Abstract
This monthly column features an image in acrylic paint by student Dakota Ray and a landscape in oils by teacher Jenny Tucker.
10th grade
Argyle High School
Argyle, Texas
Nerves
The medium I chose for this piece was acrylic paint because I thought it would allow me to portray my vision, and it’s my favorite medium to work with.
My own emotions inspired this piece. I have always been an emotional person — and I have a habit of fidgeting with my fingers a lot when I’m nervous — so the idea came with ease.
Art has always been one of the most powerful forms of expression for me, and I plan to make art a major part of my future.
Art teacher
Creekside Middle School
Carmel, Indiana
Wind Turbines
I paint in oils and only occasionally create pieces in other mediums (watercolor, pen, and ink). I prefer oils because of their vibrancy and how easy it is to blend them. Oftentimes the oils dictate how I paint, not the other way around!
This piece was inspired by our drive down I-65 from the Chicago suburbs to Zionsville, when we moved here in 2006. The open fields and majestic turbines created an immediate feeling of calm and belonging after 14 years of feeling out of place in an urban landscape.
As a full-time teacher, finding time to paint and promote my work is difficult, to say the least. Now that my children are grown, I’m hoping to devote more time to my craft and painting business.
For more jury-selected works, please visit the virtual galleries of the National Art Honor Societies (bit.ly/NAHSstudentart2021) and the NAEA member exhibitions (bit.ly/NAEAeducatorart2020).