March Artist of the Month

Plus a bonus Interview with Mr. Osmond!

March+Artist+of+the+Month

Clara Byrne, Reporter

How neat is it to sit and chat with one of Shawnee’s most talented artists? Just the other week I got to speak with Evan LaRue, a student of Mr. Osmond’s, who has been making art since they could a paintbrush. Mr. Osmond was proud to say that Evan is “amazing” and “one of the most diverse artists that we have now”. But don’t just take his word for it! Find out more about Evan LaRue below.

R- How long have you been making art?

Evan- Really my entire life! Like ever since I was a kid, I would draw on my walls. And get in trouble for it. *laughs*

R- Do you have an art inspiration?

Evan- There’s not really a specific artist that I’m inspired by. Sometimes it just happens, and I’ll get inspired to do a painting at the most inopportune moments.

R- What would you say is your favorite medium?

Evan- I really like acrylic paint, and also drawing pencils.

R- What do you want to do when you’re older?

Evan- I’m not entirely sure what I’d like to do when I’m older. If I could do something with art, that would be really great.

R- Who would you say is your biggest supporter in art?

Evan- My friends, and Mr. Osmond.

R- What did you want to be when you were a kid?

Evan- I’ve always wanted to be an artist, even when I was a kid.

R- Do you have any advice for a beginner artist?

Evan- Try all out different styles and mediums to see what fits you best, and keep practicing.

R- How do you usually get past an art block?

Evan- I try to draw every single day, which doesn’t always work out- but usually inspiration will strike randomly. I just make myself draw, and see what happens.

R- Where do you like making art the best?

Evan- Definitely at home, at my desk. But it’s also nice to be in Mr. Osmond’s room.

Now it’s time for some rapidfire favorites, just for fun:

Colors- Black and Pink

Movie- Spirited Away

Book/Author- Edgar Allan Poe

Show- Demon Slayer

Ice cream flavor- Chocolate

Music Genre- Rock and Metal

Music Artist- Nirvana

Animal- Cat

A huge thank you to Evan LaRue for the interview. If you’ve read up until this point, you’re in for a treat! I also got to interview the one and only Mr. Osmond.

R- How long have you been making art?

Osmond- I’ve been doing art for as long as I can remember! Painting, drawing, sketching, doodling- it has always been a passion of mine.

R- What did you want to be when you were a kid?

Osmond- Growing up, I had no idea! I didn’t have any particular aspirations- I was happy to get into college to be completely honest, and then when I did, I majored in art and took a liking to it.

R- What’s something that someone wouldn’t expect about you?

Osmond- I was a chef for 15 years, and originally started school as a culinary major! I still love cooking.

R- What’s your proudest accomplishment?

Osmond- Being able to make a living off of something I love doing. Being an artist-especially in this day and age- is not easy, and I think being able to make a living off of art is something to be proud of.

R- Do you have any advice for a beginner artist?

Osmond- Be dynamic! Be able to draw, paint, digital, sculpt- I think that is something that we don’t see a lot anymore, especially in young artists, so I think being dynamic is the best advice I can give.

R- How would you define an artist?

Osmond- Really anyone who is using their creativity to do something- whether it’s music, dance, drawing, painting… Anyone who can showcase their talents is an artist to me.

Thank you to Mr. Osmond for the interview! Tune in next month to see who the next featured artist. And as always, we thank you for being a loyal reader of The Renegade Report.