Nav Staff’s Favorite Artists

By Avery P.

In fourteenth century Italy, wealth was expanding, literature was blooming, and art was reforming. During the Renaissance, art changed and amplified as new artists appeared everywhere. Even though the Renaissance was a pivotal period in the world's history, it is not the only time famous artists were produced. When talking about artists, it could mean anyone, from Da Vinci to local artists. Due to the wide variety, the Navigator took to NorthStar students to get their opinion on who is their favorite artist. 

Leonardo Da Vinci was the first artist to be named as a favorite. Da Vinci was born right at the beginning of the rebirth of art. It was an ideal time to be born, because art was the center of attention and becoming an artist was a noble job. As a draftsman, sculptor, architect, and engineer, Leonardo Da Vinci was undoubtedly a jack of all trades (“Leonardo Da Vinci”). However, he is most known for his paintings, which often deal with religious subjects. When interviewed, Brooklyn C. reported that Leonardo Da Vinci was her favorite artist because “He knew how to use so many different mediums and used all of them in ways that were revolutionary, especially for his time. He was a scientific genius too.” Brooklyn goes on to say that the Last Supper was her favorite piece by him. Other significant works done by Leonardo Da Vinci are Virgin of the Rocks, Head of a Woman, and arguably his most famous work, the Mona Lisa (Zelzako). In conclusion, Leonardo Da Vinci was an impeccable craftsman who paved the way for future artists to succeed. 

Jumping forward a few hundred years, an artist, John William Waterhouse is flourishing. Born to two artists, Waterhouse was an English artist who excelled in academic style art. According to Tate.org, “'His paintings are known for their depictions of women from both ancient Greek mythology and Arthurian legend'” (“John William Waterhouse”). Onyi U. was the student who said that John William Waterhouse was her favorite art. When asked why he was her favorite she said, “I really like art from the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and their related contemporaries. That group painted a lot of beautiful images, usually of medieval or mythological women.” She believes that he is the greatest of all time, though there are others from that movement that are almost as good. One of her favorite paintings by Waterhouse is Ophelia, which was painted in 1894. A few other notable works done by Waterhouse include, Gathering Almond Blossoms, The Annunciation, and A Song of Springtime (wikiart). To conclude, John Willam Waterhouse was a very accomplished and talented artist that many can admire and inspire to be like! 

The last artist that this article will touch on is Walter Anderson. A Mississippi native, Anderson was the son of a grain merchant and artist. From the ages of fourteen to eighteen, he attended  St. John’s School in Manilus, New York. Eventually he made his way back to Oceans Springs, Mississippi. There he met his wife Agnes Grinstead, and together they had four children (“Walter Anderson”). Fellow NorthStar student and Navigator journalist,  Grace C. said that Walter Anderson was her favorite painter. Expanding on this, she said that she loved his vibrant and unique style. She is quoted saying, “It's food for the imagination.” In addition, Grace says that his work has so much emotion. When asked about her favorite piece done by Anderson, she said “My favorite piece of work by Walter Anderson isn't technically a ‘piece’...he painted a shed to look like Horn Island, where I live nearby. He used to row twelve miles in a tiny skiff to get there and missed it terribly when he was gone. I went to the museum where the cottage is and it was stunning to walk inside of it.” A few other pieces done by Anderson include,  An Alphabet, City Scene, and Black Skimmers. 

These three artists scratch the surface of the many talented people who have shaped the world of art. Thousands of art pieces are on display and every piece shows a part of that artist. Digging into the lives of these people, one can see why their pieces are so emotional and passion-filled. To conclude, the works of artists can inspire others as well as spark creativity in their lives.

Avery P. lives in Tennessee with her parents and three siblings. She has been a student at NorthStar for three years. This is her second year writing for the Navigator. After high school, Avery plans to attend college and earn a degree in education.

🔎Informational, 👤NSA PeopleEIC NSAFebruary 2025 Publication, 2024-2025