World of Coloured Pencils 2009 - The People's Choice

All Seeing Eyes (£200) by Edwin Thornber
20 x 15cm
Pencils: Lyra Polycolour, Caran D’Ache Classicolour, Derwent Signature on Bockingford 140lb Watercolour paper
copyright Edwin Thornber

UKCPS is pleased to announce that the winner of the People's Choice Prize at the World of Coloured Pencils Exhibition in Keswick is All Seeing Eyes by Edwin Thornber. Edwin's lovely picture of an owl attracted 19% of the vote although interestingly he did not get an award from the judges.

This is what Edwin had to say about his work.

The image of the owl was the result of a trip to a bird sanctuary for distressed or injured birds. I have wanted to paint a bird of prey for some time but did not have the information, photos etc. This lovely owl was an obvious choice and a few minutes of silence and two good photos resulted in a lovely portrait.

Coloured pencil is a wonderful medium for being so “user friendly” and not much space needed for the completion of works. There is no limit to what can be achieved given a little time and effort and most of all enthusiasm!!

Derwent, who sponsored the exhibition, have donated the prize for the People's Choice award. The prize comprises the following items:

• Presentation wooden box 48 Inktense pencils
• Tin of 6 Derwent Sketching pencils incl. sharpener
• Derwent Journal/Carnet notebook
• 2 Brush pens [1 fine and 1 broad point]

You can read more about the exhibition which has just finished at the Cumberland Pencil Museum in earlier posts as follows:

• Keswick - exhibition opens and awards announced
• World of Coloured Pencils 2009 - Other Award Winners
  
• World of Coloured Pencils 2009 - The Artists
• Keswick: Thanks to Derwent and the volunteers

UKCPS Annual Exhibition - the entry results!

No - I don't mean who's got in!

I mean that Pat Heffer, the Exhibition Secretary has now released the figures for the 8th UKCPS Open International Exhibition 2009 - how many people sent how many entries and how these have changed since last year.

So if you want to know what your entry is up against, read on!

	Last Year	This year	Change
No. of entries	153	162	+9
No. of artists	72	72	no change
No. of entries from the UK	55	61	+6
No. of overseas artists	17	11	-6
No. of artists from:
Canada		1
France		2
Ireland		1
Israel		1
Italy		1
Japan		1
Spain		2
USA		2

It's very likely that the credit crunch has had an effect on the number of entries from overseas - due to the cost of shipping work to the exhibition.

The space available in the gallery at Birmingham is, I understand, bigger than that which has previously been available for UKCPS exhibitions. So we can now all wait with baited breath to see if that means more works are going to get hung this year!

DATES: Finally a reminder of the key dates

• Notification to entrants: 21st August
  
• Handing in day: Sunday 20th September 2009
• Exhibition dates: Monday 21st September to Saturday 3rd October 2009

I'm going to do a reminder about framing once we've got exhibitors have been notified. Please email me if you'd like to send me any tips you have for mats and frames.

FINAL REMINDER: 24th June - deadline for UKCPS exhibition entries

You have three days left to submit work for the 8th UKCPS Open International Exhibition 2009.

You need to post your entry first class tomorrow to be sure it arrives by Wednesday 24th June which is the final day for accepting entries into the Annual Exhibition of the United Kingdom Coloured Pencil Society which this year is being held in Birmingham.

If you post on Tuesday you need to think about paying for Special Delivery (before 12 midday) to make sure it gets to the Exhibition Secretary on time.

Rachel Pesterfeld and Jinny (top)
UKCPS Award for Runner Up - Angels Trumpets (below)
World of Coloured Pencils Exhibition, Keswick
copyright the artist / Photo by Pat Heffer

Below you can find a checklist of things you need to do today and tomorrow if you've not dispatched an entry yet

What you need to do TODAY

Identify your entries

You can enter more than one work!

