The Pencil Box - Featured Artists - June 2026

Glug, Glug, Glug by Jane Pooley
25 x 35 cm, colored pencil on Pastelmat
Own photo reference

This is a drawing of my favourite jug. It sits pride of place in my dining room, the artificial lights highlighting the colours. These are known as Gluggle Jugs in the UK due to the distinctive sound made as the water is poured. I searched for this jug in this distinctive glaze because I loved the iridescence of the colours. I carefully considered the setting of the photograph to enhance the colours and love the teal wall colour against the jug. Normally, I work with the finer detail of fur, but I loved that I felt I was painting with paints rather than drawing with pencils.

Jane Pooley

Jane is a retired midwife. She started drawing in April 2020. She found some pencils and started drawing dogs, as she is involved in dog agility. Her hobby developed rapidly, leading to many pet commissions, but she has since decided to expand her subject matter and now takes her own reference photos.

Facebook: Jane Pooley Art

Tonka by Julie Fay
30 x 42 cm, colored pencil on Drafting Film
Photo Reference: Lozz Servvice

This piece was a deeply meaningful commission for Lauren, created in memory of her beloved dog, Tonka. From the moment I saw the reference image, I felt drawn to it: Tonka as a puppy, sitting quietly amongst tall, flowing grass, completely at peace. There’s a softness to the scene that feels almost timeless, as though the world has gently paused around him. The movement of the grass frames him naturally, creating a sense of calm and quiet protection. Working on drafting film allowed me to build up delicate layers of coloured pencil, capturing the softness of his young fur. Beyond technique, my focus was on Tonka’s presence and the subtle qualities that made him so loved. I spent the most time on his eyes, preserving that warmth and innocence. For me, pet portraiture is about more than likeness; it’s about holding onto how they felt to us.

Julie Fay

Julie rediscovered her love of drawing during COVID-19 and now specialises in realistic pet portraits. Working in coloured pencil, she captures fine detail and emotion. Inspired by Bonny Snowdon, her work focuses on creating lifelike, deeply personal pieces.

Facebook: Julie Fay Pet Portraits

Favourite Jeans by Laura Hammond
42 x 50 cm, colored pencil on Pastelmat
Own photo reference

I wanted to create an art piece that made a statement about everyday things that people take for granted. People have favourite items of clothing that they wear all the time, yet often hold very little value to. Jeans are common in many people’s wardrobes, and a lot of people have a favourite pair — a go-to item of clothing. Denim is an interesting fabric to recreate due to the layers and the seams. When I was putting on my jeans, the subject seemed to fit what I wanted to create. I was looking for an interesting and dynamic composition — literally the world as I see it. I chose to create my piece on Pastelmat because I wanted the freedom to build many layers to capture the richness of the colours and details in the fabric.

Laura Hammond

Based in Southend-on-Sea, Laura is a self-taught artist who chooses her subjects intuitively. Working primarily in coloured pencil, she has exhibited at the Mall Galleries as well as local galleries. Her work has been featured in art magazines and is held in US collections and private commissions.

Facebook: LoveArt - specialist colour pencil artist

Hammy by Yvonne Nesbitt
8.2 x 11.6 inches, colored pencil on Pastelmat
Own photo reference

I met this wonderful Scottish gent, Hammy, while we were on a caravan holiday on the beautiful Isle of Arran. He was dressed in his own Highland colours and standing with his dog outside the local pub. He chatted to us about his life on the island and was such an amazing character, having lived there for many years. We had a long chat about my hobby of drawing, and he was intrigued for me to take his picture and draw him to see how he would turn out. I have only dabbled in portraits, so this was a learning curve in what colours to use and how to render skin tones and fabric. It was such an enjoyable experience.

Yvonne Nesbitt

Yvonne is a monocular artist who retired three years ago and took up coloured pencil drawing to relax and unwind after losing sight in one eye. Her favourite pastime is drawing animals with coloured pencils, and she has only recently branched out into portraits.