Senior Kate Yablonski first discovered her passion for art at a young age, beginning with simple sketches of characters before expanding into more complex work. As she got older, her interest shifted to acrylic painting, with portraits and self portraits being the center of her focus.

  In addition to her acrylic work, she has explored developing a fashion portfolio and continues to branch out into new approaches that expand her style. Her biggest inspirations come from artists who are known for their expressive use of colors and brushwork, such as Vincent Van Gogh and Jenny Saville. She is especially drawn to bold and bright colors, as she uses them to highlight feeling and energy within her artwork. Kate uses platforms such as Pinterest to spark inspiration for her work. Once she has the idea, she shapes the references she chooses to explore. This year marks the second time she has taken AP Studio Art. Kate has also previously taken art classes such as AP Art History and Jewelry Design. She keeps a sketchbook filled with pieces that hold personal meaning. Challenges have played a significant role in her development as an artist. When faced with creative blocks, she tends to try and reset by taking a break or starting over, making those moments opportunities for improvement.

Outside of her own projects, Kate sees art as something that is rooted deeply within our daily lives. It is present in multiple forms, making it difficult to separate it from the world around us. She encourages younger, newer artists to keep working consistently and not to stop. After graduation, she plans to study art education with hopes of becoming an art teacher.