Lily VanHevel (‘24) is an artist that uses art as a way to relax and show her emotions. She believes that reflecting on past artwork is the way to improve. Since grade school, she has had plenty of time to refine her art style. 

“I started in preschool, but I really got into drawing in 4th grade,” she said. “I’ve been drawing and painting ever since.”

The dedication Vanhevel puts into practicing and improving her drawing skills is truly remarkable, and her efforts have been what drove her forward.

“I’ve loved drawing for as long as I can remember,” VanHevel said. “The joy of creating and seeing what a piece looks like when in the process of improvement and when it’s finished is amazing.”

VanHevel, like most artists, enjoys creating the world around her through art, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have areas that she dislikes.

“Whenever I did landscapes, I would do them with acrylic paint, and if you make a mistake while using acrylics it is very easy to see,” VanHevel said. “In my opinion, by the time you’re finished, the piece doesn’t look good, and it’s a bit discouraging.” 

VanHevel may have her issues with landscapes and acrylics, but that doesn’t discourage her from doing the thing she loves and using different materials to add a more realistic feel to her work.

“I enjoy a realistic or semi-realistic style, so lately I’ve been doing a lot with watercolor,” she said. “I also use acrylic paint, pencil, and paper.”

All artists have their way of kick-starting the working process. VanHevel likes to listen to audiobooks, music or even conversations as she works on her pieces.

“First I find the picture of something I want to draw, which is usually a face,” she said. “After that, I usually add something extra because I want something else to draw the viewer’s attention. Then, I’ll take water color and splash it all over using my feelings to interpret the color I use.”

The peace and escape from the “real world” are what push VanHevel to paint. She uses art as an escape so she can reflect on the day and burn off extra energy.

“Art is an escape to relax and wind down,” VanHevel said, “It means relaxation and fun, and I really like the process and results.”