PUBLISHED 11 March 2024
After being entered into the annual United Learning Art Competition 2024, I am thrilled to say that my painting 'Red Apple Roma' has been shortlisted, along with ten other pieces of art from across the country, to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Tokyo. Not only this, but my painting has the chance to be displayed in an exhibition there, which would be an overwhelming achievement!
'Red Apple Roma' is a portrait of my little sister, Roma, who is in Year 2 here at AKS. I created the piece during my GCSE art course last year, little did I know that it would be such a hit in such a notable competition like this.
The portrait was inspired by the theme of 'Isolated Colour', and I aimed to capture the joy and playfulness of my sister, while simultaneously showcasing my use of monotone and colour. I began with a photoshoot (which Roma thoroughly enjoyed), then began editing my photograph to have only the 'pop' of colour from the apple. Doing so allowed me to display my ability to paint with colour and tone, which I did with acrylic paint.
Being entered into the competition was all thanks to my incredible art teacher, Mrs Wild, who has pushed my ability since Year 7, and continues to do so now in my Photography A-level course. I am immensely grateful for her encouragement to enter the piece and subsequently very proud to be part of the shortlist.
I'd also like to recognise the other AKS students who entered the competition. Harriet Akers, Jack Beverly, Amelia Bird, Laicia Wilson, Maisie McKechnie and Charlotte Lavin who also created incredible artwork and have been recognised by hundreds of people during the social media voting.
The final step in the competition involves my art being displayed at a conference in Manchester, where a group of United Learning leaders, along with a professional artist, review the shortlisted art and come to their final decision. The three pieces with the most votes are to be shipped to Tokyo, where they're to be displayed in an exhibition of student artwork from all around the world. The overall winner will also get to accompany their work, and win a trip to view their work in Tokyo.
I am thrilled to have made it this far in the competition and would be even more thrilled to place as one of the final three. Making my little sister proud means the absolute world to me, so this is all dedicated to Roma, who I know would be over the moon to see her portrait in Japan!
Gracie C, Year 12