I hope you are staying cool and are working on an art project. If you are a cat lover, this issue is for you! This month we are featuring Japanese artist Kudo Haruki. I was so impressed with his photo-realistic felines that I had to invite him to be featured, despite having to overcome our language barriers to do it. It was a bit of a struggle, but we are so happy that both parties were determined to make it happen. Once you see his art, you will know why it was worth the effort!
Let’s get started with our Book of the Month, The Complete Book of Textures for Artists by Steven Pearce, Denise J. Howard, and Mia Tavonatti. Our excerpt comes exclusively from Denise, who beautifully illustrates a variety of textures in colored pencil. This book is packed with samples, and if you are a subscriber, you are entered to win a copy in our random drawing.
Next, Tina S. Gagnon discusses the history of colored pencil in the world of fine art. After reading Jerald Popes article, you might think twice about throwing out those pencil nibs. He shows you how to get every last bit out of them, to cut down on waste and money. Pet portrait artist Sema Martin just put out a new book titled Art is My Career. As someone running a full-time business taking commissions, she has a lot to share to help you find your first clients. Look for the link to listen to her interview with John Middick of Sharpened Artist. John is also joining us to teach in this month’s Workshop Series with his red Train Boxcar.
In the Spotlight, are the new Lightfast Paper and Inktense Paper pads by Derwent. Get all your questions answered, then purchase one of our limited Pro Paper Packs to try before making that big investment. Sign up to win on our Giveaway page! www.coloredpencilmag.com/giveaway
Last, we have an unusual surface that Kathi Darby and her students have been working on. She will explain the pros and cons of this industrial felt for those interested.
Reminder: This is your last month to submit to the COLORED PENCIL Magazine’s 2020 Annual Art Competition! We have great prizes by Caran d’Ache, Legion, and Blick, as well as inclusion in our gallery, magazine, and calendar. If you are a subscriber, be sure to use your one free entry! All submissions will be part of our 2020 gallery. Enter and view last year’s gallery at www.coloredpencilmag.com/competition. The deadline is September 1st.
Social Media News: We live in an ever-changing world that is tough to keep up. With all the new social media platforms popping up, and it’s hard to know where you want to see us. Currently, you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Flickr, Pinterest, and even Patreon.
MeWe is expected to grow to 100 million members by the end of this year, due to its privacy policies that block user targeting, face recognition, and newsfeed manipulation. It is very similar to Facebook but without the advertisements.
Most options are “free forever” but to help pay for the site, you can purchase a Premium Plan ($4.99 a month) to include video & voice calling, themes, stickers, and more.
If you join MeWe, you can find us at https://mewe.com/p/coloredpencilmagazine. Share your artwork and make some new friends on our new colored pencil group there at https://mewe.com/join/coloredpencilart
Not interested, no problem – we still have our other pages and will meet you there as always!
Sally Robertson
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you to this month’s sponsors:
Blick Art Materials | Caran d’Ache | Derwent | Jerry’s Artarama | Quarto Publishing