The Pencil Box - Featured Artists - November 2024

Morrigan by Ariesian Brooks
12x16, colored pencil o drafting film

This piece was created for my niece, who's middle name is Morrigan, the Celtic goddess associated with crows and ravens. I don't often get to illustrate wildlife, as I'm a pet portrait artist, so I really wanted to have fun with this one and pushed the colors in the wings to be a little more vivid than in life, and I think it works wonderfully. My favorite part of the piece is, of course, his soft tummy feathers. I love how they look so soft! I'm so proud of this piece, it is only the second bird I have ever drawn.

ARIESIAN BROOKS:

Ariesian is a semi self-taught Pet Portrait & Wildlife Artist living in western North Carolina. With a lifelong passion for drawing, she strives to capture the essence and personality of each subject in her work.

Facebook: Ariesian Brooks Fine Art 




Nataka by Linda Kueneman
9 x 12 inches, colored pencil on Fabriano Black

Lions conjure a sense of strength, fearless loyalty, courage, & hold unparalleled exquisiteness. They are mysterious and protective, an innate gift. A lion’s fidelity to their loved ones reminds me of the man instrumental to my embracing, again, my Creative. That man was my Dad. Nataka, named after a beloved fictional character, represents the steps, one in front of another, that I have taken over the last three years. A triumphant battle with cancer & the passing of my Dad, a most trusted confidant. I remember his nudges, “I wish you would do your Art, again.” Always countered with, “Dad, my life is too busy.” In his passing, I have found me. I have found my way back Home. His love still carries me. His love lives inside of me. His love is laced within every piece of art that comes out of me. I poured so much love into Nataka. Love always wins.

LINDA KUENEMAN:

Although, possessing a Masters Degree in Nursing & working as a nurse for 23 years, creating is where Linda's heart dwells. She has found a golden balance between the two. She is so grateful to have found her way back Home.



Innocence by Pauline Stuart
35x25 cm, colored pencil on Pastelmat

This drawing is of my beautiful granddaughter. The photograph was taken in a busy hotel and caught her shyly peeping out from her chair watching the world go by. There was something about her expression of wonderment of her surroundings that I found captivating and couldn’t resist trying to portray in this drawing. We are living in such difficult times in an unstable world where we worry for the future for our children but I feel this portrait conveys the innocence of a child without a care in the world. It is only my second portrait but she was a joy to draw.

PAULINE STUART:

Pauline discovered coloured pencils in retirement in 2021 after searching for a hobby that was relaxing but also presented her with a challenge to learn new skills. After briefly dabbling in watercolour she found pencil artist Bonny Snowdon on YouTube and became hooked on the medium.

Facebook: Pauline Ruth Art 




Green Frog by Susan Hillmeyer
7x9 1/2 inches, colored pencil on Pastelmat

This color pencil painting of a Cascades frog was created to honor this remarkable species and raise awareness of its environmental challenges. I was drawn to its beauty, capturing its intricate patterns, delicate webbed feet, and knowing glint in its eyes. The painting serves as a testament to the species' significance and a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts. During a fishing trip with my son and grandson, I encountered a Cascades frog out of the water due to polluted runoff from forest fires. I decided to create a painting to honor it. Through meticulous layering of color pencils in shades of green, brown, black, and white, I brought the frog to life, capturing its intricate details and its natural camouflage. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the painting serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation efforts. The Cascades frog, like many amphibians, faces threats like habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, exacerbated by the fires. By highlighting its beauty and fragility, I hope to inspire others to appreciate and protect.

SUSAN HILLMEYER:

Susan Hillmeyer is a lifelong resident of Durango, CO, who recently retired after a successful career as a pharmacist. Three years ago, a gift of an online art course sparked a newfound passion for color pencil art.