Every Painting is a journey. From the purpose to the inspiration to the obstacles and challenges faced, every painting has a story. The 2023-2024 art class at Hughson High School is currently completing one of their greatest projects yet: the mural in the Husky Den.
Mr. Brown is the art teacher at Hughson High School and is overseeing the project. He explained how everything started with the administration asking for a student “led and designed” mural that conveyed a calming atmosphere. Mr. Brown commented that “calming” can mean anything. As a result, Mr. Brown allowed every student to complete a concept piece of their own to hold a vote in class. One design was chosen across all classes.
The winner of this vote was student Rebecca Ramirez. Her design included a water scene with lily pads, flowers, and Koi fish. She revealed that she got the inspiration for her piece from a recent trip to Japan as she was drawn to the Koi fish that “resemble Yin and Yang.”
The mural is being painted by Mr. Brown’s advanced art students who have spent numerous days completing the piece. Students Anna Edler and Natalie Holly have both completed two full days of painting in the Husky Den. Edler, who is completing the top left fish of the mural, says the hardest part is blending colors together. Student Daniela Rodriguez spoke about the obstacles she faced when completing the yin and yang fish in the middle of the piece. She explained, “it was difficult to complete without the assistance of a ladder.” Another challenge, Holly explained, is that “fins have numerous layers and colors that go in them,” and one of the biggest obstacles they faced was repeatedly changing the fin design to flow with the piece. The goal was “not too busy and not too simple.”
Despite all the challenges, the students of the advanced art class have a lot to love about this project. The water, the fish, and the small detail in the background have become something for each student to enjoy. The journey of creating this mural is coming to an end and will undoubtedly reveal a piece to be admired for years to come.
