February 2018 Showcase - Colored Pencil Artwork
The three artists featured in the February 2018 issue of COLOR Magazine Showcase submitted stories about their artwork for our blog. Read below about their inspiration for each of these interesting animal subjects.
The Nest by Elena Kolotusha
18" x 14"
Original design/concept, drawn from life, or en plein air
Prismacolor and pastel on Mi-Teintes Tex.
Slightly surreal and playful still life depicting pile of stones from my own collection as an “impossible” and unstable nest for origami bird, which could come to life any second with the help of our mind. As birds were known as symbols of thought and imagination I think about the paper bird also as a symbol of human creativity. Colored pencils are perfect for rendering natural textures such as these colorful speckled stones and a little feather. The drawing is done on black textured paper using Prismacolor pencils, the table surface underpainted with pastels to give it more unified look, then worked with pencils on top of it.
About Elena 
Born in Russia, Elena worked as a Visual Arts teacher in Kazakhstan after graduating from Pedagogical University. Elena now resides in Australia where she won numerous awards for her drawings. Elena works mostly in mixed media. Favorite genres are animals and observational still-life with a hint of quirkiness and symbolism.
See more from Elena here: http://www.elenakolotusha.com
Paws Before Play by Cynthia Knox, CPSA
7.5" x 9.5"
Image used with permission
Prismacolor Premier colored pencils on Stonehenge Warm White paper.
II was asked by a colored pencil group to prepare a workshop project that entailed fur. This photo reference was chosen and agreed upon by all parties and was then purchased from Shutterstock. My initial attraction was to the puppy's expression - so like a dog - and the kitten's countenance - so like a cat. It seemed to me that the pup was waiting for some indication that they could launch into a rousing game of play and they were just in "pause" mode. So that is when the title "Paws Before Play" came to me. I enjoy all furbies and am so impressed by artists who render fur realistically. My goal is to create a collection of fur and feather artworks in the future, and it is so fun putting together that folder of possibilities now!
About Cynthia
Cynthia Knox, CPSA is a colored pencil and graphite artist who has authored numerous instructional books and kits. She teaches online classes with Craftsy.com as well as workshops around the U.S. and on cruises with Ann Kullberg. Cynthia credits her creative passion to her love of God and her family.
See more from Cynthia here: http://www.cynthiaknox.com
A Peek Inside a Tucson Patio by Amber Pierson
15" x 21"
Own photo reference
Polychromos and Prismacolors on Fabriano Artistico extra white 140lbs paper.
II have done a series in both oils and colored pencils of Southern Arizonas historical objects and places. When traveling I am always looking for the ultimate historical vignette. My recent endeavor is a series of old bright colored gas pumps found around Bisbee. Not being native to the Southwest I am also intrigued by the colors and history of the Barrios. When wandering through Barrio Historico I peeked around a corner and found an open door. I was totally enthralled by the light and colors of the patio. It was also an image of comfort and joy, easily a beautiful place to relax, be happy and be swayed by Tucson's cultural heritage. It is the history and colors of a place that enthrall me. Hopefully, through my art, others will see the beauty of color, light and cultural aspects of the unique place we live in.
About Amber:
Amber felt something was missing in her life. In 2015 she took a leap of faith and quit her teaching job. She attended art courses at Pima College and at the Desert Museum. She finally found the missing piece, "Painting and drawing fill me with pure happiness!"
See more from Amber at http://www.amberpierson.com
These artworks were published in the February 2018 issue of COLOR Magazine.
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