April 2019 Showcase - Colored Pencil Artwork
Congratulations to Antoniette Preston, Michael Rose, and Nathalie Beck, who are featured in the April 2019 issue of COLOR Magazine Showcase. In the posts below, the artists share the stories and inspiration behind their beautiful artwork.
Angel by Nathalie Beck
12 x 16 inches
Colored pencil (Prismacolor, Luminance, and Holbein) and Caran D’ache Neocolor II (used dry), on Strathmore Mixed Media Paper. (Artist’s own photo.)
Angel was my dog. She was my family’s dog; my parents loved her too. She was an abandoned puppy and was given to me as a a friend for my other dog by a veterinarian in 2003. I named her Angel, but her behavior sometimes was a little bit the opposite, which was part of her charm and made her so lovable. She became the protector of the two dogs, howling like a baby wolf sometimes; people used to laugh at that. She got her way all the time, just by that look she has in the drawing. Photographing her was always fun, because of her personality. Her eyes always pleaded for a “yes.” Where Angel is today, I don’t know. She got lost during a move a few years back. I tried searching for her everywhere and I was heartbroken. What I hope is that someone took her in and that she is someone else’s Angel now.
About Nathalie Beck:
Nathalie Beck began drawing at the age of three, and since then there has been no looking back along the path of artistic expression. She is a classically trained sculptor and painter. Colored pencil has always been a medium she has held onto, and a technique she has continued to develop into her own painter-like style (she holds a BFA Degree).
See more at: www.nathaliebeck.com
Larry Roy by Michael Rose
12 x 8 inches
Colored pencils and a whole lot of love on Strathmore Bristol, plate surface. (Photo by Eagle Eye Photography, used with permission.)
My artwork was Inspired by Larry Roy who is the owner/operator of Discovery Orca Sea Kayaking Expeditions in North East Vancouver Island. Larry has the coolest job ever: during July and September he takes tourists out to watch orcas. There is simply nothing like seeing these beautiful mammals swim in their family groups, wild and free. Humpbacks, beautiful and majestic and reaching up to 50 feet in length, white-sided dolphin, Dall's porpoise, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, black bears and grizzly bear (not found on Vancouver Island, but off islands nearby) and of course the beautiful bald eagle. In my opinion, Larry was a worthy subject worth drawing. When I saw the photo of Larry Roy taken by my friends at Eagle Eye Photography, I just knew I had to draw him.
About Michael Rose:
Born in 1976, London, UK, Michael is happily married and has 2 children, and they all enjoy family days out. When asked to describe himself, he simply says "husband, father, aspiring artist, tea-drinking biscuit lover." If you're looking to learn new and exciting techniques, take one of Michael's classes; you'll become a better artist!
See more at: www.michaelrosearts.com
Duke by Antoniette Preston
17 x 12 inches
Prismacolor and Derwent Artist Pencils on Daler-Rowney Langdon Prestige watercolor paper. (Artist’s own reference.)
I am often commissioned to create artwork of animals, especially the beloved family pet. I was taken aback when I received a photograph of Duke, a charming black Cocker Spaniel, posing so proudly. His opinion of himself appeared to be so obviously human. I was so eager to try different methods and techniques to create his portrait. I really took my time to capture every detail. The photo reference had such a beautiful light contrast that I could see so many colors in his shiny black coat. I wanted to capture the gentleness in his eyes and the texture of his fur. I fell so in love with drawing his portrait that I didn't want to put my pencils down. I must admit I was a little sad when it ended.
About Antoniette Preston:
Antoniette Preston is an Australian artist and Illustrator with a focus on portraiture. Self-taught, Antoniette prides herself on her ability to capture a likeness of her subject with close attention to detail. She is in constant demand for commissions and illustration work with portraits, animals, and flowers being her specialty.
See more at: www.facebook.com/antonietteprestonillustrations/
These artworks were published in the April 2019 issue of COLOR Magazine.
Download the 40-page digital version of the magazine for just $3.89, or subscribe and save 15%. Each issue is packed with step-by-step projects, critiques, colored pencil tips, artist profiles and much more.