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! Little Girl With Hat by Abraham Tovar 11 x 14 inches, colored pencil on Bristol Smooth Creating this portrait was truly a challenge, as it was one of those occasions ..read more

by Robin Rudolph As a child, I had been taught to see colours in faces, particularly black skin which is vibrant with colour. This also allows me to see colours in all areas of life. With various teachers, I vastly improved my coloured pencil portraiture, learning to add more colours to a face. And I can put into practice my lifelong observations with the new techniques I have learned. Journey from 2017 to 2024 I was born into an artistic family and have always been involved in art. In College, I received a BA hons degree in fine art. I have worked in many different mediums. In September ..read more

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! Ladies of the Night by Christina Rosepapa 15x17 inches, colored pencil on drafting film As an Arizona resident, I am inspired by the contrasts and mystery I find in ..read more

by Susan Murray When we think of juried exhibitions and competitions, the word “subjective” often comes to mind, implying that opinions outweigh facts. Unlike competitions in sports or quizzes where winners are clear-cut based on speed or knowledge, art competitions rely on individual judgment. So, why expose our art to such subjective evaluation? Molly, 8 x 12 inches Let me begin by telling you a bit about my coloured pencil story and entering art exhibitions and competitions. I started using coloured pencil in 2017. I drew my friends’ dogs as a surprise gift, they went down so well I st ..read more

The three artists featured in the May 2024 issue of COLOR Magazine Showcase share the stories behind their beautiful artwork here in our blog.  Dancing with the Light by Barbara Dahlstedt 24 x 36 inches Prismacolor, Derwent Lightfast, and Luminance colored pencils and Neocolor II wax pastels on drafting film. (Artist's own photo reference.) During a performance of Ballet Folklorico Esperanza, I had the opportunity to capture a beautiful dancer in natural light. Her white dress became illuminated by the sunlight and the looming storm that surrounded her. I was reminded of the Impressionis ..read more

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! Canyon Creek - November Ice by Clare Hobson 11x14 inches, colored pencil on Opus Watermedia Cold Press Cold November days allow water to transition from liquid to so ..read more

by Michelle Farmer I’ve always been a creative soul. As a child you could find me with a sketch pad, pencil, or paintbrush in my hands, out in the garden sketching tree bark or leaves. For many years, I took watercolour classes with many of my pieces proudly gracing the walls of our family home. In 2022, I took up coloured pencils and I’ve learned a lot since then, usually through trial and error! I thought it might be helpful to share some of my top tips for working in coloured pencil. #1 The Ugly Duckling I think this is one of the biggest things I’d say is, “Don’t give up when your drawi ..read more

The three artists featured in the April 2024 issue of COLOR Magazine Showcase share the stories behind their beautiful artwork here in our blog.    The Royals by Karen O'Neill-Brown 12 x 5.5 inches Polychromos, Luminance, Pablo colored pencils on Pastelmat. Photo from Adobe Stock. The majesty of these beautiful cats drew me (forgive the pun) to this picture, and I had to add them to my collection of big cats. The lioness sits beside her mate with dignity and pride, while her handsome partner wears an almost smug expression. And why wouldn't he look so pleased with himself? After all ..read more

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! Kenyan Maasai Villager 1 by Andrea Drake 16x11.5 inches, colored pencil on Pastelmat My initial inspiration for attempting this drawing was the colourful handmade je ..read more

by Frederique Horton Six years ago I started my coloured pencil journey, one that has now led me to be a finalist in different competitions and being exhibited. But more on that soon! Looking At You, 12 x 18 inches Let's go back to when it started, when a chance encounter with someone - who is now a very close friend - introduced me to coloured pencils. I had no idea about this medium (other than when I used to use them in school). I had no background in art, and certainly none in coloured pencils, so how did I fall in love with this medium and want to draw animals? I would say through she ..read more