The Pencil Box - Featured Artists - August 2022

I took the reference photo that this drawing is based on during a long awaited family holiday in Wales last summer. It depicts my youngest grandson, Frankie, enjoying his first proper beach holiday, as he was born just before COVID 19 struck & was unable to participate in many of the 'normal' social learning activities that a toddler would usually experience. I wanted to capture his joy and focus in exploring the seawater, shells and sand with his new bucket. It was so lovely to watch his awe and wonder at the fact that he could refill his bucket every time the waves advanced over his toes. He literally spent hours crouched at the water's edge, watching the tide ebb closer and picking up shells and pebbles that were rolling in with the waves to add to the contents of his bucket. I really enjoyed the process of drawing this piece and recreating that precious memory of such a happy day at the beach. I felt as though it was an easier piece of artwork to complete than some others I have done in the past; perhaps because I had been present with Frankie as he explored, played & giggled, and maybe also because I had taken the photograph myself of this little boy who is very familiar and dear to me. I decide to use sienna pastelmat to add warmth to the colour palette and to enhance the skin tones amidst the cooler tones of the water. It also proved to be a good base for the wet sand colour in contrast to the reflections. I used mostly the soft buttery textured Derwent lightfast pencils, which were perfect for the effect I was trying to achieve, I also added a little bit of green and blue pan pastel into certain areas of the sea to try and create a smooth, dark shade under the crest of the waves. Overall, I am quite pleased with how it turned out.

About Alison Stokes:

Alison is a retired teacher who has rekindled her love of art, following a break of almost 40 years. She studied art to A level at school but didn't have time to pursue her interest once she began teaching and having a family. Alison attends two art groups and enjoys online tutorials and live workshops to develop her coloured pencil skills.

See more at: https://facebook.com/Alistokesart/

As an avid game player, it was a natural step to pull down these games and View Master to assemble with those items I hoarded from my youth to create this still life. Edit out a large number of games, add a little funny paper, include the blocks and Fun and Games was ready to come alive. It was a nostalgic walk down memory lane as I worked on this piece. Fond memories always make creating enjoyable. As work proceeded the world closed its doors. Feeling the anxiousness of the world around me I withdrew, as many fellow artists did, and ceased working on my artwork. As the world adjusts to our new normal, I picked up my pencils again with renewed enthusiasm for creating. Fun and Games patiently held its place on my drawing board waiting to be completed. I'm happy to say that day came in May 2022.

About Pat Carnett:

Pat's journey in art began before kindergarten. Drawing in the dirt, on random scraps of paper and even sometimes the walls of her home, she was always interested in drawing and color. It seems the term artist would define her. Always learning and growing, seeking to improve as an artist, Pat continues to learn and grow.