When I was about 6 years old, I started taking art classes at the YMCA in Sunbury. My mom put me into painting class to start, and I ended up really liking it. I kept signing up for the classes.  I ended up trying sculpting as well. I was taking classes there for about 2-3 years. After that, I kept doing things on my own. For the most part I did drawings and paintings; I didn’t have much of a technique because we didn’t have those kinds of art classes.

             After taking the drawing and painting classes in high school, I feel I got much better within the first marking period. I was taught perspective drawing and painting techniques, which made art more fun and appealing to me. It made me want to pursue art. In the past I would draw and paint, but I wasn’t learning much; I stayed at about the same level. After taking these classes, I developed techniques and began to get better. I could see a difference in my artwork.

Once I realized I became better and was learning, I decided I wanted to persue art. It could mean art being my hobby, or persuing a career in art, I am undecided at this point. There could be many challenges I would face doing so. I feel the good things coming from perusing art could outweigh the problems. I feel as if persuing art would make me happy; Even if I was able to achieve a well paying job, I would much rather persue something I enjoy. No matter if I choose art as a major, I will always find the time to stay involved in creating beautiful art. Sincerely,

                        Mara Hashuga

One thing that I as an artist have always struggled with is maintaining the “perfect sketchbook”. However, after amassing a good amount, I’ve found some things that help me fill my entire sketchbook that I am proud to flip through and show others.

First off, whatever you do, DO NOT rip out pages that you think are not good enough. I used to do this until a 100-page sketchbook became a 20-page sketchbook. If you’re not happy with something, attempt to change it. If it is unchangeable, write notes below of what was wrong with it. I have had many sketches that I would rather forget about because I didn’t think it showed the best of my ability. Eventually, I just didn’t want to waste another entire book, so I just critique and leave it there, and keep those things in mind for the next one.

Secondly, if you’re constantly erasing in your sketchbook, draw in pen! If there is a drawing you think you may erase in the future, outline it in pen. I usually sketch and draw in pen because it has taught me to tweak mistakes that I may have made.

My last piece of advice: There is no such thing as a “perfect sketchbook”. I remember when I was much younger, I would watch videos on sketchbooks that were submitted to CalArts, and be amazed, and wanted mine to be like that, (although it couldn’t). Whatever sketchbook you fill, guaranteed there is at least one page that you are not so keen on, one page that you do not want to be in there, and that is good. No artist is perfect, and if you are “Perfect” in everything, does it not then become monotonous, not being able to improve on anything?

Anyways, I hoped this helped if any of you are insecure about your sketchbooks. I still am to an extent, but I found that these tips helped me become more confident in my own.

Cheers!

-Emma Dailey

This video demonstrates how traditional art forms have creatively integrated emerging technology to challenge the norms of art.

Enjoy, McGugan

Artist Website: http://oliviervanherpt.com/

The purpose of this blog is for students to express and write about their thoughts and feelings on Art and its many facets. I hope you enjoy peering into the minds of your future.

Sincerely, Mr.McGugan