The Pencil Box - Featured Artists - August 2023

Ryder by Ewa Adams
16x12 inches, colored pencil on Clairefontaine pastelmat

Ryder was my friend dog, the type of dog that when u look in his eyes you feel connection, a special bond that only can be understood with your heart not logic. Just by one look in the eyes, you get the kind of understanding of one another that cannot be quite explained, but you know that your hearts communicate. Ryder was that boy. He was very much loved, and he is greatly missed, as my friend had to say goodbye to him this year. That was truly sad day. I wanted to draw him, and I chose coloured pencils as it is known to be a time taking medium, and I wanted to do just that, take time so he could come alive once more.

ABOUT EWA ADAMS:

Ewa is a wildlife and pet portrait artist, working in pastels and coloured pencils. She lives in Lincolnshire, England with her family and beloved dogs.

Facebook: Ewa Adams Art



The Hitchhikers by Lesley Martyn
30x40 cm, colored pencil on Clairefontaine Pastelmat

I find the relationships between different species in the animal kingdom quite fascinating and am currently exploring this with my art. One of the most iconic sights you will see in the African savannah is that of Ox peckers hitching a ride (and a meal) from one of its hosts. With specialised beaks to pry away parasites and sharp claws to cling and climb, Ox peckers are perfectly adapted for their task on hand. This image caught my eye particularly for the vibrant colours and the contrasting textures of fur, feather, and foliage which were so enjoyable to draw.

ABOUT LESLEY MARTYN:

With a backdrop of mountains on her farm for inspiration, Lesley draws a variety of subjects in a detailed realistic style, with a particular focus on animals and portraiture. Lesley is a founding member of The Drawing Guild of South Africa and a member of the Miniature Art Society of SA.

Facebook: Lesley Martyn Art



Brian by Marie Macdonald 11x8.5 inches, colored pencil on Pastelmat

I saw the photo and literally just was drawn to it, (no pun intended). I loved the colours — a zebra isn't just black and white. I saw the gorgeous colours in the lighting and really brought them out, I wanted to really make him stand out. I really do love zebras, they are the fiercest of the equines, defensive and will take on a big cat if needed to protect themselves or the herd. Their markings are unique to each animal and are just like our fingerprints. They are one of our endangered species and need to be protected. We need to do more to protect the special animals on this planet before they are all gone. This piece is called Brian—I name all my original pieces with a unique name and yes I chat to them as I am drawing.

ABOUT MARIE MACDONALD:

Marie is a coloured pencil artist based in the UK. She started drawing again in 2021 after 30 years of not doing any art. She loved art as a child, but didn't continue it. After discovering Bonny Snowdon's Patreon and then her academy, her art has improved so quickly in such a short time.

Facebook: Marie Macdonald Art



Spring Chicks by Molly Walsh-Lorenzini
5x5 inches, colored pencil on Grafix® Double Sided Drafting Film

I used to have chickens and I regret never taking enough pictures of them when they were chicks! They just wouldn't sit still for me like these two did for the photographer, Santirat Praeknokkaew. I wanted to do the photo justice by creating a special piece of art of these adorable little furry creatures! Drafting film has been a love/not my favorite relationship for me. I love it because of the erasability, and the dislike part is the time it takes getting used to it! However, the more I use it and just 'play' with it, the more I like it. For this piece, I used shavings of my pencils and blended them in with a Sofft tool. Then I used tiny bits of odorless mineral spirits to blend even more. I treated it more like a painting than a drawing. What I'm really loving about Drafting Film though, is that the colors are so vibrant because the pigment is not absorbed by cotton paper. If you're thinking about trying out drafting film do it! Just realize that it takes some time to get used to it, so…just have fun!

ABOUT MOLLY WALSH-LORENZINI:

Molly is an entrepreneur turned passionate artist. “Drawing has always been my sanctuary.” As an award-winning artist she teaches online, sharing her expertise with her students. Molly is an active member of her local art community. In addition, she serves as the president of the Chicago Chapter CPSA.

Facebook: Molly's Fine Art