There are few people who can admit one of the greatest influences in their life is a cartoon character, but Litchfield High School senior artist Mackenzie Lopez gives all the credit to a hedgehog with supersonic speed.

In 1991, a Japanese video software company, known as Sega, released its video game console, making its mascot, Sonic The Hedgehog, an overnight phenomena.

Enamored by the character, Lopez drew Sonic everywhere and anywhere.

“He was my idol at the time,” Lopez said. “Without him I probably would never have drawn.”

Eventually, Lopez grew out of his Sonic phase and began making his artwork and comic characters his own.
His skill with pen and pencil have served him well, as he received a superior rating at the Minnesota State High School League’s Regional 5A art show April 2.

Lopez’s work, “Crumbling Summit,” was the Litchfield Art Department’s lone superior at the contest, held in New London-Spicer. Made with pen, water color and a little paint, the piece shows a crumbling castle tower before the evening sky.

Lopez describes his style as surreal.

“It looks somewhat realistic but has that odd look to it where you can tell it’s not real,” he said. “I like to show people another reality with my artwork.”

Find the complete story in the April 24 Independent Review.