By Jason Xiao
Art is very diverse, it does not consist of only one medium, it can take many forms such as watercolour, acrylic, and oil. Art not only uses skills, but it also uses imagination and creativity. Instead of paraphrasing and researching, it requires the interpretation and inspiration of the world. Art requires the effort of understanding and observing details. Every piece of art is unique and different, each piece has its own meanings. A piece of art that means something to one person might mean something entirely different to another. “Art allows me to express images that are appealing, it is also a medium to relax inside my heavy coursework.” says Elaine He, a dedicated Grade 12 visual artist at Collingwood School. Elaine’s works of art are irresistibly stunning and remarkable.
Elaine started doing art at the age of 11 in China. She was a curious and determined student that took lessons in Grade 7 and 8 and mainly studied acrylic. She then moved to Canada in Grade 9 and took one year of sketching lessons. She loves art so much that she tries her best to squeeze time out of her schedule to draw. Elaine spends her free time during weekends and holidays to draw. Unfortunately after Grade 10, time started getting tight, but instead of quitting or slowing down, Elaine tried her very best to expand her interest in art by drawing during breaks between classes.
Art is very diverse, it does not consist of only one medium, it can take many forms such as watercolour, acrylic, and oil. Art not only uses skills, but it also uses imagination and creativity. Instead of paraphrasing and researching, it requires the interpretation and inspiration of the world. Art requires the effort of understanding and observing details. Every piece of art is unique and different, each piece has its own meanings. A piece of art that means something to one person might mean something entirely different to another. “Art allows me to express images that are appealing, it is also a medium to relax inside my heavy coursework.” says Elaine He, a dedicated Grade 12 visual artist at Collingwood School. Elaine’s works of art are irresistibly stunning and remarkable.
Elaine started doing art at the age of 11 in China. She was a curious and determined student that took lessons in Grade 7 and 8 and mainly studied acrylic. She then moved to Canada in Grade 9 and took one year of sketching lessons. She loves art so much that she tries her best to squeeze time out of her schedule to draw. Elaine spends her free time during weekends and holidays to draw. Unfortunately after Grade 10, time started getting tight, but instead of quitting or slowing down, Elaine tried her very best to expand her interest in art by drawing during breaks between classes.
A main source of inspiration for Elaine is Pinterest due to its substantial amounts of art and distinctive artists. Elaine admires an artist named jongkie because his drawings are innovative and unique. “I really like @jongkie’s artwork. His watercolour combines animals with very colourful backgrounds to create dream-like pieces that are very visually appealing.” Elaine also mentions that her art is self-motivated. She motivates herself by observing different things and combining everything together with her creativity, she then expresses her ideas through her art.
With so many inventive art styles and mediums to choose from, Elaine’s favourite mediums are watercolour and acrylic. Elaine likes how creative watercolour can make her. The way watercolor creates nice gradients makes Elaine’s art come alive. Elaine also loves acrylic because it allows her to create art pieces through layering different colors. Elaine normally does surreal art, watercolor landscapes, and anime landscapes. She loves how anime landscapes are so detailed and beautiful. “For example Studio Ghibli” states Elaine. Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio that makes anime feature films, short films, and television films. Elaine loves surreal art because of its unlimited imagination, she can use her imagination to create fantasy worlds and creatures.
Many of Elaine’s astonishing artworks have been exhibited in previous Collingwood art shows. Elaine has recently finished a piece of watercolour on whales which will be displayed in the upcoming Collingwood art show. Elaine is also currently working on a realistic acrylic piece of art on glaciers.
Moving into the future, Elaine does not intend to pursue art as a career after high school, she will instead go on a pursue in computer science and business. Despite this, she will not give up her interest and passion for art, she will still spend her free time painting watercolours. Elaine He, a dedicated grade 12 artist at Collingwood school, will continue to paint artworks with passion, demonstrating her creativity, imagination, and her affection for art wherever she goes.