• UKCPS full members: Identify up to 4 WORKS
  
• associate members: identify up to 3 WORKS to submit
  
• non-members: identify up to two works to submit

Here's a brief checklist of questions - with comments on eligibility

• Is it 100% coloured pencil? (If not, then it's not eligible - the entry form states which media do and do not count as coloured pencils)
• Is it two dimensional? (Collage, montage and three-dimensional work is inadmissable)
  
• Does it demonstrate your own compositional and drawing skills? (You can't copy other people's work in any media)
  
• Did you take the reference photos you used for all or most of your composition/subject? (You can't copy other people's photos - even if you've got permission)
• Did you develop and complete your work without help? (work done under instruction or in class or workshops is ineligible)
• Did you draw over a digital reproduction? (If you did this renders the work ineligible)
  
• Do you have the permission of your subject if your work is a portrait? (You can't use an individual's image without their specific permission)
• Can you provide evidence that your entry is all your own work?
• Is your work for sale? (Only one 'not for sale' work allowed)
  

Number of Exhibition Entries and Entry Fees

Here's table which summarises how many works you can enter and how much each entry costs

	#1 entry	#2 entry	#3 entry	#4 entry
Full member	FREE	£5	£5	£5
Associate member	£10	£10	£10	not applicable
Non-member	£17.50	£17.50	not applicable	not applicable

For future reference if you live overseas, the fees for entering two works is very nearly the same as the annual subscription fee for a full member. It's worth thinking about whether it would be better to pay for a membership subscription!

You need to pay by cheque made payable to UKCPS. To pay online contact the Treasurer (details on the entry form).

Shirley Henderson and (top) Ready when you are
World of Coloured Pencils Exhibition, Keswick
copyright the artist / Photo by Pat Heffer

Complete the paperwork

• download the entry form from the UKCPS website
• measure your work framed AND unframed
  
• unframed is the size of the image
  
• if not yet framed work out the approximate dimensions it would be when framed - allowing for both mat and frame
  
• complete the paperwork
• produce a statement about yourself (this is where artists' statements on websites come in useful!)
• produce a short statement about each work being entered. This will be on a card fixed to the wall next to the work if it is selected
• make sure you say what materials you used (pencls and support)
• work out a price INCLUDING commission for each work
  
• complete your contact details

Create reproductions of the work

• scan or photograph the work
• crop to exclude any background and frames
• adjust to create a faithful image (if you make it look better than it actually is it may get rejected after shipping)
• save @ 300 dpi if printing
  
• a TIFF file provides a better print than a JPEG file
  
• make sure each print is clearly identified and labelled on the reverse
  
• if including the work on CD Rom, remember to name each digital file in a way which makes it identifiable as your work! (eg blogmaster#1, blogmaster#2 or use the title of the work)
  
• create a reproduction of each work
  
• produce a colour print (up to A4 in size)
• produce a colour photo (up to A4 in size)
• use a photographic service to produce a print or photo
  
• save the digital file(s) to a CD Rom
• find something suitable to pack your CD Rom or prints in and/or protect them.

What you need to do tomorrow

• make sure your package includes:
• digital files as reproduction (CD Rom or colour prints)
• entry form
• cheque for exhibition fees
  
• get your package in the post!

Contact Pat Heffer, the Exhibition Secretary if you have any queries - her email address and telephone number are on the entry form

Peter Woof in the 110th Annual Exhibition of The Pastel Society

Topiary Levens by Peter Woof UKCPS
coloured pencil

in the current exhibition by the Pastel Society at the Mall Galleries
copyright the artist / photo Katherine Tyrrell

Former UKCPS prizewinner Peter Woof ASGFA UKCPS has one of his works - Topiary Levens - currently on display in the 108th Annual Exhibition of The Pastel Society at the Mall Galleries in central London.

The exhibition continues until 3pm on Sunday 21st June 2009.

Coloured pencil artists and UKCPS members might like to note that the The Pastel Society accepts entries in: pastels, including oil pastels, charcoal, pencil, conté, sanguine or any dry media. Further details about the annual exhibition are available on the Pastel Society website and the Mall Galleries website

Art Education

Peter trained at the City & Guilds of London Art School then went on to a Postgraduate Course at the Royal Academy Schools, gaining his Royal Academy Certificate in 1981. He was awarded a prize in the 1980 Royal Academy Student show. He won the prize for Best Picture in Show at the Society of Graphic Fine Art annual exhibition in 2004.

