The Pencil Box - Featured Artists - February 2023

The Boss by Andrea Hieke
11x14 inches, Strathmore Bristol Vellum, 400 Series

It was the end of July this year, the weather was just perfect that day: sunshine, it was pleasantly warm and the sky was shining in the most beautiful blue. Perfect conditions for a trip to the zoo. I packed my camera and set off in the direction of Munich. The zoo is wonderfully located in the forest, away from the big city, and as soon as you enter you are greeted by lots of tame deer, all wanting to be petted — and of course they all want a snack. After being greeted by the deer, I visited and observed the wolves, lynxes, brown bears and many other animals. 2 hours later I arrived at the birds of prey and immediately I saw the “boss”. An eagle with a charisma that fascinated me. I was lucky and there were only a few other visitors and so I was able to observe and photograph the eagle. He posed like a model. Even then I knew that I wanted to draw him. On the way back, I was already thinking about which paper and which colored pencils I wanted to use for the majestic eagle... What a perfect day!

About Andrea Hieke:

Andrea's interest in art was already evident in photography at a young age. Portraits, landscapes and animals in particular are among her favourite subjects, just as they are today when she draws with coloured pencils and pencils. With a lot of love for detail, she breathes life into her work.

https://www.facebook.com/andreahieke.fineart1



Curiosity by Emma Emerson
14x20 inches, Clairefontaine Pastelmat board

I have always loved the natural world. Ever since I was a small girl, watching all the wildlife programs and learning about how each different species of animal adapts to their own environment, I have been a fan. This was how I found a fondness for big cats — I was drawn to how majestic and simultaneously powerful they can be. I could easily spend hours at a zoo just watching the big cats, which is where I was able to capture the reference photograph of this Amur leopard cub sitting in the tree. I was particularly drawn to this image as cubs are always cute but also because the facial expression spoke to me. As an artist, it is always important to me to be able to capture a moment in time where the viewer feels connected to the subject. To photograph and use the leopard cub as a reference for my own artwork is deeply satisfying, knowing that the journey from photo capture and being in that moment with the leopard cub to then bringing it to life on paper through coloured pencils, is all my own.

About Emma Emerson:

Emma Emerson is a pet and wildlife artist specialising in coloured pencils, pastel and graphite. She lives in the UK with her husband and son. Being drawn to animals from an early age and with a love for drawing, Emma can often be found taking photographs for inspiration for future artwork.

https://www.facebook.com/keepsakesandportraits


Epic Emma by Lisa Hammerstein
9x12 inches, Strathmore Toned Tan Mixed Media

As the proud Grandmother of Twin 9 year old Granddaughters, I’m challenged by which piece to draw first since my Daughter has become a stellar amateur photographer. I found selecting a name for this piece on point as I worked to capture the expression on the face of this darling child. It’s that familiar look that you find in the face of a loved one that offers the essence of that person. You recognize when you see it but the Chase to render the look can be somewhat of a cat and mouse game. It’s a feeling joyful gratification when you accomplish the perfect rendering.

About Lisa Hammerstein:

Lisa’s art journey was fueled by her need to keep an active mind after a devastating diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Fears of becoming physically and mentally stagnant drove her to discover her hidden desire to draw. Her lifelong love of the arts found a perfect companion in color pencils.

https://www.facebook.com/people/Lisas-World-of-Art/100044475012052/


Out of the Mist by Pauline Stuart
13 x 16 inches, Pastelmat

This drawing was created from a photo taken by my son 2000 feet up on Carrock Fell near my home in the beautiful Lake District in the UK. This is one of my favourite walks, wild and remote, far from the hustle and bustle of the popular Lakeland fells. The hounds appeared magically out of the mist during a trail hunt where hounds follow an artificially laid scent. They had paused overlooking a crag near the summit which created the perfect photo opportunity. The photograph had so much character I decided to try and capture the atmosphere in pencil of a century old tradition long since banned in the UK. As a fairly novice artist I hope I have achieved this.

About Pauline Stuart:

Pauline is from the Lake District in the UK. She took up art following retirement during Lockdown, dabbling in watercolours before finding Bonny Snowdon on YouTube. She joined Bonny’s Academy a year ago and fell in love with the coloured pencil medium.