Artist of the Week: Isabel Bateman

Isabel Bateman is a talented artist and freshman at Watauga High School who is very invested in the world of art. 

Bateman has been drawing since she could hold a pencil, inspired by her mother, who is the executive director of art for the entirety of Watauga County. Her first art class was in first grade, but the first time she really felt connected to her art was in a class in her mom´s art council with a local art teacher, John Bond.

"My preferred form of art that I like to do is probably graphite drawings. I have been doing serious graphite drawings probably for 4 years now, but I´ve been attempting this art form for many years before that,” said Bateman. “I like this art form because it is easily accessible and can be done by anyone, which I think is what makes it more appealing to me and other artists. I also think that it is interesting to work with because it's a challenge of being able to portray something with value instead of just color.”

Bateman’s love for all art forms has been central to her life for as long as she can remember.

¨I think I will pursue art after high school,” said Bateman. “I could see myself applying art skills in different ways to apply to a large array of jobs.¨