Freshman class president Matthew Anderton’s talents certainly do not end at leadership; he is also a very proficient artist. Inspired by his sister’s artistic capabilities, he began to draw in the third grade. Anderton believes that anyone can be an artist, stating that, “Some people think they can’t draw, but all they have to do is try.”

  Anderton is always looking to improve his skills, and the work he submitted was made to specifically work on his shading technique. He made the sketch of his mom’s friend, whom he ultimately gave it to.

  Though Anderton’s go-to mediums are the simple pencil and paper, he also enjoys painting and even occasionally dabbles in clay sculpting. He prefers to stick to a realistic art style, typically people. Anderton has entered and placed in two competitions: a college competition at the end of his eighth grade year, and also Reflections when he was in seventh grade.

  For Anderton, there is more to art than just putting pencil to paper or paint brush to canvas. Drawing is a form of release for him, “It’s one of my outlets if I’m in a bad mood or when I’m having a hard time. It helps me calm down and feel good.”