'Vibrant layers and black canvas' - Common App Short Answer: Art

This is what I plan to submit for the Common App short answer about an extracurricular activity:

When confronted by a blank canvas, one can either shut down in frustration or find inspiration to create something beautiful. The latter takes a curious and confident mind. Before the creative process can begin, I must have a grasp on the potential of the surface, the medium, and the endless possibilities of my imagination. I am often inspired by the complexity of human emotions, so portraiture has naturally developed into a talent of mine. Once I form an idea for a composition and begin to draw, the contact between pencil and paper sends a rush of energy through my hand, and creation is unstoppable. Loose gestural lines eventually transform into a clean contour drawing. Vibrant layers of acrylic paint or the velvety texture of colored pencils can instantly make a piece come to life. Even when I think a drawing or painting is finished, peer critiques allow me to grow as an artist by seeing things from an outsider's perspective. Art is much more than an interest; art is my escape.

this is good! i feel like you need more emotion behind it though. You are very good at describing the processes (i am an artist as well!) but maybe talk more about what it does to you/why it's your escape/what makes you draw. go more in depth and add more emotion, but overall a good essay!

[Moved from]: Elaborating on my passion for art (Common App Short Answer)

I like it! I can identify with it, as I love art as well. However, I think you should vary your sentences a bit. Try to include shorter sentences with some longer, passionate ones. Also, I'm sure lots of kids are writing about their love of art, so try to define yours a bit; make it unique.

In the beginning the subject changes from "one" to "I." Either you need to have a better transition or you need to refer to "one" as I. I recommend saying:

Like Other artists, I must have a grasp on the potential of the surface, the medium, and the endless possibilities of my imagination before the creative process can begin.

I completely agree with the last poster. So many people write about art that this will kind of just kind of fade out amidst the hundreds. Try to get into more specifics, maybe a specific type of art that you do, how your style affects your personality, how art has helped you grow...and maybe change the last word to lifestyle, not escape?