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Do you know what the terms pointillism and aboriginal mean? Unless you are an artist, they may not be in your vocabulary.

If you need an explanation, ask Ella Kann. She is not only familiar with the terms, but she uses them for many of her art projects. Using various tools, she can create elaborate and colorful pictures by making dots of paint on her canvas. A tedious and time-consuming process that results in a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

“I first learned about it in fourth grade when we did a project on aboriginal art. My first dot painting was of a gecko,” said Ella.

When Ella began using pointillism art, her tools consisted of things like the end of brushes, toothpicks Q-tips and pencil tops. When she started using this art style more often, she purchased tools specifically made for making dots of various sizes. Acrylic is Ella’s choice of paint.

“I usually draw out my designs in pencil. I look at a variety of photos and other art for ideas but then develop my own design. I use parts of different photos and include them into a single painting,” Ella answered when asked how she found ideas for her projects.

When asked where she gets her inspirations for her projects she said, “It’s hard to say. It feels random! Sometimes I like to take a break from dot painting and try other things. I’m taking a drawing class right now and have been doing some experimenting with paper collage.”

Ella’s current project is a mixed media project, working with acrylics and magazine cut-outs that form a chameleon.

“I tried watercolor paints a little, but found I like acrylic best,” she said.

Other items Ella uses for a canvas are old road signs.

“The first thing that started me on that is my friend had a traffic cone, and I thought it would be cool to paint it. I started seeing it as turning trash into treasure,” she said. “Since then, I’ve painted two traffic cones, a license plate and two stop signs. I’m currently working on another traffic sign and have two more unpainted cones.”

Ella said she enjoys painting on their screened in porch in the summer.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without the WMU art teacher Mrs. Schoening,” she said. “She is a big inspiration to me, and another is my cousin Annie Guldberg. She has taught me so much.”

Ella’s love for art is apparent when she explains how it affects her life.

“I want to pursue art all through my life, and I hope to go to school for it after high school,” she said. “I also find doing something creative with my hands is very relaxing. I can sit still for hours painting, drawing, coloring, and the world just disappears. I think art will always have an important place in my life because it’s my form of therapy.”

After high school, Ella plans to share her love of art by going to college and majoring in Art Education.

“I want to share the gifts of how art can make you feel creative and happy with kids. I’ve been inspired by the impact my teachers have had on me and want to do the same for others,” she said.

Ella’s art projects have earned her recognition at both county and state levels. In 2023, her pointillism saw blade project entitled “Rotations of our World” was awarded Best of Show for Creative Arts at the Henry County Fair, and then a Judge’s Choice Award as a 4-H Creative Arts Exhibit at the Iowa State Fair. She’s also won recognition at several school conference art shows.

Ella is a junior at WMU high school. In addition to art, Ella plays volleyball, softball, golf, and is on the school’s dance team. She also participates in speech, plays percussion in the WMU band and is active in several school clubs. Outside of school, Ella participates in 4-H and is very active in her church. She lives in Swedesburg with her parents Monte and Emily Kann. She has an older sister, Isabel, who is currently attending college at South Dakota State University and who is a member of the Iowa Air National Guard. They have a dog, Winnie, who is also part of the family.

When Ella isn’t pursuing any of the above activities, she enjoys camping and loves spending time with her family and friends.