Welcome to Sketch Fest Saturday, everyone! More than a dozen participants have thrown their works into the ring so far, and there’s some remarkable creativity and whimsy being revealed in the #EMGSketchFest 102 gallery – you’ve really got to see it.
Enjoy the featured illustrations below, then click through!
“Raven Moon” by Kathy Nutt
Kathy Nutt’s gorgeous “Raven Moon” may or may not have been drawn within the allotted hour – here’s what Kathy has to say about that: “I was merrily drawing away, listening to a pod cast and found I had not set the timer I was waiting for the alarm to go off. I figure it had to be pretty close to an hour but I wasn’t sure so I drew another raven and definitely saw the amount of detail was similar so I figured it was okay to post.” We’re glad you shared it – this raven’s lovely!
“Swan Song Trio” by Tallulah Cunningham
Tallulah’s been rocking the gallery out with some seriously creative responses to prompts today – one of our faves is “Swan Song Trio,” inspired by one of Regina Mailloux’s prompts. “The music they are singing is a line from the ballet,” Tallulah said. “The frog provides the percussion. I think the naiad and the swan have been going steady for a few years – they always rock up to events together.”
“Autumn Butterfly” by Amy Sue Stirland
“Autumn Butterfly” by Amy Sue Stirland is a peaceful scene, inviting autumn along. This 5″ x 7″ watercolor painting can be yours for $15!
“Meditate” by Nathalie Reinholz
“Meditate” is Nathalie Reinholz’s reply to Maria J. William’s prompt of “Keep calm and…” Here’s what Nathalie had to say: “On a leaf. Another mindfulness gnome in watercolour on Arches Hot Press paper.” This gnome joins a beautiful series of mindfulness started in our last Sketch Fest. This 25.9 cm x 12.3 cm watercolor painting can bring serenity into your life for $27.
“Mabon” by Rowan Lewgalon
“Mabon” is definitely a work in progress from Rowan Lewgalon – but we love the quality of the empty robe open against the blue sky and waving fields of wheat. Check back for her completed painting as #EMGSketchFest goes on!
That’s it for our featured illustrations – jump over to the gallery and explore its fairies and ravens and witches – and even Jason Momoa! We’ll feature a few more later tonight.
Welcome to #EMGSketchFest 102! We’re 10 hours into our creative jam this Friday night. Several artists have already submitted sketches to our gallery, so we’re rolling in curious characters, feathered friends, and a mischievous young witch.
New to Sketch Fest? Head over to the site and register for free – then you can participate! Create art of any type using prompts submitted by the community – the only rule is that you must work within 1-hour blocks and upload what you’ve finished at the end of that hour. If you don’t want to create, you can still leave comments cheering others on!
“Ooops” by Elisa Ferguson
Our first submitted piece of artwork this Sketch Fest was the uncolored version of “Ooops” by Elisa Ferguson. She was inspired by Mayumi Ogihara’s prompt, “Oops, I didn’t meant to put hex on you!”
Check out the full gallery and leave some comments for our artists here.
Come back tomorrow for more art features! And if you share your favorites on social media, be sure to use our official hashtag: #EMGSketchFest.
Thanks to everyone who turned out for our 101st Sketch Fest! We had 26 participating artists who collectively created 62 things over our 48-hour creative jam. If you’re just joining us and haven’t seen anything yet – you’re in for a treat!
Check out some final featured illustrations from #EMGSketchFest 101, then get over to the full gallery to enjoy some more and even do a little shopping.
“Golden Leaf Dragon” by Kathy Nutt
“Golden Leaf Dragon” gives us an inscrutable gaze from a haze of golden light – this sketch by Kathy Nutt is done in sepia micron pen and metallic ink wash.
“Toadstool Faerie” by Rosie Wells
This adorable “Toadstool Faerie” by Rosie Wells – inspired by Sarah Alden’s prompt – is ready to be your friend.
“Fire fairy” by Amy Sue Stirland
Amy Sue Stirland’s “Fire fairy” evokes that feeling of August breezes… this piece is 4″ x 6″, soluble crayon on toned tan art paper. You can snag the original for only $15!
