Kevin Huo is the First Place Winner in the 4-5^th Grade Category in Smart Poodle Publishing’s recent “I Love Costa Rica’s Rain Forest!” Contest. The extraordinary artistic talents of this ten-year-old from Northern California astonished the contest judges and many contest followers as well. As soon as Kevin received his prizes in the mail (thank you Rand McNally!) he called me to say thank you! No one ever calls to thank me, so I was impressed. I asked Kevin (and his parents) if he would be interested in doing an interview. He said yes. Read on for answers many questions you may have about what inspires him to paint. You’ll also learn more about Kevin’s commitment to Green Living.

Kevin Huo, Age 10

Before we ask Kevin some questions, here is a list of awards he has won:

Smart Poodle Publishing “I Love Costa Rica’s Rain Forest!” Writing and Art Contest – Kevin’s spectacular painting of Costa Rica and clever story landed him First Place in the 4th-5th Grade Category.

Kevin’s award-winning entry “Living Color: Costa Rican Rain Forest”

Go Green SamTram Bus Contest – When he was in third grade Kevin won the Grand Prize for this contest for his painting of a bus with an energy conservation theme, reducing the carbon in our atmosphere. His artwork was featured on some of the actual SamTram buses and on the bus passes.

Kevin’s spectacular art was displayed on Sam Tram buses

Filoli Art Contest – The San Mateo County Board of Education and the Filoli organization sponsored an art contest. Filoli is an historic country estate that is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For this contest, Kevin created a painting of the California countryside.

Action For Nature Young Eco Hero Awards- This nonprofit organization in San Francisco encourages young people to take personal action to better their environments, and to foster love and respect for nature. Kevin was honored for his environmental activism. Click here to see the pdf. Apply for the 2010 Action for Nature International Young Hero-Eco Awards 2010. Deadline is Feb 28, 2010.

Town of Atherton, CA Evironmental Program Contest – While in 2nd Grade, Kevin won the Grand prize for his title Green Kid Saves the World.

Kevin proudly displays his artwork and blue ribbon

Mangrove Art Project International Contest – This is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to the protection of the world’s mangrove forests ecosystems. Kevin was the only award winner in the US. He painted this outstanding picture of mangroves, which was included in the organization’s calendar.

Kevin’s award-winning painting of mangroves

Environmental Awareness Camp; Cultural Exchange – Kevin was interviewed by Michael Caduto, Director of Programs to be featured in his upcoming new book about young activist kids

Hip Housing Contest – Kevin won 2 awards for his participation in the San Mateo County Hip Housing Project. In 2007 his painting  “My home is my moving castle” depicted houses being saved from a hurricane after Katrina.  The pictures were included in Foster City, CA calendars.

Kevin won the Hip Housing Art Contest 2 years in a row

San Mateo County Board of Education – Kevin’s work was displayed at a solo exhibit at the school board office, after he was inspired to create 6 paintings of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. (This was not a contest, but rather an exhibit of his work)

Interview

How old were you when you started to show an interest in art?

I was about 5 years old when I started to draw. My Dad draws a lot because he is an architect. Watching him work really inspires me to draw and paint. He’s so good at what he does. My Mom is very creative too. She used to work as a stage manager in the theater.

Kevin with his parents, Kenneth and Gina Huo

I understand that you and your parents are very interested in “Green Living.” Can you tell us how your family got interested in that?

Sometimes my Dad designs Green Living houses and other buildings. He’s taught me a lot about preserving our environment. Our family loves nature too. Through a great organization called V-O-CAL we volunteered for a project to help clean up some nature trails.. We talk a lot about the environment at home and at school. Also participating in the Go Green SamTram contest got me even more interested in the environment. It is important to learn about keeping our world clean.

What is your favorite art medium?

When I first started to draw I used colored pencils only. Now that I’m a little bit older, I also use watercolors.

What inspires you to paint?

I love to look at drawings and paintings from famous artists, but I do not have a single favorite artist. There are so many good ones! I am also inspired by nature and really love learning about and painting animals of all kinds. I love to research animals and places and then combine my interest in nature with my art.

Do you draw from memory, use photos or get your perspective from real objects and scenes?

I usually look at pictures in books for ideas and to see what shapes things are, but I also draw from looking at real objects. Before I start, I always spend time imagining what the finished drawing will actually look like. I often finish the painting, and it looks just like I imagined it would.

How often do you paint/draw?

Whenever there is a contest announced that I am interested in, I paint. I also paint when I am inspired or just get a new idea. Sometimes I paint every week, but not always.

Have you had any professional lessons?

No I haven’t. I have only watched my Dad. He doesn’t just design houses and buildings. He also draws or paints sometimes, and has given me direction or has helped me with ideas.

What did you learn about Costa Rica that interested you most, while researching to write your essay for the Smart Poodle “I Love Costa Rica’s Rain Forest!” Contest?

I knew there were forests in Costa Rica, but I had no idea how many unusual plants and animals were there. I was fascinated to learn about alien possums, which I wrote about in my essay. And the number of different species of plants is amazing! I loved learning about the rain forest, and I cannot wait to visit Costa Rica to learn more.

Kevin, it is great t hear you say that, because the purpose of our contest was to encourage kids to learn more about Costa Rica and the plants and animals of the rain forest. What did you learn about mangroves for the Mangrove Art Contest you won? That painting is spectacular!

I visited mangroves in Taiwan and found it fascinating. I remember the sounds, the smells of the decaying plants and all the animals that live there. Both visiting and reading about mangroves really helped me understand it all. Doing that painting was a lot of fun.

Did you know that we have mangroves here in Florida too?

Yes, I knew that, though I have never been to Florida to see those mangroves. Some day I’d love to visit.

I realize you are only 10, but do you have any idea what you’d like to do for a career when you grow up?

I can imagine myself being an architect and designing green living houses.

That sounds perfect with your talents! Will you design a house for me?

Sure. I’d love to. (laughing)

What else do you enjoy doing other than art?

I love to read adventure stories like yours – Lilly Badilly – and others. I enjoy studying history, like I did with Paul Revere. I also like to travel. I’ve been to Taiwan, where my parents are from and also to Japan. But when I get older, I’d love to travel a lot more and see the world.

What advice do you have for other young students who want to become excellent at art?

The most important thing is to just try. There are so many things that can inspire you to paint; it does not have to be just one thing. Try imagining what the finished drawing will look like in your head before you get started. Don’t be afraid to draw or paint, because if it doesn’t work out the way you want, you can always start over. No one even has to see it. Just keep on trying, and you’ll eventually get it. Never, ever give up.

Kevin, thank you so much for sharing your artistic talents with us. You may be only 10 years old, but you have inspired so many children and adults with your artwork. You are living proof that having a passion can lead to great accomplishments – no matter what a person’s age may be. You also know how important it is to say “Thank You.” That will take you very far. You also remind us that the only way to win numerous contests is to enter them often! Please stay in touch with us and let us know about any future projects you have. Your future is looking as bright as your watercolor paintings!

Epilogue

We all know that “passion” is the main ingredient to success. It is achieved through incurable curiosity and unstoppable motivation. Passion is not something we have to wait for until adulthood; it can appear at an early age. Kevin’s love of art and nature are not forced. These are simply part of his soul. How inspiring for us all!

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