The Pencil Box - Featured Artists - March 2026

Pride by Alison Edridge
20x24cm, colored pencil on Pastelmat
Photo Reference: Don Barrick

This drawing is based on a stunning photo taken by Don Barrick. I love cats of all shapes and sizes, and when I saw the lion’s striking gaze straight into the camera, I knew I had to draw it. I’ve been drawing with coloured pencils for around 18 months, and this was my first piece completed on Pastelmat without the guidance of a tutorial. Both the drawing process and the finished piece represent a turning point in my life following a difficult period, evoking feelings of calmness, strength, and courage to face whatever comes next. Most importantly for me, this drawing has given me a sense of pride and a desire for my work to be seen, signifying the moment at which I had the confidence to start calling myself an artist.

Alison Edridge:

Alison lives in Hertfordshire in the UK. She has been drawing regularly with coloured pencils since 2024 and joined Bonny Snowdon’s academy in May 2025. She loves the detail that can be captured with coloured pencils, the peace she feels whilst drawing, and seeing the joy her work brings to others.

Myra by Christie Rodgers
19.7 x 27.5 inches, 50 x 70 cm, colored pencil on Pastelmat
Photo Reference: Pixabay

Myra was commissioned by a neighbour who wanted her at this large size. This is only the third human I have attempted, and while I don’t usually do commission work, something in this wise woman’s expression compelled me to try. This is also the largest piece I have done. While I didn’t stick entirely to the reference in terms of colours, I was proud of my achievement when I had finished, and while not really knowing how it would be received, I told my neighbour she was under no obligation to take it. She was delighted, and currently it is away being framed, so happiness all round.

Christie Rodgers:

Chris resides in New Zealand and began her art journey in 2020. She has tried animal, human, botanical, landscape, and still life subjects. As a retired scientist, she loves the detail able to be created with pencils, be it moss-covered rocks, catchlights in the eyes of animals and birds, or human expressions.

Facebook: Christie Robyn Art

Long Lake Boats by Denise Marks
8x10 inches, colored pencil on Stonehenge
Own photo reference

My family vacationed for two weeks every year on Long Lake, Wisconsin, in the summer since the 1960s. This was the old pier and boat my father used at the resort. He’d fish every morning and every evening, every day. One day, that pier collapsed when friends gathered on it to see what he had caught! No one was hurt, just soaking wet, and they laughed about it often through the years.
This drawing brings back special memories of the good times our family and friends shared up there at that beautiful lake.

Denise Marks:

Denise Marks began colored pencil drawing when a dear friend suggested she take classes with her about 10 years ago. Denise has a degree in Communications Design and enjoyed typography projects, but she found that creating with pencils brings out her love for detail and blending in her drawings.

Teaching My Buddy the Ropes by Sharon Cromer
16x20 inches, colored pencil on Strathmore Bristol Smooth 300 Series
Own photo reference

When I saw the excitement and enthusiasm of these two little boys wanting to be real cowboys, I just had to capture them on paper. It warms my heart to see especially kids, or even grownups, have a dream or goal and take the time and effort to achieve it, no matter how long it takes them. Speaking from experience, I know how much regret one can have from not pursuing their dreams. At 76, I am just now living my dream with my art. We need to hang on to those childhood dreams, no matter what age we are, and not forget the happiness they gave us to begin with. I sincerely hope that these two young ones can realize and live their dream of becoming cowboys someday.

Sharon Cromer:

Sharon Cromer lives in Northeast Texas, where she spends her days working on commissions, primarily portraits of animals and Western/Cowboy art. She has had several pieces entered in shows over the past four years at the Pearce Museum in Corsicana, TX.