For senior Ana Juarez, art is everything. Although many associate art with physical pieces or paintings, she believes that it goes beyond material aspects: “It’s how you view the world. It’s how you’re feeling. Art is everywhere.” She finds her biggest inspiration from simply walking outside. “I’ll just take pictures of things in nature or unique buildings,” she explained. She is also influenced by personal experience and social media.

Although she has nostalgic memories from coloring and drawing in kindergarten, Juarez truly discovered her love for art in elementary school. She recalled thinking, “I could have fun with this,” in third or fourth grade. She enjoyed her art classes throughout middle school, but it was not until her sophomore year of high school that her passion intensified. She credits art teacher Tom Sena—her Drawing and Painting, Advanced Drawing and Painting, and Portfolio Prep teacher—for inspiring her to fulfill her potential as an artist. “I would describe our relationship as ‘tough love,’” she joked. Although he may have high expectations for her, she explained, “Without him, I don’t think I would have pushed myself to learn techniques like color pencil drawing and semi-realistic painting.” She is grateful for his unwavering support and guidance throughout her artistic journey. Sena expressed pride in Juarez for her remarkable progress: “Ana’s skills have increased tremendously since her sophomore year, which has helped her artwork evolve with much more thought and sophistication.” In addition to her art classes, Juarez is also historian of the National Art Honor Society, where she keeps a log of and takes pictures of events.

Senior Carolina Villadiego has been close friends with Juarez since elementary school. She reflected on how her art has evolved over the years: “I remember  when we were younger, we would look for pictures on the internet to draw, but now she’s coming up with original ideas, while using the techniques she’s learned in our school’s art classes.” Villadiego is especially proud of Juarez’s growing creativity: “This year in portfolio prep, I’ve seen her take more risks in her art and use her imagination; I’ve loved watching her grow.” Sena agreed that Juarez “has been working hard on developing a style that is very much her own.” in 2022. “Standing in front of the Eiffel Tower was so surreal, insane, and cool,” she reminisced. She brought these feelings to the canvas as she worked on the piece featured above.

One of Juarez’s favorite pieces is an acrylic painting of the Eiffel Tower. This time, her inspiration came from her dream trip, when she traveled to Paris painting, which holds one of her happiest memories: “Every time I look at that piece, it takes me back to that moment that I’ll remember forever.” Villadiego witnessed firsthand the effort Juarez put into this project, remembering, “We would always stay on our off periods to work, and it was worth it because it’s one of her best pieces.”

Juarez is continuing her artistic and academic career at the City College of New York, where she will be majoring in architecture. Her experiences using reference photos for pieces such as landscape paintings has her feeling well-prepared to begin her journey in this field. Juarez clarified, “My experience will help me with architecture when it comes to creativity, and having an idea of what materials to use and what to build.” While sad to see her go, Sena is excited to see what Juarez accomplishes in the future: “I know that Ana, as well as all the art students who work with us her e at LHS, will lead with confidence. She is well prepared for the rigors of the collegiate art experience.”