Embedded Files
2025-2026
Amelia Griffin "Hoco Banner"
2025, Acrylic
This project was assigned to advanced studio kids, and is open to other students interested. It is a way to fundraise for the art club and art supplies. My banner bid for $150, from my dad. He really wanted to support my art journey, and some neighbors pitched in as well.
Amelia Griffin "China Tile"
2025, Canvas & Acrylic, 9x9
A monochromatic tile. In my many years of art, I have never created something monochromatic. It was my first. And I loved the process. Using different shades of the same color was therapeutic in a way. I also wanted to paint something that expresses my love for ceramic work. So I settled on a tile. To make it my own, I added detailed work using a dark blue, inspired by blue porcelain bowls. If I had to pick something to rework on this painting, I would make sure that the "edges" or that border on the edge was even on all sides. I free-handed it, so next time I would use a ruler.
Amelia Griffin "Iron Petals"
2025, Canvas & Acrylic
This painting, wow. It's really something I am proud of. There are so many elements to this painting, and I love every detail in it. The abstract vibe, along with the realism of the still life. It truly brought my imagination to life.
I began this painting with a black background, positive that it was going to be the final look. Painting the flowers and the gauntlet was easy. I looked at some references and went with my flow. The only fuss was over how the roses looked, which got revamped once. The fruits were one of my favorite parts to paint. I enjoyed the shadows and highlights. But the painting felt too dark.
I added some color to the "shelf" that the gauntlet rests on. But it wasn't enough. My last-minute decision was to add a slate-colored background and to blend it into the shadows. I like the contrast of the shadow and the wall. People would be upset about me painting the background last, but I truly feel it fits the painting. I added some swirls, here and there, and some orange for warmth. I wouldn't change a thing about this painting. It really became a mash of my creativity and an idea I had. I can't wait to showcase it.
Amelia Griffin "Shelluxe Pot"
2025, Stoneware & Glass
This shell-inspired ceramic project was a result of failing another. I wanted to make a large pitcher, but the clay slab wasn't tall enough when I rolled it out to do so. I let my inner creativity out and I made my signature waves to the edges. And I thought it looked like a shell, so I added a pearl in the middle.
I tried a new glaze called "Blue Spark" on it. It definitely didn't turn out how I expected it to. The glaze is very metallic. But truly I love the piece.
Amelia Griffin "Pitcher Perfect"
2025, Stoneware & Glass
I created this ceramic pitcher because my old one broke. It was fun to remake something I had previously done. Especially since the original was done over three years ago. My style of art has changed since then, but there are some similarities between the pieces. I really loved the technique I learned from Janis on how to incorporate texture into ceramic works of art. I chose a glaze that would break over the texture to add some flair to the piece. Since I did the details, I wanted them to be noticeable. The photos make it look darker, but the pitcher is a greenish-grey and brown mix.
I named this project "Pitcher Perfect" to remind myself that not all art pieces are perfect. In fact, it is the mistakes that make the piece unique. For myself and this process, I didn't have the texture equally lined up. If you were to walk around the pot, you would notice the texture slowly descends and isn't even across. I do love this pitcher, and I'm happy to have a new one to display to take the place of my broken one until it is fixed.
Amelia Griffin "The Elegant Elk"
Canvas & Acrylic, 2025
I started this elk painting with a background mixed with green and dark hues. I blended them, but not too much, as I wanted the background to look blurred and out of focus. The elk was a simple process. I started with the tan and slowly added the darker values. I added the details, and it was done. For the breath coming from the elk, I used pure white diluted with water, and used just white to make it brighter in some areas.
If I had to change one thing about this painting, I would work on the grass details. It is hard for me to do such small & thin lines. Which is definitely one of my weaknesses in painting.
Amelia Griffin "Musical Mountains"
Canvas & Acrylic, 2025
For this painting, I wanted to create a scenic landscape. I had already done a still life, a portrait, and so I wanted to make a landscape as well. I chose a lovely mountain view surrounded by luscious pines and a lake. I portrayed a bright blue sky with soft, abundant clouds. And together, they all formed my landscape.
I started with the blue sky, and added the mountains second. One by one, I added layers of scenery. I cased reflections and shadows, highlights and textures. I knew I wanted to create a landscape as a project. The last time I made one was my sophomore year. This way, I can look back on old similar paintings and compare my growth!
Amelia Griffin "Altered Moment"
Precious Moment, Acrylic, 2025
Because I was ahead of others in my class, I was asked if I'd like to participate in a project with the painting classes. We had a variety of Precious Moments donated to the art department. The only rule was that we had to turn it into an "altered moment." A popular art challenge that lots of people participate in. The goal is to change the Precious Moment into something else. It could be a character, a scene, or just get a new look.
For myself, I wanted my precious moment to represent a little bit of me. I found one with a cat—an animal I hold dearly in my heart. I added some locks of ginger hair, a trait that distinctly helps me stick out in a crowd. Lastly, I added lots of patterns. Patterns are something I enjoy, not specifically something to define myself. I really loved this project, and it's something that can really refresh a Precious Moment into something special!
Amelia Griffin "Reeling In Creativity"
Sharpie, Paper, 2025
This year, I decided to participate in an art contest. It was for the Figge, and every winter, they have a t-shirt contest for high schoolers in the area. Participants submit an original idea. Mine was a fish. I wanted to create something that represents us locally. The Mississippi River is one of the largest natural landmarks in North America. For us in the Quad City area, it is home to many recreational opportunities. I chose fishing. I love fishing. I wanted to represent our Mississippi and also show art. I made the fish look like a metal sculpture. I also chose the body to be slim like a catfish, but have fins like a Walleye or Crappie.
I submitted this for fun, but to my surprise, I won! I can't wait to see my art on t-shirts, and celebrate the lovely river we all have at home!
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