Although senior Charlotte Pinto claimed to be the farthest behind on every art assignment, it seemed likely that she would catch up and complete her painting soon—and with incredible detail. In her D-Block class earlier this month, Pinto was laser-focused on her newest effort, working beside her peers of talented artists, the Art Major IV group. She fully commanded the paintbrush, meticulously moving it in precisely the way she desired. While canvases are made of cloth, Pinto’s was a mirror, perfectly reflecting her well-liked and charismatic personality.
Pinto is a unique artist who expresses her artistic self distinctively through paintings, charcoal, figure drawings, sketches, murals, and graphic design. Pinto’s hard work is displayed both in her artwork and her presence around the school. As an Art Major IV student, Pinto meets with her class six times a week. Beyond the classroom, her unwavering dedication to perfecting her work is seen throughout the school on the walls, in the classrooms, and onstage.
“Her level of advancement is attributed to her work ethic,” said Fine and Performing Arts teacher Shannon Slattery. “She always puts in everything she needs to do to make her work look the way she wants it to.”
Pinto’s accomplishments include writing and illustrating a graphic memoir exploring her Indian-American culture for the Boston Globe in 2023, creating an illustration for a Globe women’s history story, and painting murals for a City Hall installation for teen art.
As she carefully stroked her paintbrush against the canvas, Pinto’s work came to life in an incredibly realistic self-portrait of applying eyeliner to her face. Taking her time to perfect every inch of the painting, Pinto was careful and precise in her artistry.
“Painting forces me to slow down and take my time as an impatient person,” said Pinto. “You have to trust the process and the result is satisfying.”
Not only involved in the fine arts but also an eager participant in the performing arts, Pinto can also be found in the theater department practicing comedy sketches. Last year, Pinto directed a ten-minute play in the 17th Annual Playwrights Festival and is currently a co-director of North’s sketch comedy show, Nitrous Oxide, which is set to run this February. Her art can also be seen in the posters and designs of TheatreInk program.
“Charlotte is incredibly talented, super passionate about forward thinking as an artist, and is always first to sign up for artistic events,” said senior Emma Keohane.
Even around the classroom, Pinto’s bright presence and encouraging demeanor inspire those around her consistently.
“She’s a person who comes into the room, greets everybody, and is an active, friendly member of the group,” said Slattery.
Theatre Ink director Adam Brown added, “What I love about Charlotte is that she always has a positive energy about her, which can be infectious. She makes people around her feel good. She’s driven, she’s inclusive, and makes everyone feel like they’re part of the team.”
When she was younger, Pinto said she found herself drawn to the opportunities art provided and the feeling of being completely immersed in the creative process. Starting out dabbling in simple drawings and cartoons, Pinto discovered art was an excellent outlet for storytelling.
“I’ve found inspiration in listening to music. I get in a certain mood and it urges me to portray songs in visual forms– paintings, album covers, and more,” said Pinto.
Ultimately, the bonds and legacy she’s made at North will last long after graduation because of her memorable personality, strong work ethic, and distinctive art style.
Although she does not plan on pursuing art school after graduation, Pinto said she will continue to take art classes in college.
Adding the perfect finishing touches to her painting, Pinto plans to complete her years at North, with strong connections to the class and a masterful Major IV mural which will leave her artistic mark on the walls of North.
