It’s Sketch Fest Saturday night – and also time to turn your clocks back if you live in the US! Enjoy an extra hour of creativity this weekend, make some art, and share some comments with all our Sketch Fest participants.
Let’s take a look at some featured illustrations:
“The Little Mouse and Her Toadstool House” by Julie Rabischung
Julie Rabischung submitted the first piece of art this weekend! Her charming illustration of “the little mouse and her toadstool house” was created with colored pencils and ink on 4″x6″ toned paper.
“Christmas Stag Bust” by Tam
Tam is getting into the winter holiday spirit early with this “Christmas Stag Bust,” described as “With candle like horns and a wreath of holly the stag uses the North Star to guide its way.”
“Leaf Fox” by Kathy Nutt
You can just feel the autumn wind this “Leaf Fox” is cavorting in! This illustration by Kathy Nutt is “metallic ink wash over coloured pencil and micron pen.” The colors also match her “Fallen Colours” piece, so those two pieces are now a set.
Have a good Saturday? We sure did! And while it may be drawing to a close, there’s still a lovely Sketch Fest Sunday to go.
Let’s dive into a few featured illustrations here on the blog! Then visit the full gallery.
“Summer Fishing” by Amy Sue Stirland
In the dog days of summer, it’s lovely to sit and fish by a cooling waterfall – particularly if you’re a fairy lad. Amy Sue Stirland painted this lovely scene in watercolors on 3″ x 5″ Bristol. Purchase the original painting for $15!
“Vintage Fairy” by Linzi Fay
This gorgeous “Vintage Fairy” by Linzi Fay is sketched on 5.5″ x 8.5″ toned tan paper. Linzi said, “I used an old vintage photograph to draw this fairy” for that extra touch of authenticity. You can hang the original on your wall for $28.
“Gothic Elf” by Elma Bree
Elma Bree created this rose-and-thorn-draped “Gothic Elf,” inspired by Mayumi Ogihara’s prompt.
“Goblin King” by Sally Gilroy
This graphite sketch of the “Goblin King” by Sally Gilroy has captured the mischief and amusement that Jareth radiates on the regular.
“Moon Fox” by Julie Rabischung
This whimsical and lovely “Moon Fox” was created by Julie Rabischung with ink, white gouache, and watercolors on toned Canson paper. You can buy the original 4″ x 6″ watercolor for $20 or pick up a print for $7.
We’re to bed, the sooner to embrace a creative morrow. Say you’ll join us! There’s still time to sign up – it’s free! – and contribute a prompt. Make sure you leave comments for the artists, too, they’re a hungry lot.
It’s been a creative Sketch Fest Friday! We kicked off this month’s #EMGSketchFest this afternoon, and our participants started creating an inspiring selection of prompts for everyone right away.
There are already two dozen illustrations posted to the gallery, ranging from Space Age Milkshakes to Medusa to a Caticorn and a chubby little groundhog.
“Octopi Tea Party” by Julie Rabischung
The first sketch uploaded to our gallery goes to Julie Rabischung for her completely adorable “Octopi Tea Party.” The original illustration measures 5×7 and is ink and colored pencils on toned paper. You can pick up the original drawing for just $18!
Join us here tomorrow for more featured illustrations from #EMGSketchFest – if you can’t wait, head on over to the full gallery now.
We’ve been sketch festin’ all weekend, and have nearly 100 sketches in the gallery to show for it! You should definitely pop over and explore – there’s even art for sale, so you might find something wonderful for your walls.
Let’s check out some featured pieces to whet your appetite:
“First Glance” by Tammi Sponseller
This piece of a “lovely lady with blue eyes and a diadem in her hair” kicked off Sketch Fest #107. As the first sketch, it’s appropriately named “First Glance” by artist Tammi Sponseller.
“Mermaid’s Narwhal Friend” by Julie Rabischung
Julie Rabischung was inspired by Sarah Alden to create this playful piece: “A little mermaid swimming with her narwhal friend. Thank you Sarah for the lovely prompt!” This 4×6 illustration was drawn with ink, colored pencils, and markers on toned paper. You can grab the original sketch for just $15!
“Narwhal” by Juliana Velasco
Narwhals were a popular subject this Sketch Fest, as you can see in this adorable narwhal watercolor from first time Sketch Fester Juliana Velasco.
“Harajuku Girl” by Corgi
This was Corgi’s first Sketch Fest, and she slayed it! This cute and striking illustration of a “Harajuku Girl,” those iconic Tokyo fashionistas, is a fine example.
“Art Nouveau Mermaid” by Amy Sue Stirland
Inspired by Mayumi Ogihara’s prompt and an Alphonse Mucha piece that she really likes, Amy Sue Stirland drew an “Art Nouveau Mermaid.” This sketch measures 5.5×8.5 and is ink and colerase on mixed media paper. She’s planning to add watercolors. Check back later to see if the original’s available!
