March 2020 Showcase - Colored Pencil Artwork
The three artists featured in the March 2020 issue of COLOR Magazine Showcase share the stories behind their artwork here in our blog. Discover the inspiration for each of these beautiful pieces of art.
Dazzling Chandelier by Nancy Honaker
10 x 8.25 inches
Caran D'Ache Pablos, Prismacolor and Faber Castell Colored pencils on Bristol Smooth paper. Jewels were cut out and mounted on photo squares over a Pan Pastel background on PastelMat.
Artist’s own photo.
My husband and I celebrated our 35th anniversary at a beautiful winery in the fall and there were these gorgeous chandeliers in the lobby of the hotel. I loved the way the light was reflecting in the crystals from the peach color on the walls, the rust color in the floors, and the blues from the couches in the background. I enjoy the challenge of drawing glass, and this was a perfect memento to always remind me of that beautiful weekend and location!
The background I originally created for the drawing was not turning out to my liking, so never wanting to give up, I cut out the drawing and recreated a background with Pan Pastels. Mounting the original drawing 1/4" above the background created a cool 3-D effect and shadowing. In the words of Bob Ross, we don't make mistakes, just "happy little accidents."
About Nancy Honaker:
Art has always been Nancy's refuge. As a shy young child, art and music were solo activities creating a safe place. She graduated with a fine arts degree, but life led her in different directions for years. Rediscovering the joy of colored pencil rekindled that artistic side. She strives for realism, drawing whatever inspires her in that moment.
See more at: www.nehonakerart.com
The Girls by Annie Nelson
11 x 14 inches
Prismacolor colored pencils on Strathmore Bristol paper with touches of Brush and Pencil Touch Up Texture and Titanium White and white gel pen.
Artist’s own photo
My dog, Lady, was adopted in 2014. She had a rough life before we got her and she was scared of a lot of things including other dogs, but despite her past she was the sweetest girl. Rosie and Mia were adopted by my parents a couple of months before we adopted Lady and they helped her come out of her shell. I bring Lady to my parents’ house once or twice a week while I’m at work and she absolutely loves it there.
I have always thought of the three dogs as a trio, but despite my efforts I didn't have any good photos of the three of them together. I take commissions of pet portraits for other people, so I decided I wanted to draw the three girls altogether. I combined three of my own photos into one composition for my reference and I wanted it to be a colorful, happy drawing. Purple has always been my favorite color so I worked in a lot of purple. After I finished, I had it framed and gifted the original to my parents as a surprise.
About Annie Nelson:
Annie Nelson has always loved both art and dogs. She began drawing her own dogs as a kid and as an adult began taking commissions for pet portraits of other peoples' dogs. She currently works as an accountant, but has a dream of becoming a full-time artist one day and using her art to help animals in need.
See more at: instagram.com/annies_colored_pencil_art/
TIME OUT by Cindy McClure
11 x 14 inches
Prismacolor, Polychromos, and Derwent Lightfast pencils on Stonehenge Tan.
Artist’s own photo
I wanted to gift a meaningful portrait to a cousin who has selflessly given her support and resources to others for years. I admire that love, commitment, and generosity. I was thrilled when I discovered her granddaughter's photo in an old folder of pictures I'd taken several years before I even knew how to use colored pencil. The additional bonus of being able to draw a child's portrait (my favorite drawing subject!) made this an especially sweet endeavor.
My drawing goals center around improving my understanding of and application of skin layers. I applied tips I'd picked up over the past three years — "slow down, light layers, sharp pencils, darker tones, use better paper" — and the positive results were obvious in this completed piece. I'm happy with this "little person" portrait and I believe her grandmother will be, too!
About Cindy McClure:
Cindy is a self-taught portrait artist who loves creating realistic portraits; children are her favorite! Her art has been featured in Ann Kullberg's COLOR magazine. She has created an Art Nouveau tutorial for the magazine and been included many times in the magazines' Art Showcase video. She lives in Oregon with her husband and granddaughter.
See more at: www.facebook.com/McClureHeartArt/
These artworks were published in the
March 2020 issue of COLOR Magazine.
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