As a senior in high school, Hayden Grymes is part of Alexandra LaBarr’s Art Foundation One class. What started out in elementary school, creating art has once again become a part of Grymes’ life.
“He seemed very shy towards the beginning,” Labarr said. “But after he had a piece put into the Louisa Art Center for the Youth Art Showcase, he got more engaged and really seemed to start enjoying art.”
According to Study.com, a medium is the material used to create art. Artists use many tools for different purposes, including paints, markers, and pencils.
”For me personally, charcoal is my favorite,” Grymes said. “It’s easier to shade things, and I do a lot better with only one color than multiple.”
With many different mediums, LaBarr notices that Grymes doesn’t limit himself to just one that he likes. An artist’s technique is bound to be different when switching from a dry art form to an ink form.
“[Hayden’s] got a very graphic, cartoony style, like comic-book kind of style,” LaBarr said. “He really likes using Copic markers and even brought his own to use because we don’t offer those types of markers. I’ve seen that he also focuses on his charcoal work and does well with that.”
Many artists face obstacles that become temporary roadblocks that prevent them from creating, such as the struggle to find inspiration and confidence in oneself. Others have trouble focusing on or making their work turn out how they plan it, putting their vision on paper.
”When I’m doing my work, the biggest thing I have a problem with is keeping a steady head,” Grymes said. “I feel like it’s a mental thing, and by clearing my head, I can get rid of distractions.”
Many artists draw inspiration from family members and friends. For Grymes, it’s close to home.
”My mom also creates art, so she kind of inspires me,” Grymes said.
Grymes is dedicated to the work that he puts in, taking time to work on improving himself. Junior Chloe Cajijas has observed how he sets his mind to what he’s doing and perseveres.
“He never gives up on what he enjoys,” Cajigas said. “He’s willing to do anything to get to where he wants, and I admire that.”
Along with putting in work to be an artist, Grymes has a personality that makes being an artist come more fluently. LaBarr and Cajigas feel that Grymes demonstrates characteristics that, according to Inkster, correlate to being an artist.
“Five words to describe Hayden are creative, hard-working, dedicated, funny, and energetic,” LaBarr and Cajigas said. “By being a little bit of a goofball, he’s able to make a more comfortable environment,” LaBarr added.
