By Cindy Adams

The two thieves in the comic book The Painting don’t look like criminals exactly, but sort of. They look like characters only Maddox could dream up. They are cartoon figures with a bit of mischief and just enough edge to keep you guessing. The comic is his own creation, drawn entirely freehand, every line original. That’s how 13-year-old Maddox works. No templates. Just imagination moving from his head to his hand to the page.

Maddox has been drawing this way for as long as he can remember. Art isn’t something he does, it's more like something he is. His mind is constantly sketching. And his Roanoke Minnick School teacher explains that he doesn't particularly like interference.

"He has to get it out and down on paper," teacher Jessie Mann says. And as an artist herself, she understands. She is both Maddox's teacher and creative partner. She is a painter. He is an animator. Different styles, but similar drives.

"I see that artistic spirit in him," she said. "To be an artist, you must make art. You don't just want to. It's a need to produce."

Ms. Jessie not only encourages his work, but she is also supporting his professional growth. Together, they have created an artist statement, and they are seeking a collaborative art exhibit space in downtown Roanoke where his work can be displayed.

His long-term goal is to be an animator, maybe for Disney. He is a big fan of Dr. Seuss, and you can see that influence in his work. However, all his work is original. When asked if he has ever traced, his response was quick and clear — "never in my life."

He's a serious artist. Ms. Jessie offered to try painting "in the style of Maddox" if he tried animating "in the style of Ms. Jessie." He shook his head "no."

"I am so proud of him for taking his work seriously," Ms. Jessie said. "Developing his artist statement shows professionalism. He is quite dedicated."

Maddox is also developing an animated YouTube show called "Toon Land," giving his drawn characters, like Mr. Job and Bendy, movement and energy. He has a notebook full of characters to bring to life, stories ready to be told.

While his animation is continuing to take shape, his path is not just a daydream. There's a co-collaborator. There's a plan. The next panel is already in progress. And Disney might want to pay attention.

ARTIST STATEMENT: My name is Maddox and I want to be an animator and artist. I am interested in the overlap of surrealist cartoons and videos. I am hoping to capture a Dr. Seuss feeling and I'm interested in representing characters and architectural interiors. I am hoping to be an animator on YouTube one day.