Student Interview – Winni – Princeton Academy of Art

Student Interview – Winni

1. What is your favorite part of being a student at Princeton Academy of Art?

The teachers are very professional, and the students actually care and are really passionate about art. The discussions about technique and methodology that we have in class are very insightful plus we learn about art history, so it’s all been very valuable for me.

2. What is your favorite plaster cast in the studio?

The upper half of the full-size Houdon sculpture because the muscles are very clear, and that helps me so much with anatomy. It’s easier to draw because it’s full-size, and everything is enlarged.

3. What is your favorite place to grab lunch in Princeton?

Tiger Noodles, specifically their fried rice.

4. Where is your favorite place to paint outdoors in Princeton?

On Princeton’s campus in Prospect Garden. The flowers are beautiful, and there are a lot of things to draw and paint (the house, fountain, and beautiful old trees). It’s interesting to see how the flowers change through the seasons. Summer and spring are the best time to go there.

5. Are there any local events or places in or around Princeton that you think every art lover should check out?

Grounds for Sculpture is a place someone should check out.

Grounds for Sculpture is cool and allows artists to explore scale and perspective. Many sculptures are inspired by famous paintings, which brings them to life for us on a monumental scale. It’s a really interesting way to learn about art history for art lovers and people who don’t know much about art.

6. If you had to describe Princeton, NJ in three words, what would they be?

Friendly, academic, and peaceful

7. What are your favorite streets to walk around in Princeton? What’s fun about it?

Nassau Street is my favorite because it’s safe to walk around at any time of day—parking/walking to school at night is no problem. Nassau has a lot of cute shops to check out, too. I love to go to Labyrinth Books—they sell really interesting art and literature books, and I love their postcards.

8. Can you share a memorable moment or project from your time here and why?

I love to go on class trips, specifically to the MET in NY. It was really fun because Anna (PAA Founding Director and Head Instructor) explained the logic and theory behind a lot of the paintings we copied and discussed in class. She is like an art history encyclopedia, and it is really cool to learn from her.

A note for other art students, too – looking at masterpieces is essential for fine art study in general and sets the standard for what a high-quality painting looks like. Seeing pieces in real life is so helpful in learning about glazing and composition. The MET is an amazing resource for me.

9. If you could have dinner with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Monet because I like his paintings – they are very vibrant and full of life. I love to pelin air paint and draw a lot of inspiration from him. The way he captured light and color is very unique to me. It’s abstract, but not abstract enough that you can’t understand it. When I look at them in life, I feel very moved.

10. What is your favorite specimen from the Academy’s collection?

The blue butterfly in a frame – it’s so delicate and captivates me.

11. What’s one artistic goal you hope to achieve in the next year?

To create a professional body of work alongside my digital portfolio. After learning for 2 years specifically in traditional media, I’m able to apply that understanding to digital works. I have the tools to use my own voice in whatever material I choose. I’ll never stop learning but I’m really happy with how far I’ve come.

12. What kind of music genre do you like?

Pop music

13. What’s your favorite oil paint color and brand and where do you buy it?

Student Interview – Winni