Whiz Kid: Caitlyn Zone, Painter

Caitlyn Zone, 7,  spends every Tuesday afternoon with her grandfather listening to classical music and painting. They meet after school in the art studio that her grandfather has built in his backyard.

“Poppy is teaching me watercolor painting,” Caitlyn said. “When I wanted to paint a bee, we went into the yard and ran around to catch one. Then we put it in a baggie and drew what it looked like.”

Caitlyn’s grandfather is Fountain Valley watercolor artist, Lorin Zechiel, who has exhibited for many years at Laguna Beach’s Art-A-Fair and also at other local art shows in Orange County.

Sometimes Caitlyn and her Poppy take their sketchpads with them and draw together as they plan their next paintings. Then they set up easels side by side and Zechiel teaches Caitlyn new techniques.

“I really like that Caitlyn gets to spend this one-one-one time with my dad,” said Caitlyn's Mom, Laurie Zone. “It's always fun to see what painting she will come home with after an art lesson with him, and of course, I love being able to hang her artwork in our house.”

Caitlyn is only in the first grade, but has already started accumulating art awards.  She won the Callens Corner Halloween art contest, has won a ribbon at the Orange County Fair and has twice won the local level of the PTA Reflections art contest.

“My favorite thing about painting is getting to do art with my Poppy,” Caitlyn said.  “When I grow up I want to be an artist and a ballerina.”