Student uses artistic talent to pave way for future

Hobbies add spice to life, allowing individuals to fill their free time with meaningful activities. Some are into academics, others play sports or video games. For Aidan Munoz, ’23, a passion for surfing, volleyball and drawing portraits is what means the most to him. 

The passion took root after drawing a portrait of Legolas, and Munoz has now created over 20 drawings of celebrities and friends.

“I like to draw realism, which is realistic portraits of people,” Munoz said. “I will do other things like landscapes. My inspiration is a picture I see, but I draw because I enjoy it, and it’s fun to see the whole portrait come together. It took a lot of practice, but now it’s a normal thing for me. It takes a lot of patience and time.”

To create realistic portraits, Munoz utilizes unique techniques.

“In the portrait process, I start around the nose,” Munoz said. “Unlike a lot of artists, I won’t use a pre-sketch and I won’t set up proportions. I just start and keep going. I just start a facial feature and continue from there.”

Munoz spoke about where he wants to take his artistic talent.

“I want to go to a school near the coast in southern California,” Munoz said. “I might get into art in college. I probably will branch out on the art I will do.”

To receive an expert review and obtain more knowledge on realism, art teacher Vickey Belmont shares her professional opinion on Aidan’s art.

“Aidan has a natural talent; he is an extremely talented portrait artist, ” Belmont said. “There are not a lot of people that feel comfortable doing this type of art. Aidan can pick up any medium and sketch, draw or scratch and create a stunning portrait.”

Belmont expands on the definition of realism, as well as the skillsets required.

“To get any drawing to look realistic you have to have precision, the ability to draw accurately. This would be the number one ability,” Belmont said. “Other artistic abilities are the understanding of value, transitions, contrast, and edges. In order to accurately draw, you have to have an understanding of the art elements and how to use them. This is the norm for all facets of art.” 

Realism can be seen and used in many different places in today’s modern society.

”This skill can be used in a variety of professions,” Belmont said. “Law enforcement as a sketch artist or a landscape architect, to name a couple.”

To understand another side of Aidan, his mother, Natalie Munoz explains how she sees Aidan and his artwork.

“Aidan was young, maybe three,” Munoz said. “My mother would always draw pictures for the boys to color. Aidan copied her artwork so when Aidan was in pre-school, he could draw so much better than the other children. I knew he was good, but when I saw his ability next to someone his age it was surprising.”

Munoz shares her favorite piece of her son’s artwork.

“My favorite is his portrait of Jesus with the crown of thorns,” Munoz said. “I also like the scratch art he does because they look like negatives. He can’t make a mistake, or he has to throw it away. You can’t erase a scratch.”

Natalie Munoz shares her encouragement of her son’s future.

”I always tell Aidan to do what he loves to do,” Munoz said. “He should let God lead him into the right path for him.”

Aidan takes his time to show dedication and patience for realism while playing volleyball, soccer and surfing, like his father. To support Aidan, you can give encouragement and constructive feedback on his works. 

To read more from The Feather, go to Double the talent with the Adams duo or Feather staff steps into editor roles.

Gallery • 6 Photos

Photos are a collection of recent art from Aidan Munoz.