April 2026 Showcase - Colored Pencil Artwork
The three artists featured in the April 2026 issue of COLOR Magazine Showcase share the stories behind their beautiful artwork here in our blog.
Princess Aria by Brenda Eneboe
10.5 x 8.5 inches
Prismacolor, Luminance, Holbein, Polychromos, Pablo colored pencils on Grafix Drafting film. (Artist's own reference photo.)
Several years ago, I snapped a photo of my granddaughter, Aria, trying on a veil while her aunt was trying on wedding dresses. I was looking for something to give Aria as a baptism gift recently, and I decided to draw this portrait. I just love her expression. Attempting to draw lips of a child at that angle and making them look like they are grinning was a definite challenge. Her face and hair are all drawn with colored pencils, and I tend to use a lot of pencils when I draw. I placed my drawing over a small reptile pad for heat under the drafting film and used a cotton bud to smooth out the colored pencil as I drew. I experimented with markers for the first time on drafting film and used them as an underpainting for the dark blue and flowers of her blouse and then went over the area with colored pencil to add detail and shading. It gave the feel of a watercolor and looks amazingly like the actual fabric.
For the brick background I used a wash of marker behind the film, which was a happy mistake. I was trying to remove the marker color I put on the back, and it left a nice warm tint, so I then went over the top with colored pencil for the details. I loved the painterly results, and I may try this again with a future piece, but with a little more planning. What made this artwork special for me is that Aria and her parents love it and even a tear or two were shed when they saw it.
About Brenda Eneboe:
Brenda Eneboe has lived in Arizona since 1975. With a degree in graphic design, life took a turn. After retiring as a jury coordinator, Brenda picked up colored pencils and began learning new techniques. She is active in CPSA and is the president of the Phoenix chapter. Her artwork has been published in magazines, exhibited online and in galleries.
See more at www.facebook.com/people/Brenda-Eneboe-Art
Unbridled Force by Nancy Quah
35.4 x 18.9 inches
Polychromos colored pencils on Arches Aquarelle. (Photo reference from Pixabay.)
When I created this piece, I aimed to capture a single, undeniable moment of release. The horse is shown in full stride, muscles alive with motion, hooves breaking through water. It’s not calm or decorative; it’s presence, momentum, and raw intensity when power is no longer held back. Without a rider or restraint, the horse moves by choice, not command. The lifted leg and spray beneath the hooves reflect a force from within, pushing through uncertainty and resistance without hesitation.
I focused on anatomy to make strength believable: muscles engaged with purpose, power controlled and confident, not aggressive. The tension and calm focus suggest mastery and self-awareness. The soft, atmospheric background lets the horse tell the entire story. Light and shadow emphasize its form and motion, giving it an elemental presence beyond just an animal.
This work expresses the moment when restraint gives way to action; when strength, freedom, and will align, releasing energy to run its course.
About Nancy Quah:
Nancie is an artist with range of interests. She likes to venture into new ideas. She likes to try new ways of presenting her talent in many forms of arts. And amazingly she excelled in all her new attempts so far. She’s an artist like a jewel to be polished and soon find a shine.
See more at www.nanciesjournal.blogspot.com
The Surprise Traveler by Pam Kromenacker
20 x 16 inches
Caran d'Ache Luminance and Pablo, Derwent Drawing and Lightfast, Holbein, Prismacolor colored pencils on Pastelmat. (Artist's own photo reference.)
In 2016 I traveled to Cuba with my mom. This is where I found the spark to create art after 50 long years. The vitality and creativity of the Cuban people was like nothing I had ever experienced. Color in Cuba is an understatement; it saturates you. I was constantly shooting photos trying to capture everything.
Back at home going through my pictures, I was startled by this photo. This is a busy Cienfuegos street scene; it was so very hot and humid with a storm approaching. To my surprise, the man on the bicycle looked so much like my dad, who had passed away, that I had to check twice. Maybe he was checking on us? He also loved to ride his bike. I added my mom and myself to the drawing. This shot always stuck in my mind: the day dad joined us in Cuba.
About Pam Kromenacker:
Pam discovered the spark to create art later in her life. Drawing portraits and people is what she finds most appealing. Her husband, children and grandchildren are her favorite muses. She is amazed at how her hobbies and interests have pleasantly taken over her life.
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