The Pencil Box - Featured Artists - August 2024

One Step at a Time by Elizabeth Heath
8.5×10.5 inches, colored pencil on drafting film

I like to draw pictures, whether a portrait or prophetic art, which encourages someone to keep moving forward in their life and reminds them that they are important. I also create laminated cards of the pictures with a scripture of assurance on the back. This picture of Captain motivates me to take him for walks, despite my physical challenges. I’m thankful for being on a path of restoration. I’m motivated by his adorable face, to get my walker out and get moving. It gives me joy to see how excited he gets. The slower pace gives him time to sniff every tree, the dog’s version of stop and smell the roses. That’s how I approach every art project, morning gardening, and evening walk; in thankfulness and “one step at a time.” It’s not how I planned my life, but we’re still moving forward. (Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.)

ELIZABETH HEATH:

Beth had a long banking career, where numbers told the story. After a tragic loss, art supported her healing process. Now, she encourages people and their story, through scripture and commissioned colored pencil portraits. Her art company is Watering Visions, LLC.

Facebook: Watering Visions Art by Beth




Daydreaming by Helen Turkdogan
25×21cm, colored pencil on smooth drawing paper

I have always loved nature and wildlife, so I suppose it was inevitable that it would always feature in my artwork. Throughout my artistic journey, I have drawn a wide variety of animals, all of which have required different approaches and techniques. Before this study, however, I had never attempted a monkey or ape so when I came across the photo of this Orangutan, I was immediately captivated by his face and posture, together with the abundance of tones, hues, and textures. His eyes were so expressive and his whole demeanour so ‘genteel’ that I found myself wanting to ask him what he was thinking about. By hopefully capturing his ‘aura’ on paper, we can all appreciate this beautiful creature whose habitats continue to be exploited.

HELEN TURKDOGAN:

An amateur, self-taught artist, Helen Turkdogan started drawing pets and wildlife as a child. She re-started her personal artistic journey again in 2023, after not putting pencil to paper for over 20 years. She hopes to always instill a love and appreciation for the natural world through her art.

Facebook: Helen Turkdogan Pet & Wildlife Portraits




Boots by Linda Metzger
9×12 inches, colored pencil on Pastelmat

Boots was one of those special dogs who went everywhere with her mom. She was a local celebrity in Winter Garden, Florida. She was so loved—from boat rides and pup cups to going shopping and to work every day. I have an annual Pet Portrait contest, and her photo won second place! Her mom was already planning to have me draw her when Boots unexpectedly passed away. The portrait took on new meaning and purpose. Together we looked through her Instagram account to find the perfect picture. Although the photo quality was not the best, this one had that “look” that captured her presence. I used other photos to help with the details. Amanda had it framed right away and asked me if I’d intentionally drawn her eyes so that they would follow her as she walked around the house, (I wish that I knew how to do that!). The thought that what I draw with pencils may bring happy memories and a smile to someone’s day brings me joy!

LINDA METZGER:

Linda put herself through college as the university campus information office graphic artist, having loved drawing and painting as long as she could remember. After a knee injury sidelined her career as a physical therapist, she returned to art and began using colored pencils two years ago.

Facebook: Linda's Pet Portraits




A Penetrating Stare From A Young King by Maddy Nielsen
8×10 inches, colored pencil oh Drafting Film

Lions are currently listed as “vulnerable” on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. In some parts of Africa, lions are classified as “critically endangered” because lion populations are still plummeting at an unprecedented rate. The South Luangwa Park in Zambia is a beautiful wild life sanctuary, situated in the valley of the Luangwa River. It is home to Zambia’s largest lion population and is recognized by National Geographic’s Big Cats initiative, as one of 21 high priority lion conservation areas in Africa. It is always awe-inspiring to see these regal creatures in the wild. This young male was lying with a small pride by the side of the road, basking in the morning sunshine. As we neared, he lazily got to his feet and gave me this piercing look.

MADDY NIELSEN:

Maddy is retired and lives in Australia, but was born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). She loves the African bush and its wildlife and visits as often as possible. She has only recently started colored pencil drawing, and as a scientist by profession, the realism one can obtain with this medium appeals to her.

Facebook: Maddy Nielsen Photography - Capture Imagine Dream