November 2019 Showcase - Colored Pencil Artwork
The three artists featured in the November 2019 issue of COLOR Magazine Showcase submitted stories about their artwork for our blog. Below, you'll find out more about the inspiration behind these outstanding works of art.
And Thereby Hangs A Tale by Sharon Kow
14 x 20 inches
Faber-Castell Polychromos, Derwent Drawing "Chinese White" on 140lb. hot-pressed Arches aquarelle paper
Artist’s own photo
This reference picture was taken in an iron factory museum in Nanfangao, Taiwan during my trip there early this year. It was previously an iron factory in the early 1960s. But due to technology advancement and changing times the factory closed down in 2004. And now, with the effort of the owner, it was turned into the Sangang Iron Factory Museum. From the outside, this museum looks like an ordinary old Taiwanese shophouse. If we were not taken in for a tour, I would not have known it was a museum.
It was messy with all kinds of old metals and ironworks. The pathway was long and very narrow; one had to be very careful while maneuvering about. It was overwhelming to see so many things in this tight place: a whole lot of old wood, metal and brass ornaments, rusted chains, boat engine parts, etc., haphazardly filling up every corner.
When my eyes and brain finally began to settle down, I stumbled upon this beautiful setup on this wall behind an antique cabinet. I had walked by it several times but did not notice it earlier. When I actually saw it, I did a double take and my feet did an emergency brake. I stood there staring at it, lost in thought, blocking the walkway. I felt as though I was transported back in time. My eyes were like the camera’s zoom lens, zooming in the scene in slow motion; all surrounding sounds and voices were muffled. I was transfixed! In my head, I was reading made-up memoir of the people whose belongings were on that hanger. It was a lightbulb moment and I knew I found the perfect subject for my next art piece.
About Sharon Kow:
Sharon Siew Suan Kow began seriously pursuing colored pencil art at the age of 43. Her inspiration comes from simple, everyday subjects which she uses metaphorically to create a visual understanding of logic and emotions that are integrated into the fabric of our lives.
See more at: facebook.com/SharonsskowPencilArt/
Abyss by Jesse Lane
28 x 39 inches
Derwent Lightfast, Coloursoft, Derwent Drawing, Prismacolor, Polychromos on Strathmore Bristol Board 500 Vellum.
Artist’s own photo
"Abyss" was inspired by the feeling of being in love.
The feelings of love engulf us.
Love makes us feel weightless. It's magical. It means stepping outside ourselves into new territory and experiencing someone different from us.
However, love is delicate. Our emotions can spiral. We realize that to love someone means being vulnerable. Even if we’re careful, we can get hurt... so hurt it can feel as though we will never recover.
As confusing as love is, it's something we live for. Whatever feelings we experience, they are often deep, like an abyss.
"Abyss" was one of the most challenging pieces I've made. The drawing took over 1,000 hours.
"Abyss" recently won 2nd place in CPSA's 27th International Exhibition in Brea, CA.
About Jesse Lane:
Jesse is a colored pencil artist from Houston. His work has appeared on the covers of both The Artist's Magazine and International Artist Magazine. He is represented by RJD Gallery in Bridgehampton, NY. Jesse also teaches workshops around the U.S.
See more at: www.jesselaneart.com
Tree of Witness by Denise Howard
20 x 15 inches
Colored pencil on Stonehenge paper
Artist’s own photo
I found this incredible Osage orange tree in Central Park in New York City. It had so much to say with its many details, knots, holes, textures, and subtle colors that I wanted to give it a voice so that many viewers will take time to "listen."
It occurred to me that since experiences change people's appearance over time, maybe they change trees, too. Being in Central Park, this tree has probably witnessed a lot, hence its title. I changed the background altogether to keep the attention on it and suggest an air of both melancholy and hope. Osage orange trees were favored by Native Americans for making bows, and by farmers for making strong fence posts that never rot.
About Denise Howard:
Denise Howard is the author of 101 Textures in Colored Pencil, and a signature member of the CPSA and UKCPS. Her award-winning artworks are inspired by her love for the details in nature.
See more at: www.facebook.com/DeniseJHowardArt/
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