Peter has exhibited at the Royal Academy, Mall Galleries and many other galleries in England and abroad. He now lives and works in Leamington Spa and is married with a son and a daughter.

His work today is definitely in the realist tradition. However from his earliest days he has been interested in abstract art particularly looking at the work of the American and St Ives schools and this way of thinking still informs his work today. He wants the picture as a whole to have an abstract strength and presence but also to be particular in detail.

Influences

One of the main influences of his work is Japanese art, Hiroshige and Hokusai to name just two of the many great artists. Their use of flat space, pattern and above all their sense of design. He sees picture making as much about design as looking.

Materials

He uses a mixture of Karisma and Derwent Artist pencils on 300lb NOT surface watercolour paper. He particularly likes the intense colour that can be acheived with the Karisma pencils.

extract from the UKCPS gallery page for Peter Woof

Links:

• Peter Woof - UKCPS website gallery page
• Peter Woof - website
• Peter Woof - Axisweb
  

UKCPS member Janie Pirie wins an RHS Gold Medal!

PEACH Prunus persica 'Springtime'
Janie Pirie SBA GM
coloured pencils
copyright the artist

I had an excited email from Janie Pirie SBA UKCPS yesterday telling me that she has won:

• A Gold Medal from the Royal Horticultural Society. This was awarded at the RHS Botanical Art Exhibition at BBC Gardener’s World at the NEC in Birmingham last week.
• a crystal vase for ‘Best Botanical Artist in Show 2009’.

I’ve just got an RHS GOLD MEDAL!!!!!!! I’m so thrilled as you can imagine! All the work was done in coloured pencil – and the general public were totally amazed at the results one can get with them. We’re spreading the word!!

Securing a gold medal means a lot of hard work. For those who are interested - and to understand better what it is that Janie has achieved - here are the Royal Horticultural guidelines for exhibiting botanical artwork

Consideration will only be given to works that are primarily of botanical interest, and paintings and drawings should be at least life-size. Miniatures are unsuitable for the Society’s RHS shows. To be considered at least eight pieces of work must be displayed.

Particular credit is given for botanical accuracy, exact colour reproduction and attention to detail. Higher awards tend to be given to larger, comprehensive exhibits illustrating a particular theme or plant family. Pictures are judged as a complete exhibit so that, if one or two works are of a lower standard than the others with which they are shown, the level of award will be affected. Gold Medals are only awarded to exhibits of outstanding and consistent excellence.

As far as exhibits are concerned choice of subject is left to the artist. The main emphasis is on botanical interest, and the exhibit should have a coherent theme. Paintings and drawings can be of any dimension (within reason) but, where possible, subjects should be depicted at least life-size. Where the subject is depicted more than life-size a scale must be indicated.

Exhibition of botanical art at RHS Shows - Regulations for Botanical Artwork (Paintings & Drawings)

Earlier this month Janie was also awarded the Runner-Up Best In Show at the UKCPS 7th 'World of Coloured Pencils' Annual Exhibition in Keswick.

You can read more about Janie Pirie in Janie Pirie UKCPS is Highly Commended which focused on the work she exhibited in the Annual Exhibition of the Society of Botanical Artists in April 2009.

UKCPS member Janie Pirie at the SBA Exhibition
with five of her coloured pencil botanical drawings.

______________________

REMINDER: You have nine days left to submit work for the 8th UKCPS Open International Exhibition 2009

10 days left to submit your UKCPS Annual Exhibition entry

There are just ten days left until the deadline for all entries to the 8th UKCPS Open International Exhibition 2009

All entries need to reach Pat Heffer, the Exhibition Secretary by Wednesday 24th June 2009.

Suzy Herbert with her drawing Cherry Blossom
World of Coloured Pencils Exhibition, Keswick
copyright the artist / Photo by Pat Heffer

Exhibition entries can be submitted by members and non members located anywhere in the world. So if you use coloured pencils for your artwork why not have a go at entering?

