Whiz Kid: Artistic Talent is a Shur Thing

Whiz Kid's Name: Keenan Shur

Whiz Kid's Age: 16

Whiz Kid's School: Crescenta Valley High School, Junior

Whiz Kid’s Key to Awesomeness: Keenan Shur is doing his part to increase arts appreciation in La Crescenta. His fantastical illustrations anchor , something he helped create and participates in. Keenan will have a solo exhibit at the on Oct. 21 as part of their Season of Art program.

Whiz Kid's Accomplishments: Shur started coming to the Firehouse, a local teen hangout, a few months ago. He was working on a drawing there when an advisor saw his work and suggested he display it. He convinced friends to put up their work and now wall is filled with teen artwork.

Next thing he knew, Shur was invited to exhibit a show of his work at an upcoming Third Friday Artists’ Reception at the La Crescenta Library.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Shur said. “I just enjoy making stuff. Once you figure out how to draw something, you’ll always have it.”

Shur figures he’s been doodling since elementary school but started taking it seriously in ninth grade.

“My favorite subject matters are faces and giant birds,” Shur said. He’s taken classes at Art Center and Woodbury University, not for illustration, but for opportunities to try new things like figure drawing, printmaking and animation. 

At first he mimicked artists he admired. Now he looks to pop culture for inspiration when creating his intricate drawings.

“Random things from movies and TV inspire me,” Shur said. “These days, I add 10 times more detail, things like crease lines and shading.”

He typically works in black fountain or ball point pen but occasionally adds color via watercolor and gel pens.

Bonus Whiz Kid Info: Shur is an avid skateboarder and frequents Southland skate parks. He’s not sure of his career goals just yet but designing for skateboards and t-shirts is not out of the question.