Location: Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N High St., Columbus, OH 43215

This is my first year attending the Arnold Sports Festival. The art competition was in the “free” area (didn’t require a ticket).

The art competition work area was closest to the North entrance to the Convention Center near High Street and Goodale Street. The artists were working diligently both days. On Friday, I primarily snapped a few pictures; but, on Saturday, I was invited to their work area and conducted a few interviews.

Why participate in the Arnold? What medium are you using?

I am doing acrylic. I was supposed to do colored pencil, but I decided to do something bigger. There is no way I am doing a 26 by 34 in colored pencil. I came here last year. I have always been obsessed with Arnold movies. It was fun last year, even though I was not prepared. This time around, I have all my ducks in a row. I brought my art work. Arnold has already been here; so, the trip paid for itself.

What are you doing today?

I am painting a body builder that I was watching. She was lifting 320 pounds which was like three times her weight. I felt that was inspirational. I like the way the barbell caught the sheen of the light behind her. I decided to paint her because she was beautiful while she was lifting 320 pounds.

Tell me what you are doing today.

I am working on a painting of Sebastiana from Team Some Assembly Required from the prosthetic competition yesterday.

What is your medium? Why paint at the Arnold?

My medium is oil. I have some acrylic on the bottom. I am here because it is a cool opportunity. I used to be a body builder. I love all this stuff.

Sidebar: I never heard of Team Some Assembly Required. I went to their website: https://www.teamsomeassemblyrequired.com/ This is their mission, “We use and display the relentless spirit of the American adaptive athlete to promote and instill, in ALL Americans, a fundamental belief that athletics, camaraderie and competition organically grow a sense of confidence, independence and purpose.” Enough said.

What medium are you using today?

It is pastel on paper.

How long have you been doing it? Why the Arnold?

I have been an artist my whole life, but I went to school for nursing. I love to do figure drawing, and this gives me great opportunity to paint these wonderful physiques. The human body is awesome.

What medium are you using today?

This is pastel.

How long have you been doing this?

My whole life. I have been participating in the Arnold since it started.

The entire 20 years?

No. Art at the Arnold is either 10 or 11 years.

My take Arnold Sports Festival USA 2019: Art Competition:

I LOVE watching artists create. The area where the art competition was held seemed to have adequate space.