Meet the AP Artist: Sarah Rolfs soars
Check out an interview with Sarah Rolfs, senior, a talented AP Painting student, below.
Do you plan on having an art-related major in college?
I do not plan on studying art for my future career, but I do hope to take at least one art-related class in college. It has become such a big part of my life and I love the classroom environment. Painting alone can be nice, but there’s also something about being in a classroom flooded with inspiration every day. I like having not only a teacher, but also my peers to ask for advice when I need it.
Why have you continued in acrylic medium all the way until AP?
It’s easy to paint with in different styles, and it is easy to paint over. It’s a great medium for perfectionists because you can fix anything you don’t like within minutes, unlike some oil paint, which can take days-months to fully dry. In Painting 1, we did a couple weeks of watercolor, but I didn’t have the patience for that. I’ve just stuck with acrylic ever since. I like the feel of the paint and forgiveness it has.
How does it feel to look back on your old artwork?
I cringe a little at my old work, even some of my more recent works. But then I look at some of the pieces I really like and realize how far I’ve actually come.
Have you had a favorite piece?
I have a handful of paintings that I like, but no absolute favorite. I am an animal lover, however, and like to paint close-ups of animals the most. Whatever I’m drawn to is pretty dependent on my mood and varies quite a bit.
How has Mrs.Nowak impacted you as a artist?
Mrs. Nowak changed my life. I didn’t even want to take painting, but she pushed me to continue after Exploratory Art my freshman year. She has been my mentor and my friend for the past four years, and it’s so sad to think I won’t be in her class after this trimester. If anyone is even slightly considering taking a painting class, do it, because Mrs. Nowak is literally the most amazing teacher you will ever have. She’s taught me so much, forced me out of my comfort zone and there’s no way I would be where I am today without her.
Do you think of yourself as an artist?
Because artists make art. I like to make art. Yes, I consider myself an artist.
Do you think you have a specific style?
My go-to style is probably something loosely painted with visible brushstrokes and muted colors. Whenever I want to do a quick or fun painting, that’s usually what it ends up being. It’s comfortable and comes more naturally to me than other styles.
Caitlin Geurts is a senior and this is her fourth year on staff. She is beyond thrilled to be diving into many different aspects of journalism this year. You...
