SCHOLARSHIP STORIES
JALIN NELSON’S STORY
I grew up watching my grandpa paint and draw. I spent many hours at my grandparents’ table with a pencil in my hand. I have been encouraged to create art my whole life!
I decided I wanted to pick a class that was the same time as an art show. I had never been to an art show and wanted to make that part of my experience. I found one of the more influential art shows that I know of, looked through the list of classes and chose the one that fit my interest and skill set the most.
I took an acrylic painting class with Stephanie Hartshorn in Cody, Wyoming, at the Buffalo Bill Art Show. It was a beginner level class where we learned how to paint with tools you wouldn’t normally associate with painting.
Aside from laughs and a fantastic time, in the class we learned about mixing colors, using rubber clay sculpting tools to paint, and different styles of painting. I was also able to attend the Buffalo Bill Art Show and see some fantastic works in person. I also got to discuss art shows, pricing art, framing, and multiple other things with Stephanie. She was fantastic!
This experience has taught me a lot about what it takes to get in the bigger art shows. Unique techniques, different styles, and a little glimpse into the professional art world were huge takeaways for me.
My goal for this adventure was to learn more about the professional art world. Having never been to an art show before I’m pretty green on the idea of art shows, and this experience has taught me a ton!
If I could go back and give myself advice in the beginning, it would be to be more confident in my work.I believe that I have grown personally with this scholarship experience. I have a little bit better understanding of the art world.
This scholarship program has been nothing short of amazing. The opportunities that are presented with this program are top notch learning experiences. I will encourage my fellow artists to think about applying for the scholarship to better their crafts. I feel that everyone at The Rodear invests their time into the artists they support and gives them every opportunity to excel in their craft.
