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Ember Dykstra
“Soft Bloom”
6X6, Wartercolor on Paper, 2026
This artwork is of flowers and the beauty of nature. I got the idea by thinking about spring and how flowers start to bloom and bring color back after winter. I have always liked looking at flowers outside and noticing their different shapes and colors. I wanted to create my own version of flowers instead of copying just one real type. I chose soft colors like pink and orange because they feel calm and happy to me. Over time, my idea changed as I added more flowers and made them different sizes. I wanted the picture to feel balanced but also interesting to look at. I thought about how flowers can make people feel peaceful and relaxed. I also wanted it to look like something you might see in a garden or outside. This artwork shows my love for nature and simple, pretty things.
First, I started by lightly sketching the flowers with a pencil so I could plan where everything would go. Then I outlined the flowers with a darker line to make them stand out more. After that, I began adding color using soft, light strokes. I used water to blend to make the colors look smooth and not too harsh. I worked carefully on each petal to make them look even and neat. I also added small details like the center of the flowers and the leaves. I tried to make the leaves a different shade of green so they wouldn’t all look the same. I kept checking my work to make sure everything looked balanced. Sometimes I went back and fixed parts that didn’t look right. I took my time so the final piece would look clean and finished.
The flowers in my artwork represent growth and new beginnings. Flowers often bloom in spring, which can stand for fresh starts and happiness. The pink flowers can represent kindness and care. The orange flowers can represent energy and warmth. I placed the flowers in different areas to make the artwork feel lively and full. The leaves can represent life and nature supporting the flowers. I want people to feel calm and happy when they look at this piece. It can also remind people of being outside in a garden. The soft colors help create a peaceful mood. Overall, the artwork shows how simple things in nature can have meaning.
The hardest part for me was making the flowers look even and not messy. Sometimes the petals didn’t match or looked uneven. I also had trouble blending the colors smoothly at first. I kept practicing and going over my work to fix mistakes. I learned to slow down and be more careful with my lines. Another challenge was choosing colors that looked good together. I tried different shades until I found ones that worked well. If I started over, I would plan the layout even more before drawing. I would also spend more time adding details to the background. Even though it was hard, I improved a lot while making this. I feel more confident in my drawing skills now.
This artwork is more of an abstract and stylized piece because the flowers are not exactly realistic. I used simple shapes and soft colors to create my own style. What makes it unique is how I chose to design the flowers in my own way. I like using gentle colors and clean outlines in my art. My style focuses on making things look neat but still creative. I enjoy drawing nature because it gives me a lot of ideas. This piece shows how I like to keep things simple but meaningful. I also like how the flowers are spaced out across the page. It makes the artwork feel open and not too crowded. I love how this piece turned out and how it shows my personal style.
Ember Dykstra
"Sunflower of Growth"
6X6, Acrylic on canvas paper, 2026
My idea for this artwork was to show how much I have grown as an artist from the beginning of the year to now. I chose a sunflower because it represents growth, learning, and getting better over time. Sunflowers also stand tall and bright, which made it a good choice for my message. I wanted this painting to show my progress throughout the school year. At the beginning of the year, I felt like my art skills were not as strong. Over time, I practiced more and learned new techniques. This artwork shows the “finish line” of my progress this year. It reminds me of how far I have come in art class. I also wanted it to feel positive and colorful. The idea evolved as I thought about how growth never really stops.
I used paint and paper to create my artwork. First, I lightly sketched the sunflower before painting it. Then I added yellow and other colors to build the petals. I carefully blended colors to make the flower look more real. I also painted shading to show depth and detail. I made sure to work slowly so I would not make mistakes. I let layers of paint dry before adding more detail. I also focused on making the sunflower look bright and strong. The flower goes off the edge of the paper to make it look larger than the page. This process helped me learn patience and control with paint.
The sunflower represents growth and improvement over time. It shows how I have gotten better at art throughout the year. The bright colors represent energy, learning, and positivity. The flower also symbolizes confidence that I gained during the school year. The fact that it goes off the page shows that growth has no limits. It means I can always keep improving even after this project. The sunflower also represents finishing the year strong. I want people to think about their own growth when they see it. It reminds us that learning takes time and practice. Overall, it is a symbol of progress and success.
The hardest part of this artwork was making the sunflower look realistic. I also found it challenging to blend the colors smoothly. Sometimes the paint did not look the way I wanted at first. I fixed mistakes by repainting small areas and trying again. I learned to be more patient with my work. I also learned to slow down instead of rushing. As I worked, I got better at controlling the paintbrush. I think I improved a lot during this project. If I started over, I would plan the placement more carefully. This project helped me become more confident as an artist.
My artwork is mostly realistic but also a little expressive. I tried to make the sunflower look like a real flower but still colorful and bold. I used bright yellows and browns to make it stand out. My style is becoming more detailed as I practice more. I like using paint because it lets me show emotion and creativity. This artwork shows my personal growth in art this year. It also shows that I am learning how to use color better. I think my style is unique because I like combining realism with bright colors. I am proud of how this painting turned out. It shows my progress and my personality as an artist.
Ember Dykstra
Waddle
9x14, Acrylic on Canvas, 2026
My idea was to paint a penguin running in the snow toward the viewer. I chose this because I like penguins and how they waddle and move. I think penguins look funny but also very determined when they move. I wanted to show a moment where the penguin feels alive and active. The idea started from a picture on my phone. Then I decided to turn it into a painting. I also wanted the viewer to feel like the penguin is coming right up to them. This makes the painting more exciting to look at. I was inspired by animals and nature. I like making art that feels fun and full of energy.
