Paint the Town encourages artistic growth among students
Emily Hilley-Sierzchula/The Highlander. Students work on paintings, practicing perspective techniques, during art class at Marble Falls High School on Tuesday.
By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula
While out and about in Marble Falls during the 10th annual Paint the Town celebration this weekend folks will see artists young and old at their easels, perfecting plein air techniques and showing their passion.
The Highland Lakes Creative Arts (HLCA), the nonprofit that is organizing Paint the Town, are ready to promote the arts in the region during a three-day celebration and competition in downtown Marble Falls from Thursday, March 31-Saturday, April 2.
Students from Marble Falls Middle School and Marble Falls High School have been preparing for weeks to show their skills to community members.
“I’m looking forward to it,” said Taylor Everhart, MFHS sophomore. “I’ve always liked painting so it was exciting to get picked.” Her teacher held a mini-competition to determine which students could go on the field trip.
Everhart said she’s intrigued to see methods used by professional artists.
After a short tutorial demonstration by one of the 50 professional artists at the event, students will spend around three hours on Friday painting scenes of their choosing from Main Street, Lakeside Pavilion or Johnson Park locations.
Artwork will be displayed and auctioned at the Arts Gallery and Students’ Gallery at Lakeside Pavilion.
The award presentation for middle school students will be Saturday, April 2 at 11 a.m., followed by the high school awards presentation at 4 p.m.
MFHS students used photos and Google Maps’ “street view” to practice rendering buildings with proper perspective. “It’s been a challenge but it adds a 3D element to their artwork,” said Lerin Lockwood, MFHS art teacher along with Suzanne Hager.
Of course, working in a studio is different than being out in the elements, straddling the easel with paintbrush poised.
For more on this story, see The Highlander on Friday, April 1.
------
Visit the HLCA website (www.hlcarts.org) to see a full schedule, to donate, sponsor or volunteer at Paint the Town. For more information, email thearts.hlca@gmail.com or call 512-567-8614 or 830-693-9999.
