the day the bunnies were hoping, the butterflies were flying, and everyone was having a fantastic day.
Ellie brings her imagination into her artwork – creating stories and ideas along the way! Even though she’s open to new ideas and making changes, she also works hard to put in her best effort, and takes her time on all her artwork until she’s satisfied with the pieces! Keep on making awesome art Ellie!
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:
Akosinachukwa Norbert
Hi my name is Akosinachukwu Norbert, I am 5 years oldI have been taking art lessons for 6 months! I like art because I can create things. My favorite thing that I have created is my Cuckoo clock because I can make the pendulum move and make my cuckoo bird come out! I look forward to creating more with Miss Jenell and our next project is to create a musical instrument! I also look forward to seeing Tux every week!
Name: “Twitter” Medium: Paper Mache
When you’re making your art do like to listen to music or watch tv for inspiration (if so what)? “Sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t!”
Ako creating his “Twitter” in paper mache!
What is your favorite thing about art? “My favorite thing about art is that I can make things that I like!”
Ako and his “mycoocoo clock” that he made!
Is there anything else about you that you’d like us to know? “I like music a LOT! I play the musical instruments; piano, acoustic guitar, drums & bongo. I am still learning how to play the acoustic guitar, I am best at the piano. My newest music that I play is All of Me.”
Name: “Ako’s Fish” Medium: Mixed media
What or who inspires you to create your artwork? “I am inspired by my mom and Miss Jenell to keep creating and look forward to making more projects!”
Why do you think art is important? – Why is it important for you? “It’s important because I can create what I like!”
Name: “Apple Tree” Medium: Acrylic Paint
Do you have a favorite color? “My favorite color is Red!” “My favorite color for my mom is Yellow, and my favorite color for Miss Jenell is blue, and my favorite color for Tux is black and White.”
Ako creating his foil embossing “
How has your artwork improved/what have you done to keep improving as an artist? “By taking art classes with Miss Jenell and mainting a weekly schedule”
Ako is always excited to create and make art! He enjoys the process of taking an idea and turning it into a finished piece. The enthusiasm and joy he brings to all of his artwork is inspiring – Keep up the good work Ako, can’t wait to see you grow as an artist!
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:
Eden Rush
Hi my name is Eden, I’m 17 years old and I’m going into 12th grade. I’ve loved art for as long as I can remember and I’m happy to be developing my own art style. Besides art, I love horseback riding, the beach, music, and antiquing.
Name: “Louis Tomlinson” Medium: Gouache and watercolor I found this picture of a artist that I like on Pinterest. I really liked the lighting in the photo so I painted it with a gouache set from hobby lobby.
How long have you been taking art lessons? “I have gone to art classes here and there ever since I can remember. My mom is an artist so I have also learned a lot from her. I have been taking Ms. Jenell’s classes in the art room for about two years now.”
Why did you begin to take art lessons/how did you become interested in art? “I have always loved art. I guess my mom saw that in me from a young age so she put in several art classes when I was younger. My love for horses has also helped to develop my art since horses were the only thing I drew for a while.”
Name: “Butterfly and Giraffe” Medium: Acrylic paint This is a piece that I completed last year after Christmas. Since I had done so many art pieces as gifts for others I wanted to make one for myself, so I did.
What is your favorite thing about art? “My favorite thing about art is the uniqueness of every artwork and artist. If you tell a group of artists to draw a cow each artwork produced would be totally different.”
What are your favorite mediums and/or subjects for your artwork? “My favorite art mediums are graphite pencil, watercolor and gouache.”
Is there anything else about you that you’d like us to know? “I love the Beatles and Fleetwood Mac and a lot of my art is inspired by songs.”
Name: “The Queen of Hearts” Medium: Alcohol markers I did this drawing in one of Ms. Jenell’s paint draw sculpt classes. We were doing a playing card theme. I’m really happy with the colors and look of this picture.
