Schools

Whiz Kid: David (Gong-wei) Chen

Budding artist earns raves for talent and dedication

David (Gong-wei) Chen may be only 12 years old, but he's already proven that he's got the right stuff.

"He's an amazingly talented young artist," said Rhoda Lowinger, David's instructor at the  in Douglaston.

A student at Little Neck's , David recently moved to the U.S. from China last summer. When he arrived, he spoke no English. However, despite that challenge, David has mastered difficult drawing techniques, according to his teacher at NAL.

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"He exhibits a phenomenal grip on some basic principles of art, and demonstrates an excellent knowledge of color theory ... which is rare for a person his age," Lowinger said.

However, apart from his talent, David's focus and self-motivation is what earned him bragging rights as Patch's first Whiz Kid.

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"He's capable of sitting for hours quietly in front of an easel with a clarity of mind, and a singularity of purpose when drawing," Lowinger said. 

David's mother said she was impressed by his fascination with books — images from which this Little Neck student practices copying with a free hand.

"His favorites pictures are of horses, tigers and other animals," Lowinger said. "He also likes Chinese calligraphy and has submitted his work in contests back in China."

When David isn't attending classes at Louis Pasteur Middle School, he is passionately pursuing his craft.

"He is serious about the pursuit of excellence in art," Lowinger said. "That's why I'd like to submit David Chen to Whiz Kids."


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