Painting a Place to Belong in the PTA Reflections Contest

 

The Reflections Program is a National PTA and Washington State PTA cultural arts competition. Designed to enhance rather than replace a quality arts education, the national PTA Reflections Program provides opportunities for students, preschool through 12 grade, to express themselves and to receive positive recognition for their artistic efforts. Since 1969, the PTA Reflections Program has inspired millions of students across the nation to reflect on a specific theme and create original artwork

Emma Sidell shares about her submission for this year's reflections art contest: 

"The theme 'I Belong,' made me think of how peaceful and grounded we can feel outdoors. I aimed to portray a moment of a girl in nature, feeling completely at home like she belongs. While brainstorming about this piece, I knew that I wanted the mood to be light and dreamy with a sense of connection to nature. While physically creating this acrylics piece, I began with a light sketch, tweaking everything to the right proportion, size and location on my canvas. Then, I worked on my under layer of paints, ensuring that all white space had been filled. Finally, I paint section-by-section adding all of my colors, shading and details."