Finding inspiration in Disney animation

For Warwick Valley Middle School eighth grader Caidyn Parsons, art means more than just her favorite class. Caidyn wants to make art her career – hopefully someday as a Disney animator.

The idea came after her father suggested she watch a show on Disney Plus about Disney jobs. She also watched “Into the Unknown: Making Frozen II,” which showed the animators at work.

“I watched the first episode,” she said. “It was a five-minute long clip, and there was this guy doing the sketches for the animation. After I saw the short, I tried to do the sketches myself.”

‘She can handle it’

Caidyn’s talent, attitude and willingness to work hard impressed art teacher Nicole Sisco.

“It has been my pleasure to watch Caidyn grow as an artist throughout her career as a WVMS student,” Sisco said. “I am constantly pushing her to do the best work she is capable of creating. Even when she comes to me with an incredible piece of art, I know I can give Caidyn a serious critique and ask her how she can look at her work objectively and find areas of where she can add more contrast or visual interest and she can handle it.”

In the past, Caidyn has had multiple pieces of her art chosen for the district Art Show. Last year she was also one of the back cover winners of the WVMS Yearbook Art Cover Contest.

Caidyn enjoys art because for her it is fun and relaxing. Pencil sketches are her favorite, but she also likes acrylic painting. Her first art project this year was a self-portrait with a reflection in sunglasses. She picked a beach scene for the reflection.

Passion, drive and work ethic

Art is not just something Caidyn enjoys at school. She has an art desk in the playroom at home. The art from school and home gets displayed in her room.

“I put most of it on my dresser in my room, but it’s gotten to the point where I can’t really fit anything else up there,” Caidyn said. “So I have to trade out pieces when I make new ones.”

Caidyn plans to continue marking more art this year, in high school and hopefully at a good college for art. Caidyn also sings in the chorus and plays viola in the orchestra. Last year she was on the honor roll for the first two marking periods.

“I will miss Caidyn when she moves on to the high school, but I know she will continue to flourish as an artist,” Ms. Sisco said. “Caidyn has great things ahead and her passion, drive and work ethic will make her a successful talented artist.”