No original work is accepted. All exhibition entries need to be POSTED with the submission form and can be:

• EITHER good prints or photos (maximum size A4 8.25" x 11.7")
• OR high resolution scans on a CD

Details of where to post the entry is on the submission form which can be downloaded from the UKCPS website

All entries need to detail

• the artist's name
• title of the work
• price
• framed and unframed sizes in centimetres
• brief details about the work - including type of pencils and support used and reasons for choosing the subject.

All entries are viewed anonymously by the jury who only know the title and size of the work.

You can find more details about what work is eligible and how to enter:

• in this blog post - 8th UKCPS Open International Exhibition - Call for Entries
• on the UKCPS website - 8th UKCPS Open International Exhibition 2009

You've still got time to enter if you get started today!

Note: Images are of UKCPS members and their artwork in the current "World of Coloured Pencils Exhibition" at the Pencil Museum in Keswick will feature in reminders about the deadline for the Annual Exhibition over the next 7 days.

Karen Coulson in final of the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year

Siberian Eagle Owl
33cm width x 24cms depth unframed; Caran d'Ache Prismalo coloured pencils on mountboard
copyright Karen Coulson

Karen Coulson has had her drawing in coloured pencils of a Siberian Eagle Owl accepted in the competition to find the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year.

We asked Karen for an interview and this is what she had to say.

What's your approach to wildlife art? Why are you interested in it?

I love the detail and challenge of drawing fur or feathers. I try to capture the essence of the animal in the eye. I prefer to draw a portrait rather than the whole animal or a scene. I do a lot of domestic animal portraits for commission. I enjoy human life drawing aswell but have no desire to complete a human portrait.

How do you generate your reference photos?

I like to go on photographic days with other artists. This year I have been to Port Lympne Zoo in Kent with the Marwell International Wildlife Art Society (MIWAS) and to the British Wildlife Centre in Sussex with a fellow artist. Although these days cost a bit more than normal zoo entry fees you can spend more time up close with the animals and hopefully get better quality pictures.

What's the story behind your piece and why did you choose to enter this one?

I photographed this Siberian Eagle Owl, called Sugarpuff, at Liberty's Rapture and Reptile Centre in Ringwood, Hampshire.

I originally drew him to exhibit at MIWAS Exhibition 08. I entered him into the World Birds behaviour and portrait category because I felt he fitted into the portrait section rather well. I thought his bright orange eye would make an impact. Sometimes you can draw a fabulous picture for a competition, but if it does meet the requirements of what they are looking for, it will not get into the next round regardless of how good it is.

What pencils and support did you use for your artwork and why did you choose them?

I used Caran D’ache Prismalo pencils. They are very hard and sharpen to a fine point. They are also water soluble.To get the intense black feathers I added water to an initial layer of dark brown. Then I applied black over the top. Also, I used a fine brush to pick up some colour to apply some of the feather textures in the body and to define the fluffy feathers around the beak. For my support I used mount board. It will take small quantities of water without sustaining any damage.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background as an artist

I've always enjoyed art and crafts and went to Art College to study fashion and design. Marriage and three sons followed. As the boys have got older - they're now teenagers - I've been able to return to my art and recently was able to give up my part time job to concentrate solely on my artwork.

I've just qualified to be a tutor in adult education through gaining my Level 4 Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector.

I will be demonstrating Derwent products for 2 days and then running a 1 day workshop at the Cumberland Pencil Museum Keswick in July, plus I will be running one day workshops at my local secondary school.

Note: BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year Competition
The competition is new this year, is open to both professional and amateur artists and is free to enter. It has 14 different categories. Each category will have a winner chosen by our panel of expert judges, and their artwork will be displayed with the annual exhibition of the Marwell International Wildlife Art Society and published in BBC Wildlife in August 2009. Plus, the overall winner will be awarded the title ‘BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2009’ and will win a place on the 2010 Festival of Wildlife in Brazil (see far right).