What or who inspires you to create your artwork? “Honestly something that inspires me a lot to keep making artwork is displaying the finished pieces in my room. I’ve also always been really inspired by my mom who is an amazing artist. I grew up seeing my mom’s artworks everywhere and wanting to be like her in that aspect.”
Why do you think art is important? – Why is it important for you? “For me, art is so important because it is a way of expressing yourself. If you’re mad draw about it, if you’re happy draw something happy. There are endless possibilities with what you can create.”
Name: “Strawberry Teapot” Medium: Ceramic This is a tea pot that I completed in one of Ms. Jenell’s ceramics classes. It is the first ceramic piece that I have done. I love how it turned out.
Besides visual arts are you into any other art forms? “I love music! I often wish that I was a better singer but for now I’ve settled with learning the ukulele.”
Do you have a favorite color? “My favorite color changes pretty often but right now it is forest green.”
Name: “The Statue Graphite pencil” This is one of my favorite drawings that I’ve done. When I started it I almost gave up because it looked so rough in the beginning! I’m so glad I finished it! I also almost cut off the empty space above the people but I feel like it really adds to the completed drawing.
When you’re making your art do like to listen to music or watch tv for inspiration (if so what)? “I almost always listen to music or audio books when I’m working on an artwork.”
How has your artwork improved/what have you done to keep improving as an artist? “In the past year my ability to draw faces has improved a lot because I started drawing in a sketchbook way more often. I like to challenge myself with weekly goals depending on how busy I am.”
Eden is a talented artist who is always up for trying out new mediums and techniques. She takes on artistic challenges, and works hard with determination, to achieve what she set out to accomplish in her artwork – all while enjoying the process! Keep up the great work Eden!
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:
Isaac Clayton
I am a 14yr old homeschool student in the 8th grade. I enjoy art, soccer, spending time with my family and friends, eating, and the beach. I enjoy my church, have fun at youth group, and love to go to camp in the summer.
Pencil Sketch “This was just a rough sketch I made when I was working on more realistically showing movement in my art.”
How long have you been taking art lessons? “I started art lessons with Miss Jenell when I was about 9 years old.”
Why did you begin to take art lessons/how did you become interested in art? “When I was little, I always enjoyed art and crafts. As I got older, I started to work on more projects. One of the fun things I did with my friends was make up stories and illustrate them.”
What is your favorite thing you’ve ever created and why? “My favorite creation so far is my Mandalorian helmet. I made it out of just plain cardboard boxes, hot glue, wall spackling, and paint. I think it turned out quite well.”
Mandalorian Helmet “For this I used cardboard, hot glue, scissors, and wall spackling. I came up with the blueprint from some things I found online, and then scaled it to the correct size. After I finished, I painted it. For the visor, I used a covid face shield, so that’s kind of neat. I did this project during the shutdown, and I will always remeber that when I see the face shield visor.“
What are your favorite mediums and/or subjects for your artwork? “My favorite medium is just simple pencil and paper because I love to sketch. I also really enjoy painting and ceramics.”
Is there anything else about you that you’d like us to know? “I like cool t-shirts.”
Besides visual arts are you into any other art forms? “I really enjoy making costumes, especially superhero themed ones.”
Wall Mural “I was going stir crazy during the pandemic, and my mom wanted to repaint my room. I begged her to let me do a mural on one wall, and she agreed. This took me a long time to complete, but I love it! We went to Lowes and got several sample sized paints in the colors I needed. I sketched on the wall with my pencil first, then I began to paint. It was a long process, but it was worth it.”
What or who inspires you to create your artwork? “I don’t really have a specific thing or person that inspires my art, but some of my pieces are inspired by things I have seen or experienced. “
Why do you think art is important? – Why is it important for you? “I feel that our world without art would be boring. Art is fun, and it allows me to express myself even though I’m not a big talker.”
Do you plan to have a career in the arts? “I haven’t really thought that far ahead as far as a career in art goes. I want to be a missionary, but I’m sure that I could use my art in some beneficial way.”