I used acrylic paint and started by drawing the penguin. First I sketched the shape lightly with a pencil. Then I painted the background with white and light blue/grey colors. After that, I painted the penguin’s body with black and white to make different shades of grey. I added layers of paint to make it look more real. I used shading to show light and dark areas. I also used brush strokes around the feet to show movement. I tried to make the snow look soft and cold. I kept adding details until I was happy with it.
The penguin shows playfulness and curiosity. It also shows energy because it is running forward the viewer. The snow shows a calm and comfortable place. The white snow can also mean peace. I wanted the penguin to feel friendly and not scary. The way it moves forward makes it look brave. I want people to feel happy when they see it. I also want them to feel like they are part of the scene. The painting is meant to be fun and inviting. It shows that even simple things can have meaning.
The hardest part was making it look like the penguin was running. At first, it looked like it was just standing still. I had to change the legs and feet to fix the problem. I also added lines in the snow to show motion. It took time to get the pose right. I kept practicing and adjusting my drawing. I learned how to do shading better. I also learned how to show movement in art. If I did it again, I would add more details in the background. I think that would make the painting even better.
This painting is realistic but also a little simple. It is not too detailed, but it still looks like a real penguin. I like mixing simple shapes to show movement. My style shows things that are fun and full of life. I like making animals look active and interesting. This painting shows my personality because it is playful. I enjoy using bright and soft colors together. I also like making art that people can easily understand. My favorite part is how the penguin looks like it is moving. It feels like it could walk right out of the painting.
Ember Dykstra
“Backyard Adventures”
9x12, Acrylic on Canvas, 2026
This artwork is about a picture of me when I was a little girl going caving and exploring. I got this idea because I grew up around Maquoketa Caves State Park, and it always felt like my own backyard since I lived there my whole life. My dad is a park ranger, so my family knows the caves really well and spent a lot of time there together. I remember walking through the caves, climbing on rocks, and feeling excited to see what was around the next corner. I wanted to make this artwork to show how important this place is to me and to share a special memory from my childhood that helped shape who I am today.
To make this artwork, I carefully looked at the picture of myself to help guide my drawing. I started by sketching the basic shapes and outlines, and then I slowly added more details as I went. I used shading to show the dark parts inside the cave and the lighter areas where light comes in. I also used a lot of shading on my face and my clothing. I also worked on blending to make the rocks and surfaces look smoother and more real. I took my time and tried to be patient so I could make the drawing look as close to the picture as possible while still adding my own touch.
In my artwork, the cave stands for adventure, curiosity, and exploring new places. It shows how I liked to discover things and try new experiences when I was younger. The image of me as a little kid represents being brave, playful, and not afraid to try something new. I want people who see my artwork to think about their own childhood memories and the places that made them feel happy and safe. The cave can also be a symbol of nature and how it can feel like home when you spend a lot of time there.
The hardest part of this artwork was drawing the cave and making it look deep and realistic instead of flat. It was difficult to get the shading just right so it looked like there was space inside the cave. At first, I made some mistakes, but I kept practicing and trying different ways to shade and blend. Over time, I got better and felt more confident in my work. If I started over, I would spend even more time adding small details and textures to make the cave and the whole picture look even more realistic and interesting.
This artwork is realistic because it shows a real moment from my life and tries to look like the original picture. What makes it unique is that it tells a personal story about me and a place that means a lot to me. My style shows careful detail and a focus on making things look real, especially in the way I draw nature and people. I really love how this artwork reminds me of my childhood adventures and all the fun times I had exploring the caves with my family.
Ember Dykstra
"Michigan Waters"
9x14, Acrylic Paint On Paper, 2026
My painting of a lighthouse in Michigan was inspired by the peaceful feeling of being near the water and traveling by boat. I wanted to capture a calm moment on the lake while showing the beauty of Michigan’s shoreline and lighthouses. The idea came from looking at photos from my vacation in Michigan. This specific picture I liked a lot because it was my first time going on the big S.S Badger. I also wanted the viewer to feel like they are part of the journey, which is why I painted the side of the boat. My inspiration came from nature, travel, and my memories I've had in Michigan.
I created this painting using acrylic paint on canvas. First, I sketched the lighthouse, horizon line, and boat to plan the composition. Then I painted the background sky using different shades of blue and white to create movement and texture in the clouds. After that, I painted the water with layered brushstrokes to give it a calm appearance. I added the lighthouse and rocks with smaller brushes for detail and contrast. Finally, I painted the boat to create depth and make the viewer feel connected to the scene.
The lighthouse symbolizes guidance, hope, and safety. It stands strong in the distance, representing stability during uncertain times. The boat symbolizes control, direction, and personal journeys through life. I wanted the audience to think about adventure, exploration, and finding their way through challenges. The large open water creates a feeling of freedom and calmness, while the bright sky adds a peaceful and optimistic mood to the artwork.
The most difficult part of this painting was creating perspective and making the lighthouse appear far away while keeping the boat close to the viewer. I also struggled with blending colors in the sky to make the clouds look natural. I overcame these challenges by layering paint slowly and practicing shading techniques. If I started over, I would add more texture and detail to the water and rocks to create even more realism and depth.
This painting is mostly realistic with some expressive elements because of the bold colors and simplified shapes. My personal style is shown through the bright blue tones, peaceful atmosphere, and strong contrast between the foreground and background. I enjoy creating artwork that tells a story and makes the viewer feel like they are inside the scene. My favorite part of the painting is the perspective from the boat because it makes the artwork feel interactive and unique.
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