“Otters and Orange” by Jill Britt
Jill Britt, inspired by a prompt from Afke van Herpt, drew this wonderful slice-of-life illustration of a mermaid and otter friend titled “Otters and Orange.”
“Hummingbird” by Kelly Johnston
Our last featured illustration for today is this colorful piece from Kelly Johnston – she created a “plum fairy hummingbird pattern sketch” in the one-hour limit.
Now that you’ve enjoyed these highlights, go and explore the full gallery! Meet us back here tomorrow for one more featured post – and be sure to join us for next Sketch Fest, which will take place April 5-7.
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.
#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!
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!
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.
It’s Saturday afternoon, y’all, and you know what that means – it’s another Sketch Fest Saturday! We’ve been having a grand time over in the Sketch Fest gallery, with folks sharing a belly-baring earthdrragon, unicorns galore, sexy ladies, a sleeping moon princess, and even a hippocampicorn! Don’t believe me? Take a look at the featured illustrations below and then dive in to Sketch Fest #99!
“Sun Queen” by RCoots
This is RCoots’ first Sketch Fest, and they submitted this exciting and promising sketch. Here’s what they said about “Sun Queen“: “Thought more about the sun as stars than our sun in particular. When I give this shade and color, she’ll have dark skin with stars scattered over her shoulders and solar flares as her ‘clothing’. She’s holding stars in each of the major color/temp classifications over her head.”
“sun fae” by Julie Rabischung
From Julie Rabischung: “To celebrate the opening of Sketchfest and yesterday’s Summer solstice/ First day of summer ! Thank you Heather for the lovely prompt.” Julie’s sun fae is resplendent in colored pencils, markers and ink gel pens on 4×6 bristol. The original sketch is available for only $12!
“Queen of Bees” by Kathy Nutt
Kathy Nutt’s first sketch this weekend is of a “Queen of Bees” from Julie Rabischung’s prompt, a gorgeous and sweet beginning of royal flora and fauna. This is a WIP and she uploaded a high contrast digital copy of her pencil sketch.
“Unifun Girl” by Elisa Ferguson
Unicorn girls just want to have fun, and this rainbow unicorn girl doubly so! Or, as artist Elisa Ferguson put it, “Some girls are out for fun, this girl is out for tons of it. Unicorns make everything magical.” She’s not wrong!
“Pearls and Amethyst” by ElmaBree
ElmaBree drew this quick little gem inspired by Julie Rabischung’s prompt “Pearls and Amethyst.”
That’s it for now, and we hope you enjoyed these featured illustrations! Tell the artists what you think and head on over to the Sketch Fest #99 gallery to comment on their artwork. You can also register to suggest some prompts of your own, or even get creative with us!
Just remember: when talking about Sketch Fest on social media this weekend, make sure you use our official hashtag of #EMGSketchFest! And click back to our blog later to enjoy some more featured illustrations.
#EMGSketchFest was incredible fun, with 16 participating artists and 68 sketches uploaded – so far! We honestly had more than 16 artists join in this weekend, with several family members of our artists joining in: daughter, husband, niece! You should check out the full gallery, after enjoying our featured illustrations below.
Butterfly Words by Amanda Baker
Amanda Baker took Afke’s prompt “words like butterflies” and created this fluttering and delicate beauty – “Butterfly Words.” And this was Amanda’s first Sketch Fest! (Welcome, Amanda!) Pen and pencil sketch on archival paper.
Polar Bear and the Fairy by Sarah Alden
Then we have Sarah Alden’s “Polar Bear and the Fairy,” an utterly adorable confection of roly-poly polar bear cub and sweet fairy in the snow. She’s eager to draw more polar bears now!
My Pet Dragon by Julie Rabischung
Inspired by Cindy Hill’s prompt, “my pet dragon,” Julie Rabischung created this precious pair – though the dragon is less than pleased! Here’s what Julie said: “Little girl has a new pet and it’s a dragon!!! But the little dragon is not happy at all to be wearing a bow and to be called ‘Squee’…” Graphite and markers on 4×6 Bristol.
Forest by Jenny Heidewald
Jenny Heidewald jumped in with several illustrations, including this lovely portrait: “Forest.” Jenny commented, “I really like how this one turned out in pencil, the soft effect works well.” They did! You can have this sketch for $8 (specially marked down from $10 in celebration of the New Year). Pencil on 2.5″x3.5″ Bristol.
The Witch and Her Cat by Afke van Herpt
We saved another one of our favorites for last! This is a collaboration between Afke van Herpt and her niece Ronja! Ronja drew the witch’s sweet kitty and then Afke added the troll witch herself.
That’s it for #EMGSketchFest 95, but don’t forget to click through to the full gallery!
Sketch Fest will return in March. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to be the first to hear about #EMGSketchFest 96!
