May 2026 Showcase - Colored Pencil Artwork
The three artists featured in the May 2026 issue of COLOR Magazine Showcase share the stories behind their beautiful artwork here in our blog.
Iggi by Eva Mariaca
13.8 x 19.7 inches
Polychromos, Pablo, Luminance, and Derwent colored pencils on Pastelmat. (Photo reference by photographer Klára Černá, used with permission.)
Iggi is a German Boxer, a show champion, and an amazing dog not only in appearance but above all in temperament. He is a large dog who loves other dogs, cats and people; he is completely non-conflict and very affectionate. For this reason alone, drawing him was a great pleasure. The beautiful reference photo, focused on the head with the neck blurred, offered the opportunity to play with every detail and then relax while working on the blurred areas. Thanks to this, the head literally stands out from the image.
The Pastelmat surface on which Iggi is drawn is wonderful for capturing a velvety texture, but it is somewhat more demanding when drawing very small details. Thanks to the relatively large format of the drawing, it was possible to capture he velvety quality of the coat and many fine hairs, giving the artwork a highly realistic appearance.
About Eva Mariaca:
Eva Mariaca is a Czech artist who has been devoted to drawing since childhood, but in recent years she has been deepening her skills, specifically in colored pencil drawing. The alchemy of mixing colors directly on paper, and the fact that CP can confidently compete with other media, fascinates her and motivates her to continue her work.
See more at www.evamariaca.cz
Born to be Wild — Save Them by Gemma Gylling
18 x 24 inches
Prismacolor, Derwent, Luminance, and Pablo colored pencils on Clairefontaine Pastelmat. (Artist's own photo reference.)
“Born to be Wild” is a reflection of my deep admiration for wildlife and the intricate beauty of the natural world. This artwork was inspired by a moment of quiet observation during an early morning safari, when a leopard crossed our path. Witnessing the animal’s cautious movements and its graceful retreat into the tall grass, then finally to a clearing, I was struck by the sense of mystery and presence that wild creatures hold. The vibrant backdrop of bushes and the interplay of light and color compelled me to capture this experience on paper.
My practice is guided by a passion for portraying animals as sentient beings whose spirit and vitality shape their landscapes. In this piece, I aimed to reveal the elegance and the resilience of the leopard, inviting viewers to connect with its essence and to appreciate the subtle details that render wildlife so extraordinary. The textures of fur, the glimmer in the leopard’s eyes, and the surrounding energy of nature are the elements that continually inspire my creative process.
Through my art, I strive to create windows into the souls of the animals I cherish, offering a glimpse of their inner worlds and the quiet power they possess. “Born to be Wild” is more than a depiction; it is an invitation to pause, observe and celebrate the richness of life that thrives all around us.
About Gemma Gylling:
Gemma Gylling is an accomplished artist renowned for her stunningly realistic animal and wildlife art. With a passion for capturing the spirit and essence of her subjects, Gemma’s work is celebrated for its meticulous detail and lifelike quality. Her pieces often reflect her deep appreciation for nature and her commitment to animal conservation.
See more at www.gemmagylling.com
A Waiting Heart by Jenny Bowman
16 x 20 inches
Prismacolor and Caran d'Ache colored pencils on Pastelmat. (Artist's own photo reference.)
I was inspired to create “A Waiting Heart” by the quiet, unwavering way she waits for me to step away from my desk each day. It’s a small gesture that somehow captures the entire spirit of a dog’s unconditional love. She’s a rescue, still nervous about the world and unsure of her place in it, carrying shadows of a past I’ll never fully know. Yet from the moment she came into my life, she brought with her a depth of connection I didn’t expect.
There’s a gentleness in the way she leans into me, a trust she offers slowly, piece by piece, as if she’s learning that she’s finally safe. And in caring for her, I’ve realized how much she’s cared for me in return. Honestly, I think we saved each other: two hearts learning to breathe a little easier, finding comfort in the simple act of being together. Her presence reminds me every day that love doesn’t have to be loud to be life changing. Sometimes it’s just a soft body curled at your feet, waiting for you to come back home.
About Jenny Bowman:
Jenny has loved creating artwork of animals and pets since childhood. Her work reflects a lifelong appreciation for their personality, loyalty and the quiet emotional connections they bring to our lives.
Download the digital version of the magazine for just $5.40, or subscribe and save! Each issue is packed with step by step projects, critiques, colored pencil tips, artist profiles and much more.