After the second bell rings, senior Audrey Goode walks to her Independent Study art class, gathers her materials, sits down and begins painting segments of her latest art project. 

On Jan. 7, Goode decided her assignment for the semester was to create a variety of portraits showcasing individuals inspired by different parts of the world. 

“I’m currently painting a series of portraits from a variety of cultures and people growing up over time to show that we’re all the same,” Goode said. “Since I’m making 15, this project will be taking up a majority of my time this semester. But I’m looking forward to being able to work on this project and advance my skill set.”

Goode’s goal through her project is to show others that people have more in common than they may believe. 

“I feel like everybody is focused on how we’re different and because of this we’re dividing people, especially right now in today’s society,” Goode said. “I wanted to do something that shows that we’re all a lot more alike than we think. I hope that others can see that it’s one continuous line over a bunch of different characters, people and cultures to show that we’re all the same.”

Goode is enrolled in creative studio with art teacher Rolanda Root.

“I haven’t had her that long, but I know that she is talented and I’m very excited to see the development of her project,” Root said. “I think the concept is really interesting and that the way the colors are being associated with age is an amazing idea.”

Because of her project, Goode is cultivating new skills.  

“I want to learn actual techniques and how to perfect my portraits. I want to learn the right way to do things and how to use oils. I want to experiment with as much stuff as I can,” Goode said. “How I go about art is that you live and you learn. That was one of the reasons I wanted to take the class so that I can increase my skill set.”

Normally, Goode rushes through her pieces, however with Root at her side, Goode is focusing more on the process rather than the outcome. 

“I’m the kind of person who likes to get things done and by doing this project, I’m able to focus more on the journey rather than the destination,” Goode said. “Root has been helping me get over my perfectionism and letting things be really messy and I’m grateful for her because of that.”

According to Root, she believes that Goode will grow significantly throughout the semester. 

“I think it’s going to push her. It has already pushed her outside of her comfort zone with different blending concepts that she likes to blend on the canvas,” Root said. “I also think she’s going to see a lot of growth in her artwork from the first piece to her last one at the end of the semester.”

With the help of Root, Goode plans on showcasing her project in a portfolio she is submitting to colleges.  

“Mrs. Root has been really good at giving me constructive criticism so far this semester. When I reached out to her and asked her for help on my portfolio she was super helpful and has overall been amazing,” Goode said. “I love being in this type of class and it will help me in creating my portfolio for colleges to look at.”