By Travis Mounts, TSnews
CONWAY SPRINGS – A recently-completed art show at a Wichita business highlighted the artistic talents of a Conway Springs High School senior.
Cheyanne Tull displayed seven works at Norton’s Brewing Company in downtown Wichita. This was her first public show, and it was a success as she sold all seven of the large paintings she had on display.
It was a rush to get ready. Tull had been set to display in February, but a late schedule change bumped her up to January.
“I spent an entire month cramming in paintings,” she said. “I had to hustle.”
Tull just learned last Saturday that all of her paintings had sold. A couple were purchased by family members and were on display through the entire month. She admitted she made “good money” off the sales, but acknowledged that an artist’s income is inconsistent at best.
“I’m a fairly eclectic person and my art reflects that,” Tull said.
She described her style as “boho” and psychedelic. Boho is short for Bohemian, which is a carefree and eclectic style. Most of her work is acrylic, and the show featured large-format paintings.
One of her favorites was a 2-foot by 4-foot painting of a woman holding the earth, done in charcoal and pastels. It was a more difficult painting combining media, with lots of blending.
That took about 14 hours,” she said.
Tull grew up creating art.
“My mom was very artistic in high school She was accepted into several art institutes,” Tull said.
But Tull really got serious with her art during the pandemic.
“In the beginning, I was trying to get familiar with shapes and how colors work together. I like colors a lot,” she said.
Tull looked at going to Colorado to continue her studies, but opted to study graphic design at Wichita State University. She’s done a portfolio review, and seen the studio space that she’ll be working in starting in the fall.
“I think it will be a great fit for me,” she said.
Tull wants to get her bachelor’s degree in graphic design, and possibly get a minor or a second major in creative writing or journalism. Her goal is to be a freelance artist, doing painting and photography on the side.
When asked if she had a favorite piece of art, Tull pointed to a charcoal drawing that was done as a school assignment. Students were directed to create a personal piece of art.
“I drew the house I grew up in for 14 years. Because it is black and white, I feel is represents my childhood there.”
Even though Tull has been accepted into an art program and has been creating for several years, she said she only really began to view herself as an artist about six months ago.
“I had imposter syndrome,” she said.
