We have so many of your colored pencil favorites packed into one issue! Barbara Dahlstedt won our “Editor’s Choice” award in the 2019 Annual Art Competition, so we are especially thrilled to have her stunning piece “Made in America” grace the cover as our July Featured Artist. Her work has earned her high praise and awards, and I know you will be excited to learn more about this seasoned colored pencil instructor.

Famous for his sizable, dramatic artwork, Jesse Lane is here to offer his Top 10 Tips for colored pencil artists.

“Artist of the Year” Bonny Snowdon demonstrates the Slice Craft Knife, a top nominee for “Tool of the Trade” in our 2020 Annual COLORED PENCIL Awards.

Amy Schulke from Vanilla Arts gives a fantastic summer tutorial on a glass of lemonade. Having always loved her art and website, I was thrilled to have her agree to teach this workshop.

Cynthia Knox is a top nominee for both “Artist of the Year” and “Art Instructor of the Year” in the 2020 awards. She is coming out with a highly anticipated book Realistic Still Life in Colored Pencil, and Quarto Publishing has given us a sneak peek with an excerpt on “Creating a Pleasing Composition.” If you are a subscriber, you are all set to win in our random drawing at the end of the month.

Our very own moderators answer some questions in the Q&A that will give you some insider information to help you get more from posting on art group pages.

Crayola seems to have thrown their hat in the premium colored pencil arena – but are they really competitive or just for fun? Find out as we check out three of their lines.

If you hate doing hair, you are not alone. Kelly Welch will show you why hair doesn’t have to be hard with some excellent tips.

If you are a print subscriber, look for your free Grizaye Painting: Single Strawberry sample. Just start drawing or follow our suggestions on page 6. Digital subscribers will receive a discount coupon to buy this in our store. Also available is our new Grizaye Painting Kit: Beautiful Berries. Create a stunning 8×10” piece, sure to impress!

I hope you are all staying healthy and safe. Keep focused on positive things, so you can bring light to someone who needs it!

Sally Robertson
Editor-in-Chief

Thank you to this month’s sponsors:

 Blick Art MaterialsJerry’s Artarama  | Quarto Publishing