A hand raises through a sea of scholars in an advanced studies lecture, followed by a soft voice that predicts the correct answer. It slowly retreats and its wielder lets out a breath of relief as the professor validates the shot in the dark. Not after long, it grips a #2 Dixon Ticonderoga pencil, scratching gentle strokes in the corner of the day’s worksheet, pieces far too intentional to be simple doodles. It dances a balanced tango of both art and academic achievement, though its song is hidden behind a tied tongue. This hand belongs to none other than Cypress Springs’ very own Angelina Harper, a senior whose story of art blooms like a flower on the wall.
“Art gives me joy,” Harper said, “it kind of feels like a release—when I’m not drawing, I get this tense, high-strung feeling. Drawing helps me relieve my need to create.”
Art has always had a presence in Harper’s life, though she started taking it more seriously in middle school. However, that presence appeared in multiple ways, through several people and pieces of pop culture.
“I would say my mom motivates me to draw because she adores art and fashion, but she’s not able to do it all the time. It makes me want to make art for myself since I know that not everyone has a chance to.” But art has also spoken to Harper through pieces of pop culture, like books and movies. “Seeing other artists make wonderful things inspires me to emulate them myself.”
Her favorite art pieces in the media? The works of comic artist Dan Mora, famously known for his work in the DC Comics, Power Rangers, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchises just to name a few.
“I love how graphic his comics are in design; his character’s expressions are very sharp—not really fluid, but not boxy either. Sequential art and comics in general are so captivating to me.”
But, that’s not the only artwork Harper enjoys, as she airs her praise to painter Claude Monet, a complete juxtaposition of the intense, action-packed style found in Dan Mora’s work.
“Monet’s paintings have no lines whatsoever—staring at them is like falling into a dream world. They’re just beautiful.”
As for her favorite art piece, Harper’s top pick would be a painting of a cow she submitted for the Houston Rodeo Art Contest, where she was awarded ‘Best in Show’ for 2024 and 2025.
“It was my very first oil painting, not to mention we got to see the heifer it was based on live at the rodeo.”
The Houston Rodeo Art Contest wasn’t her only art-related accomplishment, however. Harper also won five regional medals and two state medals at the Texas Art and Education Association Visual Art Scholastic Event (TAEA VASE) Art Competition. And at the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition, she won a silver key in 2023 & 2024 and earned an honorable mention in 2026.
However, the art that makes her the happiest and most fulfilled was her first comic, made in 8th grade. “It was a fantasy, not to mention my first time writing and going through the process of making a comic.”
Harper’s number one medium is watercolor.
“Not only is it just stunning, but the outcome is so raw—all of your mistakes show through if you rush it. With acrylic and oil, you can always cover it up, but with watercolor, you have to be very intentional.”
But don’t think she will be stopping her pursuit of art anytime soon, for after high school, Harper plans on going all in.
“I really want to make a comic or graphic novel series, though I’m a little scared of getting out there and being vulnerable through my art! I’m sure I’ll always be making art regardless of my career—I love it too much to let it go. And as long as I’m alive, I’ll always have that tense feeling when I’m not drawing, so I think that’s a good indicator that my journey in art is far from over.”
