The Pencil Box - Featured Artists - November 2025
Corresponding with the art gallery that is featured each month in Ann Kullberg's COLOR Magazine, The Pencil Box blog series will give artists a bit more space to share insight and inspiration about their colored pencil art. Make sure to check out FB group links at the bottom of this post. Call for entry is posted every month in participating Facebook groups—join in the fun and your artwork could be featured, too!
Roar by Agata Siemiatkowska
21x15 cm, colored pencil on drafting film
Photo ref: Pixabay, photo credit Pkline
This work was created for a charity auction that will take place in October this year, supporting wild cats at Big Cat Sanctuary near Ashford, Kent, UK. The auction is organised by an artist, Sarah Lake, and when I heard about it, I didn't hesitate to take part. As a passionate animal lover, being able to support animals through my work feels like a dream come true.I have visited the Sanctuary before which is conveniently not far from where I live, and seeing the incredible work they do, made me even more eager to contribute. I hope my piece can help to make a difference for these amazing creatures.
AGATA SIEMIATKOWSKA:
Agata Siemiatkowska is a proud member of Association of Animal Artists and she specialises in realistic hand-drawn pet and people portraits. Agata is an animal lover, and she is passionate about capturing the unique character and beauty of every subject she draws. She primarily work in pencils.
Facebook: Agata Siemiatkowska Art
Want to Play? By Alison Watson
21x30 cm, colored pencil on drafting film
Photo ref: AGoldPhoto Pet Photography
“Want to Play?” is only the fourth animal drawing I’ve completed using the wonderful medium of coloured pencils. From start to finish, this piece has been a journey of exploration and discovery. Working on double matte drafting film—a new surface for me—challenged and inspired me to experiment with new techniques and embrace plenty of trial and error along the way. Through this process, I wasn’t just aiming for a realistic likeness of the pup; I wanted to capture its personality, its energy, and the emotion behind those playful eyes. Every mark was a deliberate step toward that goal. Each piece I create is part of an ongoing learning process—built layer by patient layer. With “Want to Play?”, I hope the viewer can feel not only the joy and curiosity of the subject, but also the heart that went into bringing it to life.
ALISON WATSON:
Alison is relatively new to the medium of coloured pencils but feels like she’s found her niche. Alison has always been drawn to realism and discovered inspiration in the beautifully executed art of Bonny Snowdon. She sets her sights on reaching a similar level of skill and expressive depth…one day!
Serenity and Grace of Shan Hill by Hleing Aye
12x15 inches, xolored pencil on Pastelmat
Photo ref: Kyioo Elthar
Shan Hill is located in eastern part of Myanmar. She is more than a portrait. This portrait is a tribute to the elegance and quiet strength of the daughters of the Shan Highlands. Her gentle gaze reflects a longing that reaches beyond the horizon, as if listening to the whispers of the breeze that weave through the hills. Through her presence, we glimpse the harmony between humanity and nature, the poetry of silence, and the eternal promise of hope. She embodies the melody of the highlands — serene, graceful, and everlasting.
HLEING AYE:
In 2024, he held his first solo colored pencil exhibition, “The Art of Colored Pencil,” where he showcased 64 works that highlighted both realism and emotional depth.
Pest, Springer Spaniel Portrait by Nicola Bird
30x40cm, colored pencil on Clairefontaine Pastelmat
Photo ref: John Burroughs
Pest is a lively and characterful springer spaniel who adores water and loves exploring the woods and fields near home with her brother, Buda. Together, they make “Budapest,” a name that holds special meaning for their owners, John and Rachel. I especially love that in the reference photo, Pest has one damp ear—an unmistakable sign of a recent splash during one of their long walks. A few years ago, I had the joy of drawing Buda’s portrait, and I was thrilled when John and Rachel asked me to create Pest’s portrait as a companion piece to complete the pair.
NICOLA BIRD:
Specialising in custom pet art, Nicola’s artwork captures each animal’s true character with realism and care. By layering pigments, she achieves depth and texture, transforming blank paper into vibrant, detailed works that celebrate treasured pets.
Facebook: Pet Pawtraits By Nicola
These artworks are published in the NOVEMBER 2025 issue of COLOR Magazine.
FEATURED ARTWORKS FROM OUR FACEBOOK PARTNER GROUPS