About Natasha
It's a long time until college, but Natasha, 14 is determined to live her life to the fullest while she prepares for her future. Natasha is a young artist who is eager to learn.

Natasha is an A-B student who loves music, softball and being with friends. But what sets her apart from most 14-year-olds is her determintation to one day become an accomplished artist, and she has already left a trail of work behind her.

Many of her talents have been practiced during her school hours and she has even sold a drawing or two to fellow students.

According to teachter Linda Farmer, Natasha has never attended an art class other than hers, but her talents are natural and she learns most from her artist mother, Marie.

"My mom has taught me everything I know about drawing - how to sketch and shade," said Natasha.

One day, while watching her mother draw, she insisted on being taught, so her mother gave her a drawsing she herself did and told her to draw her version of it. After she was through, her mother would show her how to shade it in.

Natasha picked up the advice quickly while sitting for hours over the years learning, asking questions and trying new ideas of her own. Natasha and her mother would sit side-by-side drawing for hours. It wasn't long before she started taking her mother's drawing and drawing perfect replicas," said Farmer.

Natasha hasn't stopped there. She has won many ribbons and awards through various competitions that teachers and family have told her about.

"I don't understand why the schools don't have any art programs. There are lot of kids here who would like to draw, but the schools just don't offer them hope," said Natasha.

"Without my mom and dad, I wouldn't have gone this far in something I love," she said.

Natasha has gone from pencil to charcoal, woodburning and most recently paints. She explores the world of art as much as possible, and even now is in the process of drawing and painting a mural on her bedroom wall, but her favorite subject is wildlife.

The first contest she won was an Easter coloring page.

Natasha hopes to go to Full Art College after high school.

As a young artist, she seeks out other artists and tries to become involved with as many art groups as possible.

Natasha hopes to develop her talents and continue to help others along the way.

By Ann Allen
Times Correspondent

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