The Pencil Box - Featured Artists - March 2024

George by Costas Kalamiotakis
12x15.5 inches, colored pencil on Pastelmat

George, my son, has wanted me to do his portrait for ages. He is now 16 years old and is almost 6’4". For me, he will always be that small cute baby, taking his first steps in our kitchen. For his Christmas present this year I decided to draw his portrait but instead of drawing him as a 16-year-old young man, I selected a photo of him as a 16-month-old toddler when he was learning to walk. His favorite place for practicing was around the kitchen. Going around and around the kitchen island and giggling every time he was managed a full circle. Throughout his adventures “Babis” the teddy bear, was there to help him. Babis was more than just a teddy bear to George. He was his best friend and in a way he still is. This photo of him with his hands behind his back, holding Babis and smiling, encapsulates all those memories so, as a proud dad of this wonderful young man I couldn't do anything else but use this! Today I can add to these memories, George's reaction when he first saw the portrait and the massive smile on his face, not seeing only himself but Babis, his beloved bear!!!

COSTAS KALAMIOTAKIS:

Costas Kalamiotakis was born in mid 1970s on the island of Crete in Greece. Drawing has always been his passion. Today he is the owner of a stationery and art supplies shop and is just about to open the “Drawing Studio” to encourage others find their own talent through graphite and coloured pencil.

Facebook: Costas Fine Arts



Loo by Natalya Getman
8x10 inches, colored pencil on Drafting Film

The portrait of “Loo” was commissioned by one of my former ballet students. By looking at the image of this dog I instantly fell in love with her kind personality that I could see through her beautiful eyes. I believe my background as a professional dancer has helped to develop a meticulous eye for detail, which I use when I’m trying to capture the unique characteristics of each subject. The connection with “Loo” was instantaneous, bringing me immense joy to draw her. When the owner of “Loo” received the portrait she loved it, she could instantly recognize the true essence of her beloved pet. Being a self-taught artist, and drawing only for a year, completing this portrait was an important confirmation to me of my growth as an artist and boosted my self-confidence. It's the best feeling in the world when your art brings so much happiness, not only to myself but to people around me.

NATALYA GETMAN:

Natalya Getman is a former professional ballet dancer and currently directs a preprofessional ballet school in the state of Maine, USA. Just a year ago, Natalya discovered the world of color pencils, being irresistibly drawn to capturing the essence and beauty of nature through her art.

Facebook: Natalya Getman Fine Art



Turners Beach Stones out of Context by Richard Klekociuk
16 x 24 inches, coloured pencil on Canson Mi-teintes

I'm a keen beachcomber, collecting all sorts of objects from the beaches I visit here in Tasmania, Australia. Many of these objects are subjects for my drawings either in a still-life or something more symbolic or spiritual. Do we see such objects differently when they appear in an uncharacteristic setting? Do they take on a different meaning? Are beach stones in a box far away from the sea, recognisable as beach stones, or are they just stones? Do they still possess their 'beach spirit' or is that totally lost. Does the only hope of identification only to be found in the drawing's title?

RICHARD KLEKOCIUK:

Richard’s coloured pencil art is inspired by the Australian landscape. Mark making, weathering, ‘landscape memory’, decay, pattern, climate change, colour, shape and pattern being of particular interest to him in both realism and abstraction. He often favours 'unusual' and 'neglected' subjects.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artkleko



Hello There by Wendi Gunter
12x18 inches, colored pencil on Fabriano Artistico

The reference photo used for “Hello There” caught my eye with several elements that make for a visually appealing painting. I love that this curious horse appears to be looking directly at you, inviting you to interact with it. It seems to be walking right out of the picture towards you with its friendly expression tempting you to reach out and stroke its nose. To give an illusion of depth and motion, the farthest background is blurred and the image becomes sharper and more detailed towards the foreground. Golden-hour sunlight coming from the side and behind provides a wonderful halo and contrast. Warm colors add to the captivating composition. Albeit challenging at times, this painting was a delight to do and is a new personal favorite!

WENDI GUNTER:

Wendi Gunter is a self-taught artist and life-long learner who has loved drawing since she was big enough to hold a pencil. While she captures a variety of subjects, horses are her favorite. She has also taught in-person art lessons/classes for over 20 years, largely to youth.

Facebook: Simple Joys Fine Art: Wendi Gunter, Artist