Vans “I got into customizing my white vans. I did the first pair with one of my favorite shows, Avatar: The Last Airbender. I sketched with pencil first, then when I was happy with that, I used fabric markers to color them in. I used the same process with the Gravity Falls vans.”
Do you enter your artwork in any shows or contests? “I have entered two contests, and I won one. I have also had several pieces in the Ward Museum student art show.”
Is there a certain style, or type, of art that you’d like to someday try? “I’ve always wanted to get into digital art. I also think it would be awesome to use spray paints, kind of like street art or murals.”
Isaac takes his time, mindfully working on his creations with passion and determination. He always puts forth his best effort and focus into his work. It’s this perseverance and calm manner, along with openness to new mediums, ideas, & techniques, that help him grow and evolve in his artwork, and his humble personality is sure to inspire others!
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:
Caden Gleason
My name is Caden and I am in the 2nd grade. I have been taking art lessons since I was 5 years old. I am now seven years old! I wanted to take art lessons because my sister took them. I love spending time in the art room with Miss Jenell, my sister, and other friends I meet in class! We enjoy telling jokes and being silly while making art (Mom: “Sorry, Miss Jenell!”) I like learning about the birth of our country. I draw lots of pictures with pencils of the Colonists and the Redcoats. My favorite thing I have made was a paper mâché crab with Mrs. Jenell. My favorite style of art is music. I often create new songs on my piano. When I make art projects, I usually use blue because it is my favorite color. I think what makes a good piece of art is its beauty. I like beautiful art pieces. One day I would like to try mixing different colors of paint on top of different things like balloons, furniture, or even trees. I look forward to my next art class! I love learning from Miss Jenell!
“Crabby Army”, Paper Mache
“Young Pumpkin”, Acrylic Paint
“The Light Tree”, String & Nails
“The Hot Cup”, Markers, Water Color
Caden is fearless when it comes to trying out new mediums and techniques in art – happily learning new methods and bringing creative ideas to the table! He always goes about his art with a positive and happy attitude, which shows through in his playful artwork! Keep on creating Caden!
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:
Peyton Lindsey
I have been taking art for three years. I started taking art because I love drawing and painting. I wanted to become a better artist and learn about the different mediums. My friends and family inspire me mostly, A lot of the artwork I do is my friend’s pets. the person who gives me the most inspiration is my mom; she always gives me great ideas of what I should draw or paint next. I love drawing and working with acrylics. Those two are my favorite but I do like working with clay too. My artwork has improved drastically since I started taking art class. I went from that looks kind of like a person to that looks exactly like a person. Miss Jenell has helped me out a lot she is an amazing teacher. She is extremely helpful!
Besides art, what other activities do you enjoy? “I love riding horses and dancing, but I mostly love riding It always makes me feel more in control of life right then since right now we cannot control how life goes right now. Dancing also helps with that same thing because you are in control of your movement and it just feels amazing.”
“Back Braking” This is a pencil drawing. I did it last year! This is one of my favorite drawings that I did because this person is a strong dancer. It is hard to balance like that for too long, so it takes a lot of strength.
Have you ever entered your artwork into a contest or show? “Yes, I have entered four pieces into the Ward Museums Art Show. I have entered two pottery pieces and the tentacle, and an inspiration from isolation glass painting.”
“Twisting Tentacle” This is a copper sheet embossing, it is made from an aluminum copper sheet. I did this for the ward museum, It was a lot of small details to get it right. It was hard not pressing to hard, so you did not go through the sheet. I loved making the tentacle. I found it to be a lot of fun and interesting on how easy it bent. I found it even more amazing when we aged it to make it look old.
How long does it take you complete your art? “It takes me anywhere from one day to one month to complete a drawing or painting just depends on how big and how detailed it is.”
“Daisy” This is an acrylic painting of my dog that I did two years ago. It was extremely hard because I know what she looks like and that is something that always gets me when I am doing painting, I got it eventually and it turned out to look like her.
