By Carol Ann Gregg
Allied News Staff Writer
Kids begin drawing at a very early age but for some it is more than a quiet distraction with paper and crayons.
For Jill Mercer, Grove City, drawing led to trying other art forms and finding that she really had talent.
About four years ago, Jill began doing watercolor paintings and about a year ago took her first formal lessons using oil paints.
She took a class in the method of late, popular painter Bob Ross, taught by Sandy Huey at Michael’s Arts and Crafts in Butler. Jill described the method as painting the whole canvas with a base coat and then adding layers.
The class had about five people, so everyone got individual attention. Her first picture turned out very well.
“You make one picture during each class,” Jill said. “The first one turned out good. I had a knack for it and kept going back.”
Jill had seen Bob Ross on public television, so she had an idea of what the class would be like.
“If I can do that good. I wanted to do more,” she said.
One of her pictures was of flowers in a white basket. When asked about how she was able to bring out the weaving of the basket she responded, “Oh, that was a happy mistake, as Bob Ross would say.” Ross encouraged his students to always put their own personality into their paintings.
She also painted a regal picture of a bald eagle.
She has taken art in school when it is offered. She has just completed middle school where art is offered in eighth grade; however, it is not offered in ninth grade, so she is anxious to be able to choose art as an elective in high school.
“There’s a whole lot to learn out there,” she said. “I think that next year I can take 3-D art.”
When she is not painting she is usually drawing. She drew a portrait of her mom’s friend’s dog a while ago.
She would like to paint an ocean scene during the next class she takes. The class takes the students step-by-step through the creation of the final product.
Though she is using the Bob Ross method and picks out one of his works to model, she personalizes it.
“I want to do something with big waves,” she said.
She also enjoys making small clay figures. Her mom, Deb, calls them Claymation figures. She has made many but is particularly fond of making penguins.
When Jill is not working on art projects, she is running. She has just completed the cross-country season and is looking forward to spring and the track season. She enjoys skiing and has played soccer, but doesn’t have time to put it in her busy schedule.
Her paintings were featured at the Grove City YMCA during September and October and she hopes to be able to display her artwork again in the future.
Published November 14, 2009 in Allied News. Pick up a copy at 201A Erie St., Grove City.
Local News
Related Photos
Discussion
Young artist’s work – á la late Bob Ross – featured at YMCA
Grove City girl enjoys painting, clay modeling
- Local News
-
-
Viva Voce! benefits pantry
Viva Voce!, a vocal ensemble that features music from various eras and genres, will perform a benefit concert for the Grove City Community Food Pantry at 2 p.m. Sunday at Tower Presbyterian Church on South Broad Street, Grove City.
-
Tough times, tight space
There's more need than ever for places like the Northern Butler County Feed My Sheep Food Cupboard, which is planning yet another expansion to accommodate a growing number of clients.
-
Rape charges against 2 held for court
The cases against two New Castle men accused of raping a woman in September in Slippery Rock are proceeding to the Butler County Court of Common Pleas.
-
GCMC Baby New Year
Easton L. Culmer was the first Grove City area baby born in 2012 at Grove City Medical Center in Pine Township.
-
Outage goes as planned - this time
The third time was the charm as a scheduled power outage in Grove City went as planned Sunday.
-
Dr. Williams named SRU interim president
Dr. William F. Williams has been named interim president of Slippery Rock University, effective Feb. 11 after President Dr. Robert M. Smith retires.
-
First baby of the new year
Abigail Noel Jeffery was the first Grove City area baby born in 2012.
-
GC power outage planned for Sunday
Borough manager Vance Oakes says that an anticipated power outage will be happening for certain this weekend in Grove City.
-
Yeatts takes oath early to get paid
Robert G. Yeatts was walking around in his new black robe a little early.
-
It's snow good, and just in time
There should be more than enough snow on the ground this weekend for two winter-themed events being held outdoors.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Viva Voce! benefits pantry
Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention
Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses
Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore.
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
Army Orders Bradley Manning Court-martial
Cancer Charity Revives Breast-screening Grants
Heavy Snowstorm Hits Colorado On Its Way East
2nd Teacher From LA School Arrested on Sex Claim
Prosecutors Close Armstrong Inquiry, No Charges
Sights and Sounds: Football Fans Pour Into Indy
Unemployment Rate Down to 8.3%
Obama: Still Far Too Many Americans Need Jobs
GOP: Jobs Numbers Welcome, Can Do Better
Fla. Man Adopts Girlfriend in Legal Battle
More Deaths As Egypt Clashes Continue
Raw Video: Prince William in Falklands
Egpyt Protesters Blame Police for Soccer Deaths
'Lucky' 9-Year-Old Receives 6-Organ Transplant
Raw Video: Michelle Vs. Ellen in Pushup Contest
