Strokes of genius: Jessa Clements’ watercolor showpiece earns champion honors in San Antonio

Homeschooled senior Jessa Clements of Gonzales can see greatness on the horizon as well as what lies above and below. It is a simply a matter of perspective.

The young artist has already placed in the Fort Worth Stock Show Art Competition the last three years, and this year competed for the first time ever at the San Antonio Stock Show Western Art Competition.

The Western Art Contest at the San Antonio Stock Show, held annually in early December, is one of the most prestigious in the state, as it is open to high school students who are enrolled in one of 183 eligible school districts or those attending private school or homeschooling in one of 54 of Texas’ 254 counties, including Gonzales County.

Clements not only won champion in the Watercolor category with her piece, “Ghost of the Whitebrush,” but she also in the running for Best of Show as one of 13 class champions and, as a result, will receive a college scholarship.

“I have been fortunate to receive scholarships for each piece I have placed with across all the competitions,” Jessa said. “I am truly blessed to have been gifted this talent by God and that He has given me parents and mentors that have encouraged me in my growth as an artist.”

Jessa’s artwork will be on display at the Briscoe Western Art Museum from Jan. 4, 2025 through Feb. 3, 2025, and the announcement for Best of Show will be made at the Brushstrokes and Ballots event on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

After that, Clements’ work will be exhibited in the museum throughout the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo from Feb. 6-23, 2025 at the Freeman Expo Hall.

“It has been a longstanding dream of mine for my work to be showcased at the Briscoe, and I am thrilled that opportunity is available to me as part of this award,” Clements said.

Jessa said she has always loved art from an early age.

“My parents have given me notebooks and art supplies since I was a little girl and have never been without something to always sketch on,” she explained. “In my high school years, I have been given the opportunity to learn and develop my drawing, watercolor, and oil painting techniques through the support of my parents and my mentor, teacher, and friend.”

As she entered high school age, Clements began participating in the Fort Worth Stock Show Art Competition, which receives more than 2,000 entries each year. In her first year, as a sophomore, she was awarded Reserve Grand Champion (second highest award overall) for her watercolor painting entitled “Rooster.”

Reserve Grand Champions typically receive a scholarship of about $8,000, a Reserve Grand Champion belt buckle and four tickets to the rodeo as well as having their entry sold at the November art sale, during which they can receive additional scholarship money.

In her second year, as a junior, she won first place with an oil painting entitled “One Last Ride.” She received a $6,000 scholarship for this work. Finally, as a senior this year, Jessa submitted another oil piece, “Grit and Glory,” which ended up winning fourth place in the high school competition and won her another $3,000 scholarship.

As a finalist, her entry will be displayed Jan. 17 through Feb. 8, 2025 at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall Concourse.