Madden Strand, age 16, is a very popular artist among the students of ADM high. She has been selling her art (also known as commissions) for about two years now. Recently, more and more people have been taking an interest in purchasing her paintings. She sells her artwork to students, teachers, and other parties alike. Currently, she is working on her fourth mural (a commission piece), and other commissions for people that request one. The sizing for her commissions are small, medium, and large.

At the beginning of September, she created a mural of a face surrounded by many different varieties of flowers. Now, she’s working on a fourth mural of a similar design as a commission for a family friend.

Strand has been creating art since she could use her hands. She grew up surrounded by art on her dad’s side, and she grew to love and appreciate it. When she was old enough, she decided, “y’know [sic], I wanna do that.” Since then, she has expanded her horizons to find a style that she knows and loves. She enjoys painting things and creatures that are other-worldly, and she also loves to work with acrylic and watercolor paints. Strand doesn’t just paint other-worldly creatures though, she will gladly do abstract or even realistic painting.

Doing art helps Strand to unwind, and put her thoughts and feelings onto paper, canvas, or into a sculpture. “I’ve noticed that a lot of artists aren’t very good at putting their thoughts into words, and that’s why we take it out with art.” You can catch Strand practicing her artwork during school hours in ceramics, and AP studio art 2D. Her favorite art class that she’s taken was a painting class through a studio in Des Moines.

In the future, Strand hopes to sell as much art as she can and then start an online store.

Haley Gonzalez bought Strand’s art in mid-September. To quote, Gonzolez says “she did such a good job… she put her own touch on it.” Strand also completed the painting with a quick turn around. She got the commission request and had the finished painting in Gonzalez’s hands the next day. All in all, Madden’s art is truly very inspiring to all, and we can’t wait to see what she makes next.