The Pencil Box - Featured Artists - July 2025

Bonding by Carol Fetherston
Size of Artwork (Height x Width)
12x16 inches, colored pencil on Grafix Drafting Film
Photo ref: Pixabay

A few years ago we went to Tanzania for a week-long safari.  Cheetahs have been my favourite big cat since that holiday and it was such a privilege to see these beautiful animals in their natural habitat.  Every now and then you come across a reference photo which speaks to you and I just fell in love with this image of a mother and her cub bonding - pure mutual adoration!  I’m planning on drawing more big cats in the future, together with other wild animals inspired by the unforgettable experience of that holiday.

CAROL FETHERSTON:

Carol lives in Hampshire UK and went back to art after taking early retirement in 2022, after a career in HR and interior design. Initially focussing on watercolours, she discovered coloured pencils in December 2023 and hasn’t picked up a paintbrush since!  Carol also takes on pet portrait commissions.

Facebook: Carol Frances Art




Birdman by Hetty van Delden
50x70cm, colored pencil on Clairfontaine pastelmat
Photo ref: Fadhil Abhimantra - Unsplash

When I saw the photo, I felt the need to draw it. You can see a wonderful bonding and trust between the man and his bird. I tried to capture the soul of the man and his bird because that’s for me very important. The different textures like fur and feathers makes it interesting to look at. Special the shadows, light beautiful bright colors and fading keeps me looking at this artwork. It makes it special for me because I normally draw pets and portraits in commissions, but this drawing was another level.

HETTY VAN DELDEN:

Hetty van Delden was born in Amsterdam. At a young age she went to art school, but over the years she did hardly any drawing. Until she found Bonny Snowdon from who she learned a lot. Now Hetty did commissions for people in USA, Aruba, Germany, Iceland and the Netherlands.

Reflections by Janet Martin Edwards
23cm x 15.5cm, colored pencil on Pastelmat
Photo ref: Unsplash

I think this is an amazing photo, I was drawn to the reflection in the monkey's eyes as he/she looked at themselves.  It feels like a moment of realisation of existence.  I think monkeys are interesting to watch.  They are intelligent and there is a fascination with their resemblance to humans. I used pastelmat as it allows for many layers and Polychromos pencils as they blend well.  I did find it a challenge, particularly the hairs covering the monkey's body.  Following the direction of the hair is key to making the animal look realistic by giving it structure.

JANET MARTIN EDWARDS:

Janet is retired, she lives with her wife and two Bengal cats.  Always good at drawing as a child, her renewed passion after joining an online Art Academy has brought her much joy and pleasure.  She finds drawing relaxing, expressive and challenging at times, but with that comes a sense of achievement.

Dobby by Kathryn Stewart
7.5x7 inches, colored pencil on card stock

“Dobby” was created out of love, as part of a grouping I dedicated to my fur babies. I have always been fascinated with eyes and wanted to create a grouping that displayed the windows of their souls. Over the years I have explored different mediums from pen, pencil, acrylic, pastels, and oils. I worked with acrylics for the past 5 years, creating some amazing pieces. I enjoyed the ease for detail it would allow, but it required physical studio time. I decided to revisit coloured pencil, as it gave me more freedom to take my creations with me, so I could work on my pieces when my creative inspiration struck. It has become one of my favourite drawing mediums to work with. “Dobby” was my most recent addition to my collection and is my pride and joy.

KATHRYN STEWART:

Kathryn Stewart, Ontario Canada. She has had a love for art since a very young age, now that she is retired she can focus on her love of art.