Gallery • 4 Photos

Sophomore Olivia’s Courtney uses acrylics in many of her paintings. “[Art] also gives me an opportunity to listen to music,” Courtney said. “I don't like making art in silence, so I use music to fill that silence. [I feel] the mood of whatever song or album I choose, or certain lyrics that really strike me.” Courtney has recently been listening to the bands Death Grips and The Strokes to boost her creativity.

Sophomore Olivia Courtney is spending her time away from school developing her talent— creating her unique artwork.

“I’ve been interested in art for as long as I remember,” Courtney said. “I really started creating pieces and sketching in middle school.”

Courtney has worked in drawing and painting classes at WHS, but a lot of her art is done in the comfort of her home.  

“Doing art allows me to create something that I find beautiful or interesting that I can be proud of,” Courtney said. “I enjoy having a hobby that allows me to turn my brain off for a while and relax.”

According to Drexel University, creating art reduces stress and anxiety. It also activates a reward pathway in the brain that makes the act of painting, drawing, sculpting, etc., pleasurable, often improving one’s mood. Taking the time to be creative can be a healthy habit.

“I’ve been doing a lot of acrylic paintings and practicing with that,” Courtney said. “I love acrylic because you can create such vibrant colors and textures, and it’s fun just to work with.”

Courtney continues to practice whenever she can, always trying new things. She hopes to join an artistic club during high school to meet people who share her passion.

 “I feel like my art has helped with my confidence,” Courtney said. “It gives me something to feel proud of. I know a lot of younger kids feel like they’re weird for wanting to just draw all the time, and I definitely felt like that too. The older I get, the more I don’t care about what other people think when they peek at my sketchbook.”