“Candy Corn” by Jill Britt
Anyone else longing for Halloween? This irrepressible unicorn by Jill Britt makes it harder to wait! “Candy Corn” is her version of a candy corn unicorn, as prompted by Rosie Wells.
“Meditating” by Nathalie Reinholz
When you’re ready to find a little serenity, Nathalie Reinholz’s “Meditating” makes a great visual companion! Prompted by Katta with “rainbow gnome,” this piece is the orange gnome of Natta’s series. This is watercolor on ARCHES hot pressed 300g. She says, “I am much into mindfulness and painting as practice counts.” We agree!
“The Last Summer Light” by Regina Mailloux
Regina Mailloux’s “The Last Summer Light” evocatively captures the feeling of a hot afternoon and floral-gazing pensiveness. This is a grahite and pastel sketch on 5″ x 8″ Strathmore toned paper – you can purchase the original sketch for $25!
“Totoro” by Paola Zunico
Our last feature is from Paola Zunico, who drew this majestic and whimsical Totoro! Paola says, “I always loved the movies from studio Ghibli. Makes me feel so much love and peace. I did this Totoro like a tribute to this movies.” This sketch on Canson paper can be purchased for just $30, and measures 5.5″ x 8.5″.
That’s it for our features from #EMGSketchFest 101 – head to the gallery now for the rest! And don’t forget to mark your calendars for Sketch Fest #102, which will be held the weekend of September 7-9.
Saturday may be wending to a close, but we’re still sketch festing the night away! It’s our 101st Sketch Fest, and you’ll find the gallery full of playful cats and fairies, and pieces inspired by unicorns, Game of Thrones, and the Victorian era.
Enjoy our featured illustrations, then take a dip into the gallery!
Becca broke out a brand new sketchbook for this “Toadstool Fairy,” and she commented: “Warming up with a steampunk fairy!” This toadstool-appreciating fairy is on 5.5″ x 8.5″ Canson Mixed Media paper. And you can snag the original for only $20!
“From the Depth of the Ocean” by Mayumi Ogihara
Inspired by another of Becca Moore’s prompts, “Spooky Mermaid,” Mayumi Ogihara drew “From the Depth of the Ocean” from the deeps of her own imagination and this reference. This illustration is Col-Erase brown and white charcoal on 5″ x 7″ toned paper – and could be yours for $30.
“Keeper of the Last Summer Light” by Kir Talmage
This warm and homey sketch that creator Kir Talmage titled “Keeper of the Last Summer Light” well-evokes the last lights of summer. She commented, “I need more anatomy/life drawing lessons! These arms are giving me so much trouble! But I like her expression.” We do, too!
“Luna” by Maria Gonzalez
Maria Gonzalez drew the wonderfully enchanting “Luna” as a play on Mayumi Ogihara’s prompt “luna moth fairy.” You can take home the original 4″ x 6″ sketch in colored pencils on an toned paper for $16!
We’re signing off for the night, so head on over to the full #EMGSketchFest gallery – it’s free to sign up and participate!
What an AMAZING Sketch Fest! There was so much energy and enthusiasm, and it means a lot to me that you guys had fun and got involved. #EMGSketchFest is one of my favorite projects, and it would be really boring (and pretty pointless) if it was just me. 🙂
Fifty artists participated, making more than 325 sketches, and there were so many lovely comments and wonderful prompts to work from. Thank you for helping us make this one of the biggest and most beautiful events we’ve had in a while!
Thank you so much to everyone who came out and played this weekend at Sketch Fest #100!
Be well,
Ellen
It’s true, everyone! When all was said and done, Sketch Fest #100 featured 50 participating artists and 382 total uploaded creations to the gallery. Wow! You absolutely owe it to yourself to wander through all of the artwork and maybe buy a sketch or original – there are some really amazing pieces in there just waiting to hang on your wall.
Now, let’s announce all of our prize winners:
Comments Keep Us Going – Our 5 random winners are: Julie Cooper, who wins a 6×8 print with matching magnet by Maria William; Katerina Koukiotis, who wins a collection of 3 5×7 prints by Sarah Alden; ElmaBree, who wins a postcard of “Sea of Stars” and stickers by Nathalie Edelhirsch; Rosie Wells, who wins an original ACEO of your choice by Jenny Heidewald; and Mayumi Ogihara, who wins a coloring book of her choice by Selina Fenech.
Most Popular Prompt – This one was a tie between Nicole Madden and Rosie Wells! They will each receive a mystery bag (3 ACEO prints each) by Mayumi Ogihara.
Super Supporter of Sketch Fest #100– The person who purchased the highest value of art this Sketch Fest was Julie Cooper, with Ed Cammarato as our runner-up! Julie and Ed will both receive a selection of ACEO prints by Katerina Koukiotis (one of each she does this Sketch Fest).
Most Creative Use of Prompt– We had a really tough time choosing the winner of this category – so we’re awarding two Honorable Mentions as well! The artist with the most creative use of a prompt this Sketch Fest was Rosie Wells for “Operation: Fluffy Cuddles,” and she will receive an 11×17 print, an 8.5 x 11 print, and her choice of coloring sheet or bookmark by Sheryl Abid. Our two Honorable Mentions are Amy Sue Stirland for “Glittering Eye Blank Book” and Deirdre M. Murphy with “Warning, DM Whimsical When Bored” – they will each receive one print from Cindy Hill!
Sketch-crazy! – Jenny Heidewald submitted THIRTY-ONE sketches during the official #EMGSketchFest 100 hours! She wins a copy of From The Deep coloring book by Ellen Million.
Opening Bell Artist – The first artist to submit a sketch was Milkycat with “Storm of Petals,” and she wins a print from Cindy Hill!
First Hurdle Artist – Tara N Colna was the first artist to submit five sketches this Sketch Fest, and she’ll receive a customized original 4″ x 6″ character portrait from Julie Rabischung!
First 3D Artist – Afke van Herpt was the first artist to submit a 3-dimensional sketch or other work, such as sculpture, jewelry, crocheted piece, etc. and has won a wee dragon charm by Whimsical Dreams Art!
Collaboration – The best collaborative work, here defined as the best collaboration between prompt and art, was selected by our guest judges Afke and Ronja! Katerina Romanova wins this prize for “Shy,” and will receive an ACEO by Afke van Herpt and her niece Ronja!
Submission by Someone 12 or Under – Shell’s 7-year-old daughter Willow took this prize for “Am I A Rainbow?“! Our guest judges Afke and Ronja made the selection, and Willow wins an ACEO from them.
Sketch Fest Newbies – We had four new participants in our 100th Sketch Fest: Ellen Moore, Ellen Wilberg, J. Ryan Decker, and Regina Mailloux. Each of our newbies will receive an ACEO print and postcard.
And here’s our last series of featured illustrations – we hope you enjoy this final taste of Sketch Fest #100!
“Happy 100!” by Francis Bax
First up is this gorgeous example of handlettering in watercolour brushpen and tangles in black fineliners in honor of our 100th Sketch Fest. Thanks for this, Francis Bax!
“Mr. Meowington” by Maria J. William
We can’t get over how adorable Maria J. William’s “Mr. Meowington” is! This colored pencil, white charcoal, and white acrylic illustration is on toned paper and measures approximately 6×8. You can pick up prints of this fine feline for only $7-$10!
“Glittering Eye Blank Book” by Amy Sue Stirland
“Glittering Eye Blank Book” by Amy Sue Stirland is an upcycled plain spiral bound blank book with Velcro closure and won one of our Honorable Mentions for Most Creative Use of a Prompt. Amy said, “This was a book that was given out by a major company as a promotional item. I have reworked the cover for the prompt.. only one eye, and the scales are raised and nicely shimmery.” It measures 5.5 ” x 4 ” and contains 20lb weight white pages numbering 80.
“Heart of Peacocks” by Julie Cooper
Of her “Heart of Peacocks,” Julie Cooper says, “This is the first decent peacock I have managed to do. I might colour but not too sure.” We love this bird and hope you do!
“Oni Fox” by Erika Harm
We’re thrilled with this strikingly colorful ACEO from Erika Harm! Here’s what she says about “Oni Fox“: “I wanted to blend the idea of an oni and a kitsune into one mask. Ink!” You can pick up the original artwork for just $15!
“Alarune” by Ellen Million
Ellen Million, the founder of our Sketch Fest feast, created several fantastic art cards this Sketch Fest! Here’s her interpretation of an alarune. You can pick up the original ACEO drawing for only $8!
“Waiting for Autumn to Come” by Janna Prosvirina
Our last featured piece is this lovely illustration by Janna Prosvirina. “Waiting for Autumn to Come” is ink pen on Bristol measuring 4″ x 6″. You can grab the original ink sketch for $12, and you can get a download to print out as a coloring page for only $3.
That’s it for #EMGSketchFest 100, a truly remarkable milestone. We can’t wait to see you at Sketch Fest #101, which will be August 24-26, so mark your calendars!
#EMGSketchFest came to an explosive end earlier this evening with a flurry of creative activity, leaving us with over 7 pages of art! We’re delighted, excited, and can’t wait to share some final featured illustrations and the names of all our winners with you tomorrow.
We’ll announce the dates for #EMGSketchFest 101 in tomorrow’s post as well!
For now, we’d like to close out the night with a shout-out to all our new Sketch Fest participants – you’ll each be receiving a small Sketch Fest Newbie prize from Ellen Million to commemorate your first round in our creative jam!
“The End of Mourning” by Regina Mailloux
Regina Mailloux gave us this captivating sketch inspired by Katerina Koukiotis’ prompt “The Yellow Dress.” This illustration, “The End of Mourning” is a graphite sketch with gouache washes on 9×12 Canson watercolor paper. Regina’s made the original available for only $40!
“Her Black Sunflower” by Ellen Wilberg
Ellen Wilberg drew this lovely freckled woman with her black sunflower and attendant butterfly – all inspired by Cindy Hill’s prompt – in ink on 4×6 watercolor paper.
“The Lost Fox” by J. Ryan Decker
This whimsical sketch from J. Ryan Decker drew a chuckle – we love the homage to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince and we do appreciate the humor in it!
And we’ve already featured a piece by our fourth newcomer – Ellen Moore’s sculpted “The Green Man” was featured in our last post.
Come back tomorrow for our full After Action Report, to find out who’s taking home prizes, and to put the dates of our next Sketch Fest on your calendars!
Wow. Our artists have just been blowing us away, helping us celebrate #EMGSketchFest 100 in true style! We can’t get over all the remarkable portraits, funny and whimsical illustrations, 3D art and so much more – there’s acrylic pouring in the gallery, everyone! It’s amazing!
You MUST check it out – and let us tease you into clicking over there.
“Sunshine” by Monika Holloway
The sheer amount of character Monika Holloway captures in “Sunshine” simply radiates off the page. Graphic pencil on 7×9 cotton paper.
“Bubbles” by Elisa Ferguson
Elisa Ferguson’s “Bubbles” captivates us with its vibrant colors! Here’s what Elisa said about this piece: “Bubbles float through all water, but they really like mermaids! This red haired beauty really likes her bubbles.”
“Koi Mermaid” by Becca “Boo” Moore
A “Koi Mermaid” gives a coy flick of her tail in this sketch by Becca “Boo” Moore. “I enjoy drawing mermaids and koi, so whenever I can combine them, I’m happy!” Becca commented. The colored version of this is available for only $25!
“Remembrance” by Mitzi Sato-Wiuff
Mitzi Sato-Wiuff’s “Remembrance” makes us pause at the wistfulness so artfully captured in the graceful line of her neck, her lowered eyelids, and her parted lips. Sakura Micron in sepia on 5×7 Bristol vellum.
“Seahorse” by Elma Bree
This “Seahorse” from Elma Bree looks like it’s rather been caught out of turn! Those bubbles and that eye look surprised. Elma said she’ll be finishing the 5×7 sketch on watercolor paper with watercolor markers. You can pick up the original for $8!
“A Green Man” by Ellen Moore
We love to see people playing with three-dimensional art, and this greenman from Sketch Fest newcomer Ellen Moore puts a smile on our faces! This fellow was made with Sculpey and measures 2×2.5. Ellen thinks it might end up being a brooch or a necklace.
“Moon Princess” by Mayumi Ogihara
Our last featured illustration for now is this gorgeous portrait from Mayumi Ogihara – this “Moon Princess” glows pensively under the lambent light of the moon. This illustration was done in Col-Erase brown, white charcoal, and white acrylic paint on 5×7 toned paper. You can purchase the original sketch for only $30!
What are you waiting for? Hop on over to the #EMGSketchFest 100 gallery and celebrate the rest of Sketch Fest with us! Leave comments for the artists, share your favorite pieces with your friends (makes sure to use our official hashtag on social media), and register now so you can participate in next Sketch Fest as well. There’s just over an hour to go!
We’re nearing 150 pieces posted in the #EMGSketchFest 100 gallery, which is stuffed full of amazement and enchantment – where else can you see fine examples of acrylic pouring mingling with bubbles and mermaids or green man sculpture hanging out with pencil sketches of pegasi and horned women? We’ve got it all!
Including some winners of our 100th Celebration prizes! Read on for their names and a sneak peek of great art you’ll encounter in the gallery.
“Fox Flower” by Jenny Heidewald
Smile at Jenny Heidewald’s “Fox Flower,” an enchanting piece that suggests a tale of whimsy and joy. Jenny is also the winner of our First Hurdle Artist prize for being the first participant to upload 5 pieces to the gallery!
“Shadows and Lace” by Katerina Koukiotis
“Shadows and Lace” by Katerina Koukiotis is an alluring portrait inspired by Jenny Heidewald’s prompt. Katerina had vintage and steampunk notions tumbling through her head when she read Jenny’s prompt! The original 5×7 graphite and charcoal powder sketch can be yours for only $25! You can also get an ACEO LE print for $6.
“Flowers in Her Hair” by Nathalie Reinholz
Inspired by Laura Macy’s “Putting Flowers in My Hair” prompt, Nathalie Reinholz painted this vibrant girl crowned with radiant flowers. Here’s what Natta said about her piece: “My version of ever after painting course. A bumble bee landed on the flowers while painting. I can be satisfied then!” Yes!
“Dashing Rake Sketch” by Kathryn Whiteford
Kathryn Whiteford knows how to draw a man too devilishly handsome for his own good! This rake also lived up to his reputation, even on paper, from what Kathryn had to say: “Augh, men! This guy was such a pain to draw and this is the second attempt of the sketch. Took the whole hour to get him to this point since I started and scrapped my first idea, then started again and finished here. As stubborn as he was, I do like how he ended up.” We do, too!
“Narwhal” by Afke van Herpt
Afke van Herpt sculpted this adorable narwhal from glittery polymer clay, inspired by Sarah Alden’s prompt. Afke explained, “The horn I made a couple of months ago (for a little unicorn workshop I gave). It will get a knitted body.” This narwhal was the first example of three-dimensional art uploaded to the gallery – so Ake wins our First 3D Artist prize!
Did you enjoy these featured pieces? There’s even more to admire in the complete #EMGSketchFest 100 gallery. Hop on over there and share your favorites on social media with our official hashtag.
Have you had a fantastic Sketch Fest Saturday? We have! We’ve been celebrating #EMGSketchFest 100 since yesterday, and we’ve had over 100 sketches (and other creations) submitted to our gallery!
Let’s whet your appetite with a few featured illustrations, then be sure to check the Sketch Fest gallery out! And invite your friends if they haven’t seen it yet – there are prizes to be won.
“Agate Queen” by SpringDragon
Anastasia Bisel sketched this remarkable “Agate Queen,” inspired by Jenny Heidewald.
“Triple Goddess” by Rowan Lewgalon
Rowan Lewgalon drew an enchanting start to a painting inspired by her own prompt, “Triple Goddess.”
“Demonic Butterfly” by Kathy Nutt
“Demonic Butterfly” is a compelling Micron pen sketch by Kathy Nutt, inspired by Anke Wehner’s prompt!
“Moon Princess” by Julie Rabischung
“Moon Princess” by Julie Rabischung is a lovely 4×6 ink, markers, and gel pens sketch. You can purchase the original drawing for $15!
“Spell Weaver” by Tara N Colna
This magical acrylic painting by Tara N Colna is titled “Spell Weaver.” It measures 4×4 and is acrylic paint on a canvas panel. Tara says, “It still may change a little bit depending on how it dries and shifts. All paintings will be for sale but have to dry and cure, and varnish which will take about a month.” Snag the original for only $25!
That’s it for our sneak peeks – you’ll have to visit the gallery to discover more. At least until we’re back this evening with more featured illustrations to share! See you then.
WELCOME TO #EMGSKETCHFEST 100, EVERYONE! We are so incredibly excited to have hit this milestone, and we’re blown away by the response we’ve had from our fantastic Sketch Fest community. So far this Sketch Fest Friday eve, we’ve got 21 participating artists and 47 pieces of art already uploaded in the gallery!
If you haven’t hopped over there yet, TREAT YO’SELF and do it. We also recommend sharing our event with all your friends – there are prizes to be won by artists, prompters, and commenters alike! Check it out:
PRIZES WITH CATEGORIES:
Comments Keep Us Going – 5 people who leave comments during the Sketch Fest will be randomly selected to receive prizes.
Most Popular Prompt – The person who left the prompt with the most uploads at the end of Sketch Fest will receive a prize!
Super Supporter of Sketch Fest #100 – The person who purchases the highest value of art this Sketch Fest will receive a selection of ACEO prints by Katerina Art (one of each she does this Sketch Fest).
Most Creative Use of Prompt – The artist with the most creative use of a prompt this Sketch Fest will receive a prize.
Sketch-crazy! – The artist who submits the most sketches before Sketch Fest ends will receive a prize.
Opening Bell Artist – The first artist to submit a sketch will win a prize!
First Hurdle Artist – The first artist to submit five sketches this Sketch Fest will receive a prize!
First 3D Artist – The first artist to submit a 3-dimensional sketch or other work, such as sculpture, jewelry, crocheted piece, etc. will win a wee dragon charm by Whimsical Dreams Art! (In the event no 3D art is submitted, it will be awarded to the first dragon art.)
Collaboration – The best collaborative work, as selected by our guest judge, will receive an ACEO by Afke van Herpt and Ronja.
Submission by Someone 12 or Under – The best submission from a young artist, as selected by our guest judge, will win an ACEO by Afke van Herpt and Ronja!
PRIZE POOL:
A copy of From The Deep coloring book by Ellen Million
A coloring book of your choice by Selina Fenech
A 6×8 print with matching magnet by Maria William
A customized original 4×6 character portrait by Julie Rabischung
2 mystery bags (3 ACEO prints each) by Mayumi Ogihara
A postcard of “Sea of Stars” and stickers by Nathalie Edelhirsch
A collection of 3 5×7 prints by Sarah Alden
3 prints by Cindy Hill
An original ACEO of your choice by Jenny Heidewald
A 11×17 print, a 8.5 x 11 print, and choice of coloring sheet or bookmark by Sheryl Abid
RULES
Anyone may enter to win these #EMGSketchFest 100 prizes! Sketch Fest submissions must be uploaded at the site, not here on Facebook. Sketches must be uploaded by the end of the Sketch Fest, which will close at 5PM Alaska Time (9 PM ET). Contact us with any questions!
OUR FIRST WINNER!
Our first winner is Milkycat, who won Opening Bell Artist with her 5×7 ink sketch WIP inspired by Mayumi Ogihara’s prompt, “Goddess stnading in a storm of petals.”
“Storm of Petals” by Milkycat
We can’t wait for her to finish “Storm of Petals!” The original will be available for purchase at $18!
That’s it for tonight, but remember – Sketch Fest doesn’t sleep! Check out the full gallery whenever you wish to see all the amazing art being shared, and don’t forget to leave comments for the artists! Also, when you share your faves on social media, make sure you use our official hashtag: #EMGSketchFest.
