Dylan Neal said his painting, “An Infinite Regression,” is “an abstracted portrait done in oils.” (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Dylan Neal, a senior at James Clemens High School, has created artwork deemed the best in this district of the state.

Neal’s work was named “Best of District V” for entries by high school students in the 2014 Visual Arts Achievement competition.

“Visual Arts Achievement is a program that is sponsored by the Alabama Alliance for the Arts. It is a statewide competition split up into several districts,” James Clemens art teacher Elizabeth Vaughn said.

Neal said his painting, “An Infinite Regression,” is “an abstracted portrait done in oils. The colors are representational rather than accurate to life. I focused more on value than color.”

Neal has been creating art since his early youth.

Vaughn appreciates Neal’s aptitude for art. “Dylan is a naturally talented painter, but he has spent the past three years honing his skills,” she said. “He takes criticism well and is willing to change his work based on structured classroom critique and criticism.”

At James Clemens, Neal is a member of National Art Honor Society and participates in technical theatre with the drama department. He plays guitar in the band, Evertheless, which recently won the LAUNCH Talent Show.

Neal designed the cover art for James Clemens’ first yearbook.

His parents are Cheryl Neal Martin and Richard Martin. She works as a manager at West Corporation. He is marketing director for Waste Management.

After graduation from James Clemens, Neal will attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and is still considering his major.

Other Madison students earned recognition in Visual Arts Achievement. Tasnim Altubuh, a Discovery Middle School seventh-grader, designed “La Senorita,” a linoleum block print in the printmaking category.

Also a Discovery seventh-grader, Mishka Blackmon created the collage “Family Day Out” in mixed media competition. Raquel Spiegel teaches art at Discovery.

From Bob Jones High School, senior Troy Koler’s “Determination” was honored in the drawing category. Koler’s teacher is Robin Lakso.

All winners in Visual Arts Achievement will be honored at an awards ceremony at the Alabama State Capitol auditorium on April 25.