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Thursday, September 6, 2001
Young artists are quick studies in watercolor
Exhibit at Art Center showcases eight month of classes and focuses on design, color
By Cassandra Hinojosa
Caller-Times

David Adame/Caller-Times

‘Mi Casa’ by Randi Williams is among the works by 11 young students in the student art show 2001 at the Art Center of Corpus Christi.

This is the fifth year that Incarnate Word Academy junior Kerry Messerhas enrolled in Pam Stanley's art class. One of her biggest challenges was creating a blind contour - a self-portrait drawn while looking into a mirror, without lifting the pencil or looking at the drawing as it takes shape.
   "Having to look in the mirror is hard because you can't look at the paper you're drawing on," said Kerry, 16. "They all come out weird. It's a lot of fun."
   Kerry recently entered four art pieces in the Student Art Show 2001, including the piece, "Lean on Me," a watercolor painting of two shrimp boats positioned side by side.
   Her work is among a collection by 11 young student artists ages 8 to 16. The exhibit is on display through Sept. 29 at the Art Center of Corpus Christi, 100 Shoreline Blvd.
   Stanley, watercolor instructor, taught the students at her studio for about eight months. Some, like Kerry, are back for their fifth year of instruction. Other are trying their creative hand at art for the first time.
   "The primary focus was on design with an emphasis on color," Stanley said. "The students are mixing colors, learning about the use of the quantity of water to use with the paints ... to make transparent water colors."
   Most of the students submitted three pieces, Stanley said.
   No inhibitions
   Younger students are usually less inhibited about expressing themselves through art, she said.
   "Children are free at this age and can latch on to things quite easily," Stanley said. "It's easier for them to express themselves, and it's enjoyable to me to watch this creativity in action."

Paul Iverson/Caller-Times

Frank McMillan, 10, (left) and Angela Hook, 11, paint during an art class conducted by Pam Stanley. Art Center of Corpus Christi Director Alley Josey said that Stanley’s students return year after year.

   Marty Hook has enrolled her twin daughters, Angela and Becky, in Stanley's art class for nearly five years. Both daughters, who are sixth-graders at Calallen Middle School, attend the class for two hours each week. It will also be Marty Hook's fourth year to take the class with her daughters at Stanley's suggestion since she couldn't make the adult class.
   "I couldn't begin to tell you everything I've learned," Marty Hook said. "I've learned about designs, colors and values. It's been really neat to watch my girls develop, but I've come a long way, too. Sometimes, the end result is more pleasing than you thought it was going to be; that' always a nice surprise. I can look at a group of objects and draw them in perspective."
   Instilling confidence
   Stanley has instilled confidence in Angela and Becky and encourages them to put their ideas on paper, Marty Hook said.
   Becky said that she enjoys taking classes with her mother because she can help give her suggestions.
   "You learn value and what colors look good together," said Becky, 11. "We paint from the lightest light (color) to the darkest dark (color). I painted a sunflower with watercolors; it's called 'Mirasol;' it's my favorite piece. I can draw better and I put the colors in better places, and I've just improved a lot."
   The Student Art Show 2001 includes watercolor paintings by 11 students. They are: Sarah Cooper, 9; Neha Deshpande, 13; Clare Dodson, 12; Angela Hook, 11; Becky Hook, 11; Kerry Messer, 16; Tejal Patel, 9; Brenda Salinas, 12; Ashley Villagran, 12; Randi Williams, 14; and Hunter Woodruff; 10. The Hook girls' mom, Marty Hook, is also included in the exhibit.
   Art Center of Corpus Christi Director Alley Josey said that Stanley's students return year after year.
   "People look at (the art) and can't believe they were made by children," Josey said. "They're that good."


Contact Cassandra Hinojosa at 886-3617 or hinojosac@caller.com

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