July 2019 Showcase - Colored Pencil Artwork
The three beautiful works of art below are featured in the July 2019 issue of COLOR Magazine Showcase section. Here in the blog, each of the artists shares the story and inspiration behind their artwork. Enjoy!
Embracing All Colours by Silvia D'Almeida
16.53 x 11.69 inches
Polychromos, Caran d'Ache Luminance and Pablo pencils, Zest-it, Derwent blender pen, blue and red pan pastels for the background on Pastelmat. (Photo by Sheldon Rego. Used with permission.)
Embracing All Colours is a portrait of my brother from his picture taken on Holi, a festival of colors celebrated in India. During Holi, people come together and play by smearing each other with colors and, as my colleague says, when covered with Holi colors everyone looks the same.
As we were preparing for Holi this year, news came of a shocking terror attack. Many innocent lives were lost due to discrimination against a race. When will we realize that we are all the same, just different parts of nature’s rainbow on earth?
I wanted to draw a picture about Holi, not just for the vibrant colors but to show how we are all the same and spread the message of peace. When my brother video-called me, his face covered with colors, I knew I had found my reference picture. Through his portrait I have tried to convey a message of peace and harmony. Though we are all different in race, color and creed, we are all still the same. So, embrace all the colors. Stand united, stand strong.
About Silvia D'Almeida:
From sketching a scene of a shoemaker and elves in third grade to drawing portraits from life as a teenager, Silvia always loved drawing but never pursued art as a career. Decades later, she picked up the pencils again and has never looked back. She has been working with colored pencils for the past two years and accepts portrait commissions.
See more at: facebook.com/SilviaDAlmeidaArt/
Foxtail by Victoria Manser
14 x 11 inches
Colored pencil on Clairefontaine Pastelmat. (Artist’s own photo.)
The image for this artwork was captured during a visit to the British Wildlife Centre and features a rather shy, elderly vixen who had been injured as a youngster and then rescued by the Centre. She had been coaxed into view with a few tasty snacks but didn't want to hang around too long. She began to retreat to safety, pausing to glance back over her shoulder at us. It was a fabulous shot and I knew the second I took it that it was going to end up on my drawing board.
I loved the curve that the fox's body makes, with that gorgeous brush taking center stage. Using PanPastels, I kept the background simple to keep the focus fully on the fox, and placed her on the page with a soft shadow. Her foxy red fur was a joy to create and inspired me to create many more wildlife subjects.
About Victoria Manser:
Victoria is an award winning UK based artist specializing in equine and wildlife art and working predominantly in colored pencil. She exhibits regularly with several societies and art groups, and has been published in a number of art magazines. Victoria offers a commission service and also teaches colored pencil art in the New Forest.
See more at: www.victoriamanser-art.co.uk
A Collection of Seashells by Mary Jones Easley
16 x 29 inches
Watercolor and Prismacolor Pencils on Strathmore Watercolor Board. (Artist’s own photo.)
I have always found peace of mind walking the beach, searching the sand for shells, agates, and wood that has been worn by the surf. I am able to forget the stress of the day and get lost in the moment. This painting is a reminder of the joy I experience when at the coast. I assembled the still life to work from; it's a collection of shells and pebbles that contain my favorite colors and surfaces that I find pleasing.
After drawing the composition, I start with a layer of paint which establishes the darks and general color scheme. Most of the work is then done with colored pencils. I’ve been told I have an identifiable style. I love the way color interacts and feel my knowledge of color is a strength in my work. Working as an ink and paint artist was very valuable in developing my line work.
About Mary Jones Easley:
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Mary Jones Easley received her BFA from Herron School of Art. She was a freelance Ink and paint and color key artist for numerous animation studios while living in California. She now resides in Seattle, Washington. Mary's work hangs in private collections and has been shown in galleries across the country.
See more at: www.easleystreetstudios.com
These artworks were published in the July 2019 issue of COLOR Magazine.
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