Local artist’s high hopes

Local artist’s high hopes

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Roleystone Community College students Jude Glasgow and Bethany Francis with their artworks. Photograph – Aaron Van Rongen.

Two Roleystone students are hoping their creations will be victorious in one of the state’s most prestigious art awards. 

Bethany Francis and Jude Glasgow worked tirelessly throughout the recent school holidays to get their pieces finished to perfection for this year’s Shaun Tan Art Awards. 

Roleystone Community College art teacher Anita Littlewood said she gets excited when she sees raw talent like Bethany and Jude’s.

“Bethany came to me this year from a private school so she has definitely got that good grounding that you often see from ex-private school students,” she said. 

“As soon as I saw her skills I just thought wow. “She has got lots of natural talent and she takes the time to work on her skills. 

“While Jude is passionate about his art and dedicated, I can throw anything at him and he will excel.” 

Bethany said her painting depicted far more than a tiger and some trees. 

“The forest represents the trees being cut down and the tiger’s environment being taken away and that is why there are red ribbons around the trees,” she said. 

Jude’s inspiration for his piece came after attending a steampunk event. 

“One morning I sat down and I was thinking I would create an anthropomorphic character,” he said. 

The 17th Shaun Tan Art Awards is open to all West Australian school students. 

The finalists will be announced next month. 

Photographs – Aaron Van Rongen.