The Pencil Box - Featured Artists - February 2025

Wild Flowers by Adele Sciortino
11x14 inches, colored pencil on Graphix Film

Wild Flowers is a heartfelt creation brought to life with meticulous attention to detail, capturing the vibrant essence and cultural richness of the Omo tribe. This evocative image celebrates the beauty, confidence, and grace of its subject, whose strength emanates from her profound connection to nature and artistry. Her body and facial art are a striking homage to the deep creative spirit rooted in her heritage. Every stroke and adornment is a testament to the Omo tribe's enduring traditions, where individuality and communal expression intertwine harmoniously. The soulful portrayal in Wild Flowers invites viewers to appreciate the profound synergy of culture, art, and identity, revealing layers of stories etched into every detail. This piece is not merely an image; it is an ode to the timeless artistry and resilience of the human spirit, encapsulating the power of creativity to transcend and inspire across generations.

ADELE SCIORTINO:

Adele Sciortino believes art can heal, inspire, and transform. Her goal is to create fine art that’s both visually stunning and deeply meaningful. Known for her unique, detailed style, she works in color pencil and other mediums, focusing on the intricate elements that define true fine art.

Facebook: Adele Maria Sciortino



Munificent by Clare Hobson
17x22 inches, colored pencil on Cotton cold pressed Opus Watermedia

A snapshot taken at the end of a show test ride or the beginning of a rest during a schooling session, displays the horse's ability to give themselves to the rider in the upmost generosity and selflessness.  From the moment I viewed this, I knew I wanted to capture that emotional expression of the horse's ability to “give all of oneself”. The light shining off the wet sweaty neck, the gleam of the smooth bridle leather, the position of the horse's neck with muscles relaxed, the slightly flared nostril in-taking of breath. The evolution of helping this drawing show itself on paper kept me fully engaged for approximately one month. I believe I was able to capture that expression of giving, as it truly is “a munificent gesture”.

CLARE HOBSON:

Best known for her images of horses, Clare’s work depicts the common bond and affection we share for these magnificent beings. Clare’s unique detailed artwork captures the grace, elegance, and emotion of her subjects. As a rider, trainer and equestrian coach, Clare truly lives her art.

Facebook: Clare.Hobson.Artist



My Grandson by Grace LeMieux
11 x 8.5 inches, on Strathmore Bristol 400 vellum

My grandson Charlie, my only grandson, moved to Tennessee this past summer because my son-in-law has a new job. It was a big change from having to play with Charlie almost every day to only when we went to visit the family. This photo was taken during one of our visits when we were running around in the playground.  I wanted to capture the fleeing moment better by turning the photo into a gray tone portrait. The hours spent drawing the portrait had brought me so much joy. With every pencil stroke and blending of different colors, it is as if my little grandson Charlie is showing up at my house!

GRACE LEMIEUX:

Grace LeMieux is an emerging artist. After stepping away from art forty years ago for a career in corporate life, she has rekindled her art interest in colored pencils. She found colored pencils to be a great medium to use. While the color layering process is slow, it suits her pace of life.



Lone Juel, owner by Pia Reintoft Korsholm
30x42 cm, colored pencil on Pastelmat

When I'm asked to do a pet portrait, it is very important for me to get to know the animal, their personality and special traits. It is important for me to get that little extra in to my drawings, that special gaze, a special bond to their human, a favorite toy or blanket…something to remember them by and preferably something the owner cant get from a photo. Benjen was a much loved pet and training buddy, who sadly had to leave much too soon at the age of 3, due to illness. He was a most gracious dog with a huge personality, and it was important for me to portray him with this gracious pose and intense gaze he was known for.

PIA REINTOFT KORSHOLM:

Pia is a Danish artist living in the countryside between the fiord and forest a little outside of Aalborg, Denmark. Pia started drawing with Bonny Snowdon in 2020 and has been doing a lot of pet portraits as well as her own work since.