Two Winooski Middle School artists’ submissions to the VT Wildlife Fund’s annual art competition were selected for the special exhibition at the Highland Center for the Arts in Greensboro, VT. The exhibition opening and awards ceremony will take place on April 21st from 5:30 – 7:00 PM. The artwork will be on display through April 30th with the exhibition open Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 – 4:00 PM.
Fox in Purple Shadow by Joyce Mampuya, grade 8
Artist’s Statement: When I was four years old, my older cousin was a good artist. He would draw step by step as I copied. When I turned nine, I began to practice drawing on my own. I got better and better as I kept drawing. Now, as a middle schooler, I’ve discovered that I love drawing realistic images in great detail. I hope to one day be able to draw photorealistically.
For this drawing, I chose to draw a fox because the fox has many different shades of one color that you don’t really see or notice unless you look closely. It was challenging finding the right colors for the fur, and coloring the white part of the ear to make a realistic texture. I chose to create a winter setting because I felt like the colors of the fox would stand out against the snowy background and purple shadow. My favorite part of my artwork is the fox’s eye because it is a different texture than the fur and looks shiny.
When I see this fox, I think of a lone fox in snow and shadows. I imagine that the fox is experiencing a moment of calm in this quiet part of the forest.
Golden Eyes by Stella Irankunda, grade 7
Artist Statement: I have been drawing and doodling as long as I can remember. If I am given a piece of paper, I will always draw things from my mind. I use art as a way to have fun, and be smart. I can use art to show people my ideas, sometimes easier than I can use words.
In creating this piece, I sketched out my plan, and then drew it on the nice paper once I was happy with my plan. Then I layered on Prismacolor pencils for the bobcat, and added watercolor for the background. I am most happy about the eyes of the bobcat. They are beautiful and expressive, and once I got them right, I knew it was going to be a good piece. I hope people look into this animal’s eyes, and see the beauty. I want people to see something worth taking care of, and to know we share our home state with them, so we have to take care of it.