Art Project Interview: with Senior Karina Sanchez

How long have you been drawing for? Why?

I have been drawing since I could hold a pencil. My dad was an artist when I was younger, so he inspired me to try and eventually I learned to love it.

What is your project about?

My project is about the color blue and is inspired by Picasso's blue period, where he would solely paint with the color blue to express his emotions.

Did you have another idea besides Picasso?

For every art project, there's a different idea. Mine this year have all centered around color and how they can be connected to different things throughout time.

What influenced you to do it on Picasso?

What influenced me to do it based on Picasso's blue period was that I was thinking of what is something that is centered on the color blue and what personal spin could I put on it.

Have you done any research for your project?

In preparing for the project I had to research Picasso and his art style, which are centered on oil paintings and portraits.

What supplies did you use?

I used blue poster paper for the canvas and oil pastels to emulate his art style.

Do you have a preference for what supplies you use?

I prefer to use acrylic paint because it is the medium in which I have used the most easily accessible.

What has been your process/how do you start?

The way I start my pieces is by choosing a color that I have yet to do. Then I research if there is an interesting story behind the discovery of the color or a present day intriguing meaning to the color. From there, I simply sketch out an idea that goes along with that and begin my project.

What advice have you taken to improve your work?

Advice that I have taken going forward with my work is both to work with and take advantage of what I'm good at, but not be afraid to venture out with new subjects or supplies I've yet to explore.

What techniques have you used for this project?

For this art piece, I went outside of my comfort zone and tried out oil pastels. Although I was unfamiliar with them, having Picasso's portraits to guide me made the experience much easier.

How have you grown as an artist? What improvements have you made since the time you first started?

I’d say that since I started off drawing stick figures, I've greatly improved. Where I feel like it shows the most are in my drawings of recognizable people and color values.

What has been the most challenging part?

The challenging parts of art projects vary from project to project. Some are easy because I relate to the subject and I am motivated to bring in that insight to the piece. On the other hand, projects that I’m doing because the subject is simple can be the most challenging because there's no drive to finish or put energy into it.

Do you think it's necessary to struggle to create a masterpiece?

In some cases, people say that struggle brings the most honest motivation to complete an artwork, solely for the need for it to be over with.

What do you think are the key elements to creating a good art piece?

I think the key element to creating a good art piece is a good plan. If you have a good overall idea of where you want to go with your art piece, the rest is easy.

What has been your most proud work from your AP art class? Why?

The artwork that I have been the most proud of has been this one because I drew a portrait of myself in Picasso's art style. It was challenging, but overall it brought the most gratifying feeling after finishing it.