When you hear his favorite artists are Vincent Van Gogh (The Starry Night) and Eric Carle (children's books fame), you know he will probably create something that would be very different, which is genius at work.
Caden Ralston, the 8-year-old son of Dr. James and Rachael Ralston, has been very artistic since he was 3 years old. His earliest works? Caden drew rocket ships with unique design and shape.
"They would really work," he proudly announces five years later. Obviously, Caden had the mind and talent to create from a very early age. Plus, he says he loves art because it helps him relax.
Earlier this year, one of Caden's paintings was awarded a medal for "outstanding achievement" in the Texas Art Education Association's Youth Art Month's exhibit in the state capitol. Getting your art to be exhibited in the state capitol is no small task. Art teachers at various levels vote on whose artwork gets to be displayed, and to be chosen is an extremely high honor. (Also, it is amazing that Caden's older brother was awarded the same honor.) Caden also is generous in his praise for his art teacher, Denise Silver at CT Eddins Elementary and thanks her for her support, encouragement and mentorship.
Caden enjoys family trips with his parents, brother and sister, but Caden and his mom have a very special hobby. When asked what he would like to do when he grows up—either follow in his dad's footsteps as a physician or become an artist—he says, "No, I want to study paleontology."
He explains that he and his mom collect things like rocks and fossils. They are self-confessed "rock hounds," collecting rocks from wherever they travel. So far, they have quite the collection including dinosaur bones and various fossils.
This kid is certainly going to be one to watch.