Art duo keep it in the family

A BROTHER and sister are keeping success in the family as they reach for the top art grades.
Natalie Cheung, 16, and her brother Danny 19, (pictured) both from Birchwood, have been impressing exam boards and art tutors alike with their skills and talents.
Danny performed flawlessly at Priestley College, not dropping a single mark in his Art A-level over a two-year course earning him the title of Student of the Year.
He has just completed the first year of an architecture course at Cambridge University after attaining A-grades in his three other A-Levels, physics, geology and maths at the Loushers Lane college.
“I got into art through school, it was recommended to me at GCSE level and from there I went on to do A-Level. I have many favourite artists and inspirations, picking just one is too hard,” he said.
Natalie has just left Birchwood High School where she studied Unendorsed Art at GCSE level and is predicted to get an A*-grade when the results are published.
She, like Danny, will be going to Priestley College in September, studying for a B-TEC National Diploma in Art and Textiles.
Natalie said: “I have really enjoyed doing the art course – I find it chilling and relaxing. I hope I can do well at college and then get into the fashion industry. I hope to go to one of the London fashion colleges when I finish at Priestley.”
The pair are the first in their immediate family to pursue studies in art, but competition is not something they believe in.
“People do say to me, ‘are you going to follow in Danny’s footsteps?!’ but we are interested in different types of art and different subjects,” Natalie said.
Danny added: “Obviously our family is supportive of us and proud of what we have achieved. Our grandma does do knitting, but I don’t think that counts as art!”
Natalie is now waiting for her GCSE results on August 21, while Danny is looking forward to summer break at home.