Art has always been more than just drawing on paper for me. It has been a way to express my thoughts, feelings and imagination. For the past four years, art has been an important part of my life, helping me grow as not only an artist but also as a person. What began as a simple interest slowly turned into a passion that continues to inspire me every day. Being born and raised in Kenya has played a huge role in shaping my love for nature and wildlife. Growing up, I was fortunate to go on wildlife safaris where I saw animals in their natural habitats and experienced the beauty of the environment up close. These experiences helped me develop a deep appreciation for animals, their movements and unique characteristics. Seeing wildlife made me want to capture their strength and beauty through art. Nature doesn’t strive for perfection and this is what exactly makes it so beautiful and mesmerizing to me.
I started experimenting with colors, sketching shapes and creating small drawings whenever I had free time. At first, I didn’t focus on perfection-I just loved the process of creating. Overtime those simple sketches encouraged me to explore art more seriously and challenge myself to improve.
As I continued practicing over the years, I began experimenting with different mediums such as water colors, acrylic paints, color pencils and mixed media. Each medium taught me something new. Water colors and acrylics helped me learn patience and control, while color pencils improved my observational skills and attention to detail. Mixed media allowed me to combine textures and colors freely, pushing me to take artistic risks and think creatively.
Creating art based on nature also helps me feel calm and connected to the world around me. When I draw or paint natural subjects, I pay closer attention to details that might be overlooked such as the animals’ movements, unexpected colors or unique patterns. These details influence the way I create art reminding me that small details can add character and meaning to a piece. Throughout my artwork I try to reflect on the honesty of nature. I do not aim to make every line straight or every color exactly the same. Instead, I allow my work to develop naturally, just like the subjects I draw or paint. This approach has helped me become more confident and open minded, both in art and everyday life.
One of my proudest moments was when one of my wildlife inspired art works, featuring a herd of elephants was selected as the cover of the school magazine. I also had the opportunity to paint the school banner for sports day, which featured a lion representing my house, Simba. These experiences reflected both my artistic journey and my strong connection to wildlife, and it motivated me to continue challenging myself and keep creating.
Throughout my four-year journey, I have learned that mistakes are a part of creativity. Not every artwork turns out as planned, but each one teaches me something new. Each stroke of a paintbrush and the countless hours spent painting or coloring reminds me that progress comes through effort and practice. Art also helps me express emotions that are sometimes difficult to explain in words. Whether I feel happy, calm, stressed or thoughtful, creating art pieces helps me relax and refocus. It has become a free space where I can express myself freely without pressure.
As I continue my art journey, I hope to explore natural themes in new ways and experiment with different techniques. Nature offers endless inspiration and no two pieces are ever the same. This motivates me to keep learning, creating and growing as an artist.
