Keira Cloud’s painting evokes nostalgia
For Arlington High School junior Keira Cloud, her passion for art goes beyond the classroom.听听
鈥淪he puts in 100%, she鈥檚 all-in,鈥 said Arlington High School art teacher Michelle Justice. 听
That鈥檚 why her artwork goes beyond the classroom, too.听
As the artist featured on the cover of the 2024 Winter Texas Art Education Association () Newsletter, Cloud鈥檚听鈥淒iner in the Snow鈥 is being听displayed across Texas.听
鈥淚t feels really exciting,鈥 said Cloud. 鈥淚t鈥檚 super rewarding to see something I put so much effort into on the cover of the E-STAR.鈥听
But the piece is听more than just the cover of a听newsletter. It鈥檚 a special childhood memory.听
鈥淢y inspiration was my childhood love for the holidays,鈥 Cloud听said. 鈥淚n the painting, the view from the windows is a photo my dad took of my childhood house鈥檚 street during a snowstorm when I was younger.鈥 听
She grew up with a fondness for wintertime and Christmas and was successful in creating that听nostalgic feeling in her painting.听
鈥淲hat I especially love about her piece making the cover is how it compares to the artwork that usually gets selected for these honors,鈥 said Justice. 鈥淚t is refreshing to see Keira’s atmospheric, subdued, poetic landscape earn this recognition.鈥听
In fact, the听painting has been recognized for its ambiance听multiple times before. 听
鈥淒iner in the Snow鈥 previously received a regional medal, a state medal and the highest honor in the event, the Gold Seal Award.听
鈥淢y entire childhood I grew up with the dream of being an artist,鈥 said Cloud. 鈥淚鈥檝e always admired the expression of beauty and emotion through art. I hope to continue developing my skills and understanding for as long as I can.鈥 听
Cloud has a willingness to try new things, and her teachers have helped encourage her听dream, too.听
鈥淭his piece was her first oil painting,鈥 said Justice. 鈥淚 had a feeling she was going to love it and it would open a whole new world of possibilities for her.鈥听
After taking on the challenge, Cloud discovered听a new favorite medium of art.听
鈥淪ince this painting was my first time working with oil paint, I’m very grateful to have had such a patient and thoughtful teacher to help me learn the basics,鈥 Cloud said. 鈥淚 believe the memories and bonds between me and my teachers will stick with me forever.鈥 听
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