'An evolving story that gets deeper and deeper with each viewing'

Warwick Valley High School artist Leigh Anne Tannar is driven to create art.

“Leigh Anne’s passion for art is contagious, captivating her peers around her,” high school art teacher Kristen Spano said. “She is always motivated. When she is not running track or playing the flute, you can find her in the art room, perfecting her drawing skills. She has an eye for color and detail. Her portraits are life-like, vivid and colorful.”

When asked to comment on her passion for creating such portraits, Leigh Anne said, “When I see certain people, I get inspired to draw them - I especially love to create portraits. I sometimes like to take a particular subject and add a twist to the portrait. Perhaps it is putting the subject in a new setting or adding a vivid color scheme.

"I am currently working on a portrait of my friend, Fiona," she added, "but I am highlighting her hair as a fun tangle of vines and leaves rather than drawing it as ‘regular’ hair.'”

Spano added: “Leigh Anne draws inspiration from the world around her and is able to depict her ideas visually through any medium. Whether it is colored pencil, acrylics or watercolor, Leigh Anne is able to capture the beauty of her subjects both big and small.”

Leigh Anne discussed her affinity for creating extremely detailed pen and ink drawings:

“I like these pieces because each time the viewer sees them, he or she can find details to look at and focus upon that perhaps went unnoticed the first time. It is like an evolving story that gets deeper and deeper with each viewing. Setting is truly important in my art.”

Leigh Anne is hardworking and conscientious, as evidenced by her works being displayed at the Galleria Mall, Albert Wisner Public Library, SUNY New Paltz and Stanley Deming Park.

She has also qualified as the anchor leg of the 4 by 8 for the New York State Championship for Outdoor Track She also is a member of Art Club, is actively involved in Student Senate, participates in Honors Wind Ensemble, maintains her status on High Honor Roll and is a member of the Cavalry Baptist Youth Group.

When asked to give advice to new and budding artists, Leigh Anne chuckled and described her second grade art portfolio. “You have to keep practicing. I found my old second grade art folder and it wasn’t that great. But if you keep practicing, you eventually find that niche that you like and can eventually call your own.”