Local artist’s work on display at Kling Library

GRUNDY CENTER - When she was nine-years-old, Ashli VanDeest of Grundy Center would stuff her backpack full of pencils and paper and head over to the library to study books on how to draw.
 
From then on, the budding young artist never put down her pencil; filling all of her free time with doodling, sketching and drawing. By her sophomore year in high school, she was kick-starting her own business, taking commissions for portraits and other drawings for family and friends at first, but then for other people who discovered and admired her art.
 
Now a sophomore studying graphic design and art at Iowa Central Community College, VanDeest is back at the Kling Memorial Library - this time as a featured artist, with her work proudly on display for all library visitors to see.
 
Looking at her collection of incredibly lifelike animal drawings at the library, it’s not hard to see that much of VanDeest’s inspiration comes from animals and nature, and her talents shine through on her subjects.
 
“I’ve always liked to draw animals; they each have their own personality, and they’re all very different personalities,” VanDeest says. “I love being able to capture each animal’s uniqueness.”
 
Throughout her time at Iowa Central Community College, VanDeest says she’s not only honed her drawing skills, but she’s expanded into different mediums as well.
 
“I’ve started experimenting with acrylic and watercolors now, instead of just black and white drawings,” she says. “Acrylic is a little harder, but I found out I love watercolor. I’ve also been doing some more stuff with colored pencils, and adding touches of color to black and white drawings. I’m always trying to expand my horizons and try different things, new colors and designs. I’ve learned a lot so far.”
 
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