I am very proud to be able to share my Artist’s Profile in COLOR coloured pencil magazine. It is always a thrill to see my portraiture published, and COLOR magazine from Ann Kullberg holds a special meaning for me.
Early artistic inspiration
I first discovered Ann’s work in a book in my local Cornish library when I was about 16 years old. It astonished me that coloured pencil could be employed to create realistic drawings. And I was even more excited to see portraiture, as it was uncommon in the limited reference books that were available to me. It was such a formative moment that I still remember so clearly.
Although drawing like Ann Kullberg seemed utterly impossible to me, I was inspired, and that seed of a possibility grew into the artist I am today. So to now, decades later, see my coloured pencil drawings in her magazine, it is such a thrill. 16 year old Tamsin would never believe it!
Portraits drawn with coloured pencil
The featured drawings are a mix of commissioned portraits, and two pieces that were inspired by Réhahn Photography‘s beautiful work.
Take a closer look and discover what is possible with coloured pencils. My portraits that are featured in my artist’s profile are An Apprentice of Indigo, Bhutan Women, An Age of Indigo, Sita and Dancer.
Coloured pencil is lesser known than other art mediums, but is increasingly making a name for itself in the hands of a great many skilled artists. I enjoy the slow, patient layering that it requires.
Starting out with coloured pencils
If you are new to coloured pencil drawing, I would recommend you spend as much as you can afford on a good, basic kit. Coloured pencils are an investment, as more budget varieties will not blend or layer well. So although tempting, they are a false economy.
I always use Faber Castell’s Polychromos pencils, and I draw on Stonehenge paper by Legion. You can see that in my pencil tin, some colours are definite favourites whilst others are barely used. You can buy coloured pencils individually, so it can be helpful to start with a few in a range that you will use, and then supplement as you gain more experience.
