The Pencil Box - Featured Artists - February 2024

Portrait of a Young Boy by Kathy Curtin
9x12 inches, colored pencil on Pastelmat

I was struck by this adorable little boy's messy hair and huge smile. I wanted to work on my portraiture skills and this adorable young boy was compelling. The interesting lighting posed a wonderful challenge that I could not resist. I was determined to get a nice smooth finish and to fill the tooth of the pastelmat. I feel I achieved that in this piece. I have forged a relationship with this boy whom I have never met. This kid, I think, is going to have a charmed life. At least I hope he does.

KATHY CURTIN:

I always joked that I could not draw a stick man. In 2016, I started to color. Loved the pencils but not the coloring books, so in 2018 I bought a book by Gary Greene. After tutorials (Cynthia Knox, Karen Hull, Gemma Gylling, John Middick, et al.) here I am! Drawing. Thanks all. If I can, you can.

FACEBOOK: Kathy’s Art



Almost Home by Landon Naffin
26x18 inches, colored pencil on Arches Hot Press

Walking along a country road in 2019, I came across an old fence post and wagon wheel. I took a few photos thinking it might be an interesting subject for a drawing sometime in the future. Whenever the idea would resurface, I’d search for an avian subject to perch on the post since I’m not much of a photographer. One day I opened a favorite reference page, and this owl was the first image I saw. The idea hit me like a lightning bolt. It took some manipulation of my image to get the angle right and another search for a landscape with a significant amount of sky to create a composition that worked for me. I also wanted to communicate my conviction that the magnificent creatures around us exist only when a sustaining environment is preserved for them.

LANDON NAFFIN:

Landon Naffin picked up colored pencils and started his journey as an artist shortly after retiring. He takes great satisfaction from the challenges that each new work presents, as well as the opportunities to grow personally and professionally.



First Steps Laura Hammond
24x16 inches, colored pencil on Grafix Drafting Film

While on a trip to Norfolk, we went to see the seals on the beach. It was pupping season. We came across this little one that looked like he was taking his first dip into the sea. He was very unsure for a while, and he took time to get his courage up. We stayed with him for some time (at distance) and watched until he made his way out to sea. A small pup in a very big sea. It was an amazing experience. I took a lot of photographs of him and just knew he had to be the subject of one of my art pieces.

LAURA HAMMOND:

Art has always been a part of Laura's life. From Southend, UK. Laura has specialised in coloured pencil, perfect for their precision and control. A passion for animal subjects but not the only subject choice. Laura's artwork has featured in local art trails and galleries.

FACEBOOK: LoveArt - specialist colour pencil artist



Mum's Hugs by Paula King
11.6x16.4 inches, colored pencil on Drafting Film

I enjoy drawing all wildlife but when I came across this photo it I knew I had to draw this image, it jumped out at me. I enjoyed capturing the detail of the wet fur, the water, the reflection, and the water splashes. I also wanted to capture the emotion of the bears in this photo. The photographer owns 'The Farm Lodge' which is located in Alaska, sat beside several National Parks, they offer bear, wildlife viewing and photography workshops. I am very grateful that he allowed me to use his stunning photo.

PAULA KING:

Paula has been drawing since 2007, she originally used pastel pencils, she now uses coloured pencils. She fits her art around being a mum to her son who has Cerebral Palsy. She lives in Norden, UK with her husband and son along with a dog, parrot, and a few other interesting pets.

FACEBOOK: Paula King Art