From Texas, another art teacher writes: "I've seen some really unique abstracts from the younger generation, but your art is very passionate and worthy."

The next e-mail is from a professional illustrator in New Mexico. "I liked your drawings. They show that you are a dedicated artist, and that you have a lot of potential!"

Who is the recipient of these messages?

His name is Deven Arbott. Though he is just 12 years old, this young man's drawings, seen on his Web page at www.geocities.com/devenlee, have inspired dozens of e-mails from around the country.

"I found Deven's work through a local Web site, www.horrycounty.com," said Vivian Ford, an information resource consultant at Coastal Carolina University. "There are many talented children out there, but he stands out. For a 12-year-old, he's extraordinary!" Ford e-mailed the young artist with enthusiastic words of encouragement. "With children, that sort of thing can really go a long way," she said.

A seventh-grader at North Myrtle Beach Middle School, Deven is an average kid in most respects. He takes accelerated classes, enjoys soccer and basketball, video games, making short films with his mother's camcorder, and playing with Luke, his cockatiel. But Deven's unusual talent sets him apart.

"He's had absolutely no training," said Deven's mother Marcia Arbott, a graphic designer and creator of www.northmyrtlebeach.net, an Internet guide to the North Strand. "I don't draw; I have to hire an illustrator when I need original art! But it's totally natural to Deven. He's been drawing since he could hold a crayon."

The boy's work has received accolades from many online admirers. "The one that built up his self-esteem was from a teacher with over 1,000 students," said Arbott, who created her son's Web site last November. "She told Deven his drawings were the best she'd ever seen."

A single mom for most of Deven's life, Arbott feels great pride and a bit of good-humored vexation about her son's talent. "All he's drawing is what's up here," Arbott tapped Deven's forehead, laughing. "For boys his age, that's aliens and monsters."

"I like to draw super-heroes, and things from Dragonball Z," Deven said, referring to a children's television program. But his original characters – Head Hunter, Mr. Execute, and Scraft - have earned great admiration from online fans.

About four years ago, Deven published a cartoon in the Richmond County Daily Journal in Rockingham, NC, where he lived before moving to Little River with his mother. Last summer, the boy won second place in a drawing contest sponsored by Downtown Organizations Interacting Together (D.O.I.T.) in North Myrtle Beach. "He got a check for $25. I didn't even know he entered!" Arbott said.

This year, Deven is developing a new cartoon, which he calls "As MY Eye Sees It." Each strip will feature a drawing that plays on the words of a newspaper headline. Family friend Pam Pitzer, who designs publications for political lobbyist groups, plans to help the boy get his cartoons syndicated.

Deven's drawings are rendered in pencil, colored pencil, and charcoal, his favorite medium. He received an elaborate art set for Christmas from his aunt, and is teaching himself to use watercolors.

Two years ago, a Little River art gallery began offering drawing classes taught by a professional artist. Marcia Arbott eagerly registered Deven for the course. But classes were canceled when only Deven and one other student showed up.

"I'm looking for someone to take him under their wing," said Arbott. "My goal is to get him some professional training. Imagine what he'll be able to do then!"

Deven often hears from younger children who admire his work. Does he have any advice for aspiring artists? "Stick to what you're good at. Don't get discouraged. Just keep drawing and never give up!"

Artists in Little River or North Myrtle Beach willing to provide art instruction to Deven are invited to contact Marcia Arbott at 280-0770.

Caroline Wright is a freelance writer. She can be reached via e-mail at c@wrightforyou.com or by phone at 347-5634.