A unique art project at Benjamin Logan High School has brought together past and present, connecting generations through a student's artistic talent. Charley Hardman, a Benjamin Logan High School (BLHS) art student, transformed an old photograph into a canvas painting. This painting holds deep personal meaning for Debbie Johnson, a BLHS School Board Member, as it depicts her father from a photo taken decades ago.
Key Takeaways
- BLHS student Charley Hardman painted a portrait from an old photograph.
- The painting depicts the father of School Board Member Debbie Johnson.
- The project highlights the power of art to connect family memories and generations.
- Charley Hardman used acrylics and focused on highlights and shadows.
A Family Memory Reimagined
The idea for the painting originated when Debbie Johnson shared an old photograph with Jennifer Davis, the BLHS Art Teacher. The photo showed Johnson's father during a vacation many years ago. Johnson, now 70, took the picture when she was a teenager. She asked Davis if a student might be able to recreate the image on canvas.
Jennifer Davis immediately recognized the potential for a meaningful project and thought of Charley Hardman. Hardman readily accepted the task. The student worked diligently on the painting, dedicating time both in class and at home to ensure its completion.
Project Details
- Artist: Charley Hardman, BLHS Art Student
- Subject: Debbie Johnson's father from an old photograph
- Medium: Acrylic paints
- Focus: Capturing likeness, highlights, and shadows
Bringing the Past to Life
Debbie Johnson expressed her appreciation for the finished artwork. She described it as a significant gift.
"I think it might be nice for people to know that Charley painted the picture from a photo I took when I was a teenage girl on vacation. I’m 70 now, so that was a long time ago! What a gift to take a memory from the past and bring it to life," Johnson shared.Her words highlight the emotional impact of the painting, which transformed a faded memory into a vibrant piece of art.
The project underscores how art can serve as a bridge through time. It allows individuals to revisit and cherish moments from their personal history. For Johnson, the painting represents a tangible link to her youth and her father.
A Legacy of Creativity
Johnson also reflected on her family's own history with art. She spoke of her mother's artistic talent. "My mother was an awesome painter, but I didn’t inherit the talent," Johnson stated. Her mother created several pieces in 1938 when she was only 18 years old. These paintings now hang in Johnson's living room, framed by her grandfather's hands.
This family narrative adds another layer of meaning to Charley Hardman's project. It shows a continuous thread of artistic expression across three generations of Johnson's family. The new painting by Charley Hardman continues this tradition, even though it comes from outside the direct family line.
Family Artistic Heritage
Debbie Johnson's mother painted significant artworks in 1937–1938 at the age of 18. These pieces were later framed by Johnson's grandfather. This background illustrates a long-standing appreciation for art and craftsmanship within Johnson's family, predating Hardman's current project by nearly 90 years.
Student's Perspective on the Challenge
Charley Hardman shared insights into the creative process and the personal growth gained from the project. Hardman approached the task with respect and dedication.
"I was very honored to take on this project for Mrs. Johnson and her family. This project was great for me, not only to grow my skills, but to challenge myself with capturing a person’s likeness and bringing a feeling of nostalgia with it," Hardman explained.
The artist focused significantly on technical aspects. Hardman paid close attention to the use of highlights and shadows, which are crucial for creating depth and realism in a portrait. This attention to detail helped capture the essence of the person in the old photograph.
Impact and Future Endeavors
Hardman hopes the painting will evoke positive emotions for Mrs. Johnson and her family. "I hope that my painting can bring back years of memories and good times to Mrs. Johnson and her family," Hardman said. The student expressed gratitude for the opportunity. "I’m very thankful that Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Davis gave me this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to applying what I’ve learned from this project to new ones in the future."
This project serves as a powerful example of how art education can extend beyond the classroom. It provides students with real-world challenges and opportunities to apply their skills in meaningful ways. The collaboration between the school board member, the art teacher, and the student highlights the positive impact of community engagement in education.
The painting is entirely acrylic. The choice of medium allowed Hardman to build layers and achieve the desired effects for capturing the likeness and the nostalgic feeling. This successful project demonstrates the student's talent and the enduring power of art to connect people and preserve history.