T.O. student sets sights on art career

A BUDDING ARTIST—Rachel LaBonte, a Thousand Oaks High School senior, excels with charcoal and pencils, but is beginning to expand her artistry with other media, including oil paints. LaBonte was recently featured in an art show at her school, and will head to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to study art in the fall. When Rachel LaBonte was 5 years old, she remembers admiring the art her mother had created as a teenager. And as Rachel grew older, browsing through her mom's portfolio and watching her sketch in her free time inspired Rachel to explore her own artistic side.

The Thousand Oaks High School senior is now being showcased at her school's art show and is looking forward to entering the nationally recognized art department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

"My mom was really good even when she was a young kid," Rachel said. "I remember looking through her drawings even when I was really young. When I was older, she took some art classes on the side. I still look at her portfolio. I always wanted to be as good as her."

Rachel's mom, Lynn Kuennen, thinks her daughter's passion will take her far.

"Rachel is a naturally gifted artist," Keunnen said. "I've always encouraged her art. I'm also artistic; however, I was discouraged to pursue a career in art. There are a lot more opportunities in art now. . . . I think art will always be very important, because it's her passion."

Rachel started drawing when she was a child. And in high school, when Rachel was sketching during classes, a friend suggested she take a course called Life Drawing.

After excelling in the class her junior year, Rachel was chosen by her teacher to move into the Advanced Placement art course at TOHS, in which she's now enrolled.

"The first class was a lot of teaching us how to create form and shadows," Rachel said. "It's mostly portraits, and that's my area—people. Half my projects are people and the other half are assigned projects to add variety to our portfolios."

Knowing she wanted to pursue art in college, Rachel looked into schools with strong programs. After a tough application process and special admission into the art and design department at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Rachel will be attending that school in the fall.

"They have a lot of classes and they are selective of who they take, which means they care and take people who are really good enough," Rachel said. "It makes you better to be around people who are talented and try hard."

The school had 42,000 applicants and asked only 600 students for portfolios. Seventy-three were accepted. Cal Poly will be posting Rachel's art on its website as an example of the type of work they're looking for in applicants' portfolios.

The art show hosted by Thousand Oaks High School and featuring Rachel's work wraps up tomorrow, April 10, at the school's Performing Arts Center.

Rachel said she'd like to branch out in the media she uses in her work.

"I'm best at pencil or charcoal, but I think I prefer them because I have the most control to be really precise," she said. "I like the look of oil paint, and it's the most professional. It's what all the masters of art did, and I'd like to get really good at them. I think it would be my favorite."

Rachel works about 20 hours a week at University Village, a retirement community. She was a cheerleader all four years of high school and served on the decorations commission of the Associated Student Body for two years.

She also enjoys horseback riding with her mom and spending time with her friends.

"I'm really busy, so when I have some free time, I love to spend it on my art," she said.

Although she's planning on pursuing a career in art, Rachel knows the challenges she could face.

"It's pretty hard to make it in the art industry. You just have to find a critic who thinks you're good. It's all opinion," she said. "I think my goal would be to be commissioned for artwork for people, in their homes, more commercially. I could always teach at an art studio or in high school."

Whatever path she takes, it's clear that her mom will always be her No. 1 fan.

"I think this is only the beginning of a wonderful life and she will bless the world with her beautiful, heartfelt art," Kuennen said. "She's just starting to learn how to paint and, from what I have seen, I'm truly amazed. That only comes from a burning desire and passion for expression. I would not be surprised if someday her art is in museums."