February 2023 Showcase - Colored Pencil Artwork
The three artists featured in the February 2023 issue of COLOR Magazine Showcase – Kimberly Raboin, Myriam Krabbe, and Linda Phillabaum – share the stories behind their beautiful artwork here in our blog.
Wings of Renewal Kimberly Raboin
23.5 x 17 inches
Colored pencil on Clairefontaine Pastelmat
(Artist's own photo)
This piece was inspired by the idea of spiritual transformation. Butterflies are often presented as a symbol of transformation. A caterpillar appears to die when it enters a chrysalis, but it is about to be reborn into something beautiful. Eastern spiritual teachings talk about how internally we are constantly undergoing spiritual deaths and rebirth, which can be something as simple as letting an idea go and replacing it with a new one, or can be major such as the internal adjustments that happen after big life changes.
An image of a butterfly flying at high altitude over mountains is unexpected. The Monarch, representing the human spirit in this piece, may be fragile but it also can be strong, resilient, survive changes and challenges, and grow into something better because of it. The placement of the Monarch in the mountains helps convey this idea. While my original idea for this drawing didn’t have anything to do with trying to make an environmental statement, being a deep lover of nature, I am grateful if this image can also bring about awareness of the Monarch’s decline.
About Kimberly Raboin:
Kimberly received a BFA from the University of Massachusetts. She has worked as a florist for eleven years and recently returned to two-dimensional fine art after a break. Colored pencil has become her medium of choice. Her work has been shown in the CPSA International Exhibition and the book CP Treasures 8. She lives in Michigan.
See more at: facebook.com/KRaboinArt
WHAT IF by Myriam Krabbe
17.5 x 26 inches
Colored pencil on Stonehenge
(Artist's own photo)
"WHAT IF" tells its own story for what a life could have been. As she contemplates laying on the concrete slab resting her head on her only belongs and surroundings. You wonder where her next meal and life is going to lead her. The intense red color brings her frail body to life and her face reflects all her life's pain. This painting brought out all the feelings, sorrow, and tears, and made it so special for me to paint knowing that the day of the photo the gods were gracious to allow me to take the shot. I try to show that homelessness is not just here in the USA but all over the world.
When I sold her, half of the proceeds I give to "Partners International" which is like a Doctors Without Borders for Haiti run by Dr. Sylvia Campbell from Tampa. She also uses it to feed and help our own homeless in Tampa.
About Myriam Krabbe:
Eleven years ago, Myriam gave herself a challenge at a graphics art class and decided she was going to do a colored pencil painting. Since then has done portraits, animals, florals, and most dear to her heart: her homeless series. All of her paintings tell a story from beginning to the end as she pulls the seer to feel her artwork with love.
Royal Rivieras by Linda Phillabaum
8 x 10 inches
Colored Pencil on Pastelmat
(Artist's own photo)
I received the pears as a Christmas gift from very good friends who had moved to Florida. The first thing I noticed when I opened the box was that the colors in the pears were so warm and beautiful. The "flaws" and "freckles" in the pears gave them such character, I knew they would be a great subject for a colored pencil drawing. Drawing them, I hoped to immortalize them.
I have often planned to do a drawing inspired by old masters still life paintings. As I was setting up this still life drawing, I felt this composition would be perfect for such a style. When choosing the surface I would use for the drawing, I felt that anthracite Pastelmat would lend itself well, having darkness seeping through the drawing, giving it the drama I was seeking.
About Linda Phillabaum:
Linda has been a colored pencil artist since 2010. She has an absolute passion for this medium and has explored many surfaces and techniques along the way. Her passion is portraits but her portfolio includes animals, still life, botanicals and seascapes.
See more at: lindaphillabaum.wixsite.com/linda-phillabaum/
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