“Light house dream” This is a rubber stamp of a light house that I did in class last year. This was hard but fun to make since you could not cut too deep or you would go through the rubber.
Are there any mediums or styles of art that you’d like to try? “One day I would like to try sculpting, I do not want to do anything big just something small and somewhat easy!”
“Yummy Spaghetti” This is a fork with spaghetti and meatball made from polymer clay. It is a food bookmark! This was fun to make and what is even more fun is that when I got home, I used it to prank my brother! He thought that I had ruined his new sweatshirt! It was so funny!
Payton’s fearlessness to try new mediums and techniques, along with her positive attitude, allows her easy-going, fun loving, personality to shine through in all of her works of art! She is persistent, working to get a piece to her liking and open to trying new techniques along the way! Her pieces are inspiring and sure to bring a smile to your face!
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:
Calli Gleason
My name is Calli and I am in the 4th grade. I love cats! I enjoy all things cats: books, pictures, creating stories, and drawing them! My favorite type of cat is the Siamese cat (They really like to chatter!). Cats give me lots of inspiration to create art.
I could draw all day long. I have learned a lot of drawing tips and tricks from taking classes with Miss Jenell. I am very thankful she is helping me get better at drawing. I have been taking art class with her since I was four years old. I am now 9 years old! My mom signed me up to take an art class with Miss Jenell and I have loved it ever since.
My favorite way to create art is to draw a picture with pencil then color it in with paint or crayon. Some other forms of art I enjoy are singing, playing piano, and theater. I can express my feelings through art. Bob Ross did an excellent job painting with feelings. Happy trees! One day I would like to try painting with a chisel to make mountains like he did. My favorite thing about art is when artists create a painting that looks real. Mary Blaire is my favorite artist because she created a lot of Disney characters. I like how she boldly mixed different colors together.
“Cat Catastrophe” Mixed Medium: Pictures, paint
“Birds Eye” Water Color
“Solar System” Paint
“Snowy Alley” Water color
Calli has an excellent imagination and puts it to good use in her artwork, creating stories and scenes that are full of life! Her artwork reflects her happy personality and is sure to put a smile on the viewers face! The fearlessness she has in trying new mediums and styles, while continuing to develop her own unique style, will continue to help her grow as an artist! Keep up all the good work Calli!
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 January spotlight is on:
Amy Stiegler
My name is Amy Stiegler. I’m 15 years old and I’m a freshman in high school. I have been taking art lesson with Ms. Jenell since 2014. I began to take art classes after I watched a movie and drew the characters and my dad saw and signed me up. Other artists as well as things I see and experience in my life inspire me to create. I love drawing with charcoal and painting with acrylics. Other than visual arts I am interested in photography and music. With my love of music I’d like to become a singer and songwriter. My favorite piece I’ve created is a dragon. It’s my favorite because it was one of the first pieces I did and every time I look at it I get inspired to keep drawing. I listen to music or soundtracks that apply to what I’m working on. For example, when I was drawing a lion, I listened to the Lion King soundtrack. Someday I’d like to try spray painting because I feel it would be fun.
Title: Lizzy Medium: Acrylic Description: Lizzy is my dog and has been by my side for my entire life. She is 16 now and still as energetic as ever so it was quite the challenge to snap the photo this painting is of.Title: Live Love Lions Medium: (uh mixed – there’s a lot happening) Description: When we first making this with Ms. Jenell I was very confused on how it would work together, but it’s now one of my favorites and includes maps of important places to me as well as my birthday and stars. Title: Canyon Moon Medium: Acrylic Description: I was inspired to make this painting after listening to a song called “Canyon Moon”. I painted this sometime in the middle of quarantine and was very happy that I decided against the “realistic” colors.
Amy is not afraid to get creative and once she has an idea – she’s determined to create it with the mediums at hand! She works to perfect her art until she’s happy with it and is always willing to give new techniques & mediums a try. Her artwork also reflects her fun loving personality and is sure to send a message of happiness to the viewer!
Take a look at last months student spotlight here!
