The Pencil Box - Featured Artists - January 2025

Bonded for Life by Orley Kathleen Marron
30 X 40 cm, colored pencil on Hotpress

This pair of gray wolves was photographed in Montana. I watched them for hours as they moved about, exploring their territory, shifting apart and then moving back together, in a dance of fluid motion. Occasionally they would sniff and rub against each other, and then pull apart and roam on their own. I was fascinated by their silent body language – the motion of their ears and the narrowing or widening of their eyes as they interacted, the way they turned their heads and raised or lowered their tails. Finally, they settled down and lay beside each other, and I captured their alert but peaceful pose. These are such incredibly fierce and wild animals, with so much potential power for destruction, yet they live together harmoniously and cooperatively. It gives me hope that we can learn from them and find peaceful coexistence as well.

ORLEY KATHLEEN MARRON:

Orley K. Marron studied art, literature and science, teaching students in college using a multidisciplinary approach promoting creativity and exploration. She now travels with bird and wildlife photography tours, turning her photos to art, and supports wildlife conservancy groups around the world.




Grace in Pink by Pernille Dayan
21x30 cm., colored pencil on Fabriano Artistico Hot Pressed Watercolour Paper

I have always been fascinated by flamingos, their grace and beautiful colors. The variety of pinks and oranges makes them stand out from their surroundings and gives an opportunity to use a vibrant color palette. Their feathers have a clear structure, but at the same time also convey a sense of lightness and elegance, which I enjoy trying to capture in my artwork. I always look forward to each time I have a flamingo on the drawing board. When seeing the gorgeous reference photo, I immediately knew that I would use it for my next drawing. One day, I would love to see them in their natural habitat.

PERNILLE DAYAN:

Pernille began to explore the world of color pencil during Corona lockdown and finds that it gives a good balance next to her full-time job in the financial industry. Her favorite subjects are flamingos and horses, and she loves to capture the unique personality and elegance of the animals.




Absaroka Ranch Manager by Rich Boyd
13x17 inches, colored pencil on Canson Mi Teintes

My work is primarily western heritage themes & portraits in oil and colored pencil. This pencil portrait is of Brooklyn Judd, the ranch manager of the Absaroka Ranch in Dubois, Wyoming. His intense gaze was captivating and his manner consistent with that of the admirable cowboy ethics. Brooklyn's face is side lit from light outside the tack room where saddles and bridles are stored on the ranch. Absaroka Ranch Manager was accepted into the 2024 Colored Pencil Society of America International Show held in Brea, CA this past August, where it won a $500 award. This is my second pencil portrait accepted into the CPSA International Show.

RICH BOYD:

Rich Boyd is a retired automotive Journalist and industrial designer. He is a member of the Colored Pencil Society of America and the Huntington Beach Art League. Rich has a BFA in Commercial Art from the University of Arizona and a BS with Honors from Art Center College of Design.

Facebook: Rich Boyd




The Plum Thief by Sylvie Ouellet
12x12 inches, colored pencil on wood

I have a few fruit trees in a field close to the forest. The raccoons really like my plums! While I was working near the trees, I imagined they were watching me, wondering if the plums were finally good enough to eat. Looking for references, I found this incredible photo that made me laugh. In it, I could see the chief raccoon safe in his hiding place, waiting for me to leave so he could call the rest of the family: “Hey, Mom! Bring the kids, the plums are ripe! It seemed natural to do the drawing on a wooden panel, because that way I could use the wood grain.

SYLVIE OUELLET:

Sylvie lives in Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec, Canada. She started drawing at a young age. She has used various mediums, but especially watercolours. For her 50th birthday, she returned to colored pencils. The possibilities offered by this medium allow her to go ever further in her creative projects.

Facebook: Sylvie Ouellet artiste aux crayons de couleur