March 2026 Showcase - Colored Pencil Artwork
The three artists featured in the March 2026 issue of COLOR Magazine Showcase share the stories behind their beautiful artwork here in our blog.
Sassy Sax by Brenda Morgado
9 x 12 inches
Polychromos colored pencils and Derwent Inktense blocks on Fabriano Artistic hot-press 140# watercolor paper. (Reference Photo from Pixabay.)
I have a deep passion for musical instruments, and the saxophone featured in the reference truly captivated me with its beauty. Having been a hairstylist, I was especially drawn to the striking image of a woman flaunting flowing hair and an alluring dress. As I painted, I infused the artwork with my own interpretations, elevating the colors of the clothing and transforming the hair into a vibrant red. The strong, sexy vibe of this reference stood out to me; this woman excelling in a space often dominated by men, holding a saxophone, adorned with her gorgeous red hair and stunning dress. The background, inspired by the original, wasn’t meant to be exact. What mattered most was the color. I applied Derwent Inktense Blocks with water and a brush, allowing it to drip and move across the paper. I gently blew on it to control its flow. For the edges, I sometimes smoothed or defined them with Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils. I used colored pencils on her eyes, eyebrows, nose, lips, fingers, and hands, applying color subtly while emphasizing shadows on the dress and in the saxophone details. I’m always drawn to intricate elements; they present a delightful challenge.
About Brenda Morgado:
Brenda Morgado is a self-taught artist who learned through various online avenues and tutorials by her mentor Cynthia Knox. She works with acrylics, watercolors, pastels and her favorite: colored pencils. Brenda lives in Tampa, Florida, is married, and has two daughters and two grandchildren.
See more at www.brenda-morgado.pixels.com
This Land Is Our Land by Jim Foutch
14 x 20 inches
Prismacolor colored pencils on Arches hot press watercolor paper. (Photo reference by James C. Denton, used with permission.)
I was immediately drawn to the face of this Native American chief. It’s such a gorgeous picture of a man whose whole existence seemed to be almost hidden in each wrinkle on his face. His eyes were filled with both a powerful sense of pride and a greater sense of loss and defeat. The headdress seemed to have more colors than I could render without a diligence of patience and pride. As a small child, I couldn’t get enough of all the stories of the cowboys and Indians, which seemed to invoke a sense of victory each time the cowboys were victorious in a battle. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized they weren’t victories at all. They were blatant acts of violence.
About Jim Foutch:
Jim is a nationally renowned colored pencil artist who has been published in more than 25 different publications. His early works were mostly of sports figures as well as Latin American magazines such as Sonos. He has recently branched out to a larger genre of images such as portraits of human faces and vividly colored animals.
Fetch a Rainbow by Joanna Boultwood
11 x 14 inches
Luminance and Polychromos colored pencils on Bristol Board 500 series. (Photo reference from MAVI, used with permission.)
This artwork is deeply personal to me because it represents a turning point in my creative journey. For years, I poured my heart into painting pet portraits, capturing the love and personality in each animal. But over time I felt a quiet pull to create something different, something that reflected not only what I saw but what I felt. This chrome rainbow metallic dog is only my third reflective piece, yet it already feels like a symbol of transformation: a blend of past and future, realism and abstraction. The mirrored surface challenges me to see beyond form and to explore how color and light can express emotion and energy. Each curve of chrome catches a world of shifting hues, reminding me how creativity evolves when you let go of what’s comfortable. This piece isn’t just about a dog; it’s about reflection, courage, and finding beauty in change.
About Joanna Boultwood:
Joanna Boultwood is a self-taught British artist who discovered her love for drawing just six years ago. What began as a quiet escape soon grew into a passion that transformed her life. Known first for her heartfelt pet portraits, Joanna has recently stepped into a new chapter: creating reflective, metallic artworks that explore light and emotion.
See more at www.facebook.com/jlbarts001
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