The Pencil Box - Featured Artists - April 2026

Star Turn by Andrew Lewis
30cmx40cm, colored pencil on Drafting Film
Photo ref: Alastair Smith 

I have been friends with Al Smith (the photographer) for many years, and he mentioned he had a few photos of Teignmouth, where he lives, that I could use as reference material. Among them, he had this one—looking from “Back Beach,” a sand spit where the River Teign enters the sea. The view is very special—the sun sets behind Dartmoor, a rugged, granite-based national park. Looking up the estuary on a summer’s evening, where the boats are moored, is a special thing—the pubs are usually busy, and you can see why. It’s just a beautiful sunset and scene.

Andrew Lewis:

Andrew is a commission artist based in South West England. He started drawing in 2013; since retiring, Andrew now undertakes regular commission work for weddings, pet portraits, memorial portraits, and landscapes. He also donates works for charity auctions, raising significant sums in the process.

Facebook:  Artarl  



He Who Gazes Beyond by Claire Louise Moulton
21x30cm, colored pencil on Drafting Film
Photo ref: Pixabay 

I chose this subject because of his eyes. There is a depth and calm intensity in his gaze that feels reflective and thoughtful. His expression conveys strength and resilience; I wanted to explore that emotion and capture the depth in his eyes and the sense of wisdom they hold. There is a sense of pride without arrogance, solitude, but not loneliness. I normally draw animals, so this piece was a personal challenge for me. Capturing human emotion, especially through the eyes, was a little different from drawing animals. I wanted to push myself outside of my comfort zone while still focusing on what I love most—expression and presence.

Claire Louise Moulton:

Originally from the UK and now based in the beautiful Costa Blanca region of Spain, Claire Louise Moulton is a passionate artist with a lifelong love of drawing, specialising in coloured pencil work, carefully capturing likeness, personality, and spirit.

Facebook: Art by Claire Louise




A Splash Of Colour by Heidi Robinson
6x6 inches, colored pencil on Pastelmat
Photo Ref: Pexels

Something different was the idea, and that’s what I think has been captured with this lady. Bright colours you wouldn’t normally think of putting together—fantasy and serenity in one drawing—using a variety of different makes of coloured pencil to see how they complement each other. Making real life and mystical combine, resulting in this standalone piece that has such bright, eye-catching colours which draw you in. Using a variety of bright colours and various makes of pencil, blending them together to achieve the desired softness and sharpness of colours all in one drawing, shows the versatility of coloured pencils and what can be achieved with time, planning, preparation, and lots of patience. It shows how Pastelmat can take many layers, with the ability to put light over dark and blend colours to create a softness, yet other areas of the piece are sharp, strong, vibrant colours. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and learnt so much whilst drawing this.

Heidi Robinson:

Heidi is 53, a mum and grandma who lives with her assistance dog, Rolo, in Derbyshire, UK. After having to stop running her busy hair salon, she found her love for drawing in coloured pencil three years ago. This has helped her overcome mental health issues and deal with her new autism and ADHD diagnosis.

8 AM by Helene Føns
30x40cm, colored pencil on Pastelmat
Own photo reference

Commuting is a busy affair. The metro station is always full to bursting with people waiting for the next available train. One autumn morning, something magical happened. At 8 AM, the peak of rush hour, there was a pause—a breath—an emptiness. Suddenly, the commotion and stress evolved into a piece of quiet, where I felt this immense sense of peace. I captured the photo in the moment and promised myself I would come back to it. Then life became busy and years went by, until one day I rediscovered the photo and decided to draw it, to remind myself that calm can be found in the most unlikely places.

Helene Føns:

Helene Føns is a Danish fine art artist living and working in Odense, Denmark. Helene has an educational background as a landscape architect, and her love of nature is reflected in her artwork. With her photorealistic and colourful style, she aims to reflect the vibrancy and wonder of our surroundings.

Facebook: Art by Helene Føns