NEDERLAND — Emily Bryan has been dabbling with art for about as long as she can remember.

The Nederland High School senior is pretty confident in her work and when she focuses in on her work she wants everything to look perfect.

Bryan has earned ribbons for her paintings at the Winnie Rice Festival and the South Texas State Fair and other events.

“I’m pretty much self-taught,” Bryan said. I started out really young, maybe at age three, drawing and got better with time. My favorite things to draw and paint are random things and eyes and portraits.”

The painting that earned her a second place ribbon was that of a woman with an old Hollywood glamor look. The original photo she found was in black and white and the model was wearing small earrings. Bryan colorized the painting, adding her own touches such as different earrings, brunette hair and varying shades of blue for the eyes. The earrings are red as is the lipstick.

“I’d like to get into art in college but I don’t know places around here where I can pursue a career I art,” she said. “I’ll probably go to Lamar (University in Beaumont) which is close to home but I’m not sure of a major. I’m interested in graphic design and want to go further with it as in animation for movies or video games.”

Tiffany Welch, Bryan’s mother, recognizes her talent.

“I can see her excel and go far and really do well with art,” Welch said. “She can just sit down and start. She’ll have an idea and in the blink of an eye, will be finished.”

David Bryan, her father, has been a big influence on her as well, Welch said. The parents work to encourage her, keep her grounded and help her with her goals.

The high school artist agrees with her mom.

“My parents have always motivated me to keep going,” Bryan said.

Bryan is ready to become even better at what she loves to do.

“I want to further my art. Learn more and get better at it, I need to learn more techniques,” she said.

Besides the challenging course work of high school senior and the artwork Bryan also holds a part time job.

Mary Meaux: 409-721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews