It’s a Sketch Fest Saturday night, and you know what that means – we’re staying up late and getting creative! We’re over here gossiping away over a bevy of choice prompts – and by gossiping, I mean mulling them over and making art. You’re missing out if you don’t join in. If you don’t feel like creating something yourself, our participants would love comments cheering them on.
Pride of first sketch in #EMGSketchFest 106 goes to Julie Rabischung!
Little Dragonlings of Winter and Spring
Julie gave us this adorable and whimsical pair of dragonlings, one embodying the new life and blooming moments of Spring while the other captures the whimsical and cozy essence of Winter. If this one makes you “aww…!”, don’t sleep on it – the original painting is available for purchase and it’s only $15. 5×7 original ink pen sketch on Bristol.
Check out the rest of the gallery, where you’ll find another two dozen pieces waiting to be discovered. Share your favorites on social media, and be sure to use our hashtag #EMGSketchFest when you do.
What a wonderful Sketch Fest we had last weekend! Twenty-one artists joined us and contributed 50 creations to the Sketch Fest gallery – we have thumbnails and watercolors and colored-pencil illustrations. We have a Christmas teddy bear, wonderland winter foxes, sweet Christmas mice, and polar bears, too – alongside Christmas tree cats and curious blops, folkloric illustrations and more.
And did we mention the art for sale? Snag originals and prints for all your friends this holiday season – just look for the red border in the gallery to discover what’s on offer.
Let’s have some final featured illustrations before we go.
“Mistletoad” by Nathalie Reinholz
The holiday spirit gets a little earthy in “Mistletoad” by Nathalie Reinholz – Nathalie was traveling this weekend but still managed to squeeze in this sketch!
“Kitten in Christmas Tree” by Tara N Colna
Tara N Colna uses photography with “Kitten in Christmas Tree” to demonstrate that the struggle is real when you have kittens and Christmas trees together: “Can’t keep the new kittens out of the tree. This is Oreo getting caught, her brother Beelzebub jumped out before I could get him.”
“Next Step of the Plot” by Kir Talmage
We love this super-quick sketch from Kir Talmage! “Next Step of the Plot” captures the raccoon’s hopeful deviousness as he dons a disguise to steal Santa’s sleigh… “The plans were ready. The diagrams were complete. All he needed now was his disguise.”
“Christmas Mermaid” by Sarah Alden
Sarah Alden created this beautiful “Christmas Mermaid” and she has a question for us all: Sarah will be coloring her soon and asks, “Do you think I should keep the shell crown or go with more of a holly wreath crown instead?”
“Silent Night” by Erich Heidewald
Feel the warmth of joy in your heart with this “Silent Night” landscape featuring a family of rabbits in scarves around a cheerful campfire.
“I put it on a gear” by Charlie Galvin
This charming Christmas tree from Charlie Galvin made us grin! Here’s what Charlie said about it: “It counts as steampunk because I put the tree on a gear, right? The tree is also decked out in Edison bulbs. 🐙” We think it counts, too!
We hope you enjoyed this, and we hope you’ll participate in our next Sketch Fest in February! Enjoy the holidays and follow us on Facebook for the latest #EMGSketchFest updates.
Our December Sketch Fest is nearly over, and it’s been seasonally appropriate and inspirational! Jump over there to check it out, and maybe even pick up a gift or two – prints and original sketches are for sale.
Let’s have some featured illustrations:
“Warm and Fuzzy” by Amy Sue Stirland
Amy Sue Stirland sketched this adorable “Warm and Fuzzy” pig, and she says: “This cutest fluffy piggy is enjoying his first snow in a warm winter cap.” She plans on finishing the 8.5″ x 5.5″ illustration with watercolor/gouache.
“Polar Bear and Her Cubs” by Peter C.M. van Herpt
Peter van Herpt’s animal illustrations never disappoint, and this protective polar bear with her two cubs is no different! This sketch was done with pencil, pen, and ink.
“Christmas Cardinal” by Sally Gilroy
This sketch of a “Christmas Cardinal” from Sally Gilroy easily conjures the feel of a bright, crisp day and the birdsong all about. We can even see the colors!
“The Sweetest Mouse” by Katerina Koukiotis
Evelyn Henderson left the prompt of of “sweetest mouse” and Katerina Koukiotis delivered with this sweet creature! “The Sweetest Mouse” is a 5″ x 7″ sketch in colored pencils – and an ACEO LE print is available for only $6!
“Unimpressed and Ornamented” by Tallulah Cunningham is another illustration that made us laugh out loud – the expression on this giraffe’s face is priceless! Tallulah created this illustration with color pencils and pen on a paint swatch card.
We hope you enjoyed these illustrations – why don’t you head over to the full gallery and leave comments for our artists? And don’t forget to shop!
Welcome to #EMGSketchFest Saturday! It’s bitter cold and/or rainy in the multilocational EMG offices, so we’re looking forward to staying warm and getting creative with all of you. Let’s take a look at some featured sketches from the gallery so far.
“Winter Forest Guardian” by Kathy Nutt
Kathy Nutt got the first sketch in this Sketch Fest with her imposing “Winter Forest Guardian,” which she describes as “Ent sketch with Micron pen.”
“itsapolarbear!” by blopdotink
blopdotink has joined us for another Sketch Fest, sharing “itsapolarbear!” from her blopmess Christmas calendar: “It’s a continuous story with an ink illustration per day until Christmas and I am excited to base it (partly) on sketchfest prompts again. Let’s find out what mischief my blops are up to and what role their newly discovered ‘polar bear’ plays.” We can’t wait to find out!
“Cats in a Christmas Tree” by Julie Cooper
I laughed out loud when I saw Julie Cooper’s “Cats in a Christmas Tree.” I feel like this is exactly what would happen with enough cats around sparkling lights, shiny tinsel, and something to climb.
“Beary Christmas” by Linda Sayegh
This adorably fluffy bear was created by Linda Sayegh: “A cute little Teddy Bear getting ready for Christmas. Colored pencils and a bit of Sharpie paint pen on toned Canson Mi-Tientes acid free paper. 5 x 7 inches.” You can actually purchase the original sketch of this piece!
“Red in Snow” by Harkalya Reveur
Our final sketch – for now! – is “Red in Snow” by Harkalya Reveur and we really hope she does more work on it! She said she spent 20 minutes rough sketching here to create a concept sketch.
Head over to the full gallery to check out more illustrations – register for free and leave some prompts for our participants! And don’t forget to use our official hashtag of #EMGSketchFest when sharing your favorites on social media.
Having a relaxing first Sunday in November? We hope you are! And if you’d like to enjoy some art, you should head over to our #EMGSkechFest gallery – it’s still going for another hour and we’ve got some fantastic art to share with all!
Let’s have some featured illustrations:
“Snow Queen” by Katerina Koukiotis
We’re entering the Snow Queen’s winter domain, and she’s watching us closely with something that looks a lot like delighted anticipation. Prompted by Edward Cammarota, Katerina Koukiotis drew her snow queen in pencil and pastels with white gel pen. You can get a LE ACEO print of this 5×7 original for $6.
“Poppy” by Sally Gilroy
When a sweet little dormouse offers you poppies, how can you say no? Sally Gilroy drew “Poppy” in pastels and markers, inspired by Julie Cooper’s prompt.
“Sugar Plum Fairy” by Elma Bree
Elma Bree started this “Sugar Plum Fairy” inspired by Keira Knightley’s poster for The Nutcracker and the Four Realms using watercolor colors, pastels, and sparkles.
“Dragon and Fairy” by Amy Sue Stirland
Inspired by Julie Cooper’s prompt, “the littlest dragon and fairy,” Amy Sue Stirland sketched this tiny dragon and their fairy friend. Amy commented: “Wonder if the fairy is trying out a growth spell?” This 8.5×5.5 drawing will be finished with watercolors and the completed original is up for sale!
“Pugicorn” by Charlie Galvin
And, at last, the promised pugicorn! Charlie Galvin painted “Pugicorn” from Julie Cooper’s whimsical prompt. “I took my sketch of the pugicorn and transferred to a 6×6 Fluid watercolor block,” Charlie explained. “I spent a few hours painting and adding detail. I’m very happy with how it turned out.”
We’ve wrapped another #EMGSketchFest, but creations may still be added to the gallery as we head into evening. We’re going to share a few more featured illustrations – enjoy the below, then click over to admire the full gallery!
“Witch Way is Witch” by Katerina Koukiotis
Katerina Koukiotis is getting into the Halloween spirit with “Witch Way is Witch.” The prompt came from Jools62 – here’s what Katerina had to say: “Loved this prompt, thank YOU Julie, combined inktober and some color, 5×7 ink and color pencil on strathmore toned paper .” You can grab a print of this illustration for just $6!
“Wanded Mog” by Tallulah Cunningham
We’re loving “Wanded Mog” by Tallulah Cunningham with its Discworld reference! “A nod to one of Pratchett’s earliest characters,” Tallulah explained. “And Russian Blue cats – because I have fond memories of one in particular. ” You can pick up the original 2.5″ x 4.5″ artwork in Copic marker, white and gold gel pen, and ink on a light, white subtly textured paper for $15.
“Moon” by Deirdre M. Murphy
Inspired by Sarah Alden’s prompt “Glowing,” Deirdre M. Murphy painted this serene and lambent “Moon.” She commented: “I will likely add a tree. Or something.” We’ll keep an eye out!
“Angels and Demons” by Janet Chui
This dream-like composition from Janet Chui is titled “Angels and Demons” from Jools62’s prompt of the same phrase. “Very rough and rushed, but I had fun with it for an hour,” Janet mused. “Will see how polished I can get it after this.”
“Elven Male” by Tricia Danby
Tricia Danby broke out her sketchbook this Sketch Fest and drew this tattooed “Elven Male” using thicker copy paper and ink pens. You can pick up the original 8.5″ x 11″ sketch for just $35.
Those are all our featured illustrations for today – check back this week for our #EMGSketchFest After Action Report for more fantastic art and the announcement of November’s Sketch Fest dates!
We’re a bit over 24 hours into #EMGSketchFest 103, and our participants have not been idle! We have dozens of illustrations in our gallery, ranging from a bevy of witches to a cuddle of cats to angels and elves and demons, oh my.
There are also A TON of prompts – if you’d like to join in, we’ve got plenty to inspire you! Just register on the site (free!) and get started.
Time for a few illustrations to get you excited:
“Octopus Halloween” by Paola Zunico
This adorable orange octopus is ready to celebrate Halloween! Prompted by Jill Britt, Paola Zunico drew this “Kawaii Octopus inspired in Halloween theme.” You can pick up the original 5.5″ x 8.5″ illustration on Canson paper for $45.
“Magic Cat” by Jill Britt
Can you feel the wind of this mischievous “Magic Cat” darting by you? Jill Britt was inspired by Rosie Wells to draw this feline in motion.
“Pangolin Witch” by Kir Talmage
This “Pangolin Witch” by Kir Talmage is the envy of her neighborhood! As she sketched, Kir spent her time looking up references, and “watching part of a variation of The Little Prince. (The starred fox is marvelous!)”
Maria J. William, prompted by Jenny Heidewald’s love of chickens and her “The Witch of the Chickens” prompt, created this gorgeous portrait titled “The Simple Life.” You can snag the original 6″ x 8″ ink drawing on Strathmore paper for only $40 or purchase prints for $10.
That’s it for this afternoon’s featured illustrations! Hop on over to the full gallery now for even more, and don’t forget to use our official hashtag of #EMGSketchFest when sharing on social media.
For our 102nd Sketch Fest, we had two dozen participating artists contribute more than 100 creations to our gallery! We were feeling the onset of fall with a bevy of autumnal faeries, fall-colored owls, candy corn-colored bats, and more. There are over 2 dozen illustrations you can buy – whether original or print – as well!
Check out these final featured illustrations, then wander through the full gallery and leave comments for our artists.
“Flutter Kitty” by Linda Sayegh
This was artist Linda Sayegh’s first Sketch Fest, and she drew several great sketches, including this “Flutter Kitty.” Here’s what Linda has to say: “Adorable little Fairy cat waiting for some snuggles and a new forever home. Thank you to Paola Zunico for the prompt.” This piece was done in colored pencils, Sharpie paint pen, and Signo gel pens on light grey Mi-Tientes acid-free paper. You can purchase the original 6″ x 8″ sketch for $45!
“Sanguine” by Maria J. William
“Sanguine” by Maria J. William depicts the most curious and bright-eyed, shell-bedecked mermaid! Drawn in colored pencils, pastels, white charcoal, and white acrylic on toned paper, you can snag the original 6″ x 8″ portrait for $40 or two different sizes of open edition print for $7-$10!
“Going Somewhere” by Majen Jewel
Welcome back to Sketch Fest, Majen Jewel! “Going Somewhere” is one of her first illustrations for Sketch Fest in over two years and we’re loving it. As Majen said, “It is fun to both follow and lead.” This illustration is drawn in colored pencils and markers on 11″ x 4″ Bristol.
“Monarchs in Autumn” by Paola Zunico
Paola Zunico drew gorgeous, luminous butterflies in “Monarchs in Autumn.” Her 5.5″ x 8.5″ illustration is on Canson paper and can go home with you for only $45!
“Fae Cat” by Erika Harm
Erika Harm drew this “Fae Cat” in all their implicit arrested mischief – invite this feline fairy into your home by picking up the original watercolor painting – 4.5″ x .25″ on watercolor paper, only $15!
“Midnight Riders” by Peter C.M. van Herpt
Feel wild and free when you gaze at “Midnight Riders” by Peter C.M. van Herpt. These moonlit riders gallop across the page in pen and ink from Conté à Paris.
“Rain Song” by Eimiel
Perhaps we can feel the summer fading in Eimiel’s “Rain Song” – a gentle downpour of warm rain with the barest chill. This illustration is graphite and Polychromos colored pencils.
Go ahead and make plans to attend our next online Sketch Fest – #EMGSketchFest #103 will take place October 5-7, 2018 while we’re celebrating 25 years in business! Mark your calendars.
#EMGSketchFest 102 ended earlier this afternoon, but artists may still add pieces as we start the new week. Enjoy these evening featured illustrations, then explore the full gallery!
“Harvest Moon Witch” by Tricia Danby
Tricia Danby gave us this mysterious “Harvest Moon Witch,” silhouetted against the most gorgeous, enormous harvest moon. You can snag a large print of this one – 20 cm x 30 cm – for only $18!
“Autumn Owl” by Regina Mailloux
This captivating “Autumn Owl” was created by Regina Mailloux with graphite and gouache washes on 7″ x 10″ Canson watercolor paper. You can take home the original piece for $30.
“The Mermaid’s Oyster” by Katerina Koukiotis
Katerina Koukiotis created this moving mermaid illustration with color pencils and pastels with no references. Her inspiration came from Camille Chandler, who wrote a poem for the prompt as well – click through to read the poem and admire “The Mermaid’s Oyster.” Snag a LE ACEO print for just $6!
“Witch’s Unusual Pet” by Julie Rabischung
We are beyond charmed at this “Witch’s Unusual Pet” as drawn by Julie Rabischung! Prompted by Mayumi Ogihara, here’s what Julie has to say, “A purple undefined octopus-creature is swimming in the little witch’s potion. It is her favorite and unusual familiar.” You can purchase the original black and purple ink sketch on 5″ x 7″ Bristol for $15!
“Bestowing” by Abi
There’s something eerie and poignant in “Bestowing” by Abi. Inspired by Tara N. Colna’s prompt “The Raven’s Stone,” she was pulled in many different directions before grabbing hold of one and pursuing it. She says, “In my interpretation the Raven’s stone is mounted in the circlet he carries. Here, for reasons that are bound to mystify and perplex, he is bestowing it upon one whom he deems suitable to carry it.” Abi mentioned she might work with this piece more – and we hope she does!
That’s it for our features tonight – hit the full gallery, and come back tomorrow for our wrap-up post. We’ll also be announcing next Sketch Fest’s dates, which will take place during our 25th Anniversary Celebrations!
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.
