It seems that those who are artistically inclined are born with the spirit of artistry in their blood. Many of those who lack this artistic touch envy those who possess the skill and feel inadequate but make no attempt to acquire the art skills that they so desire. Conversely, junior Olivia Doherty earned her reputation as an artist through diligent labor and determination, not through fortunate genes.

“I don’t think I was necessarily born with the talent,” Doherty said. “I wasn’t talented in the way that people would think [of an artist] when I was younger. I just remember liking to do [artistic] stuff and honing in on my abilities.”

Just like any other passion, art, for some, can find itself being the gravitational pull that keeps many enthu

siasts’ feet on the ground. Although for Doherty, art is a simple pastime that keeps her anxieties at ease.

“I find that it’s almost like a stress reliever for me,” Doherty said. “I can kind of zone out and tune out everything and be very focused on my art and just feel better afterwards. It’s nothing too big, but it’s just made me a calmer person at times.”

Junior Laurin Michaels, a fellow artist and close friend of Doherty, disagrees with Doherty’s calm and self-effacing approach towards art.

“She’s truly talented,” Michaels said. “She’s also infuriatingly modest. I barely see any of her work until I pry her for it or see it on display.”

Doherty currently takes AP Drawing taught by Caroline Hays. Hays notices the undeniable amount of hard work and effort that Doherty expresses through her art.

“I would describe Olivia as being very dedicated to her work,” Hays said. “She is constantly pushing herself to try new materials and to experiment with new ideas.”

Doherty has expanded her artistic repertoire from strictly drawing to painting as well. In her AP Drawing class, Hays also recognizes hidden potential and sheer talent within Doherty. Hays says she can sense the raw, genuineness of Doherty’s art.

“I think that her experiences in life have shaped who she is as an artist,” Hays said. “She is great at using her experiences and surroundings as inspiration for her art work. Olivia has done a great job at working to find her voice as an artist and is using her artwork to communicate her outlook on the world.”

Doherty says her painting of the silhouette of a girl standing in front of an expanse of water was inspired by a trip she had spent with a friend in the Florida Everglades. Doherty also is known to incorporate her experience of being on swim team into her artworks. Also being a connoisseur of the arts, Michaels is confident and optimistic about the artistic aspect of Doherty’s future.

“I always think people should pursue art in everyday life, if not just to create and channel yourself through some medium,” Michaels said. “Olivia is no exception. She’s done so many fantastic things in art that losing that side of her would be a tragedy. I’m always excited to see what she has next and to see her style grow and grow.”