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!
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!
#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!
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.
We’ve come to end of this Sketch Fest Saturday! We’ve had more felines show up as the day wore on, along with a vampire doll and an amazingly disturbing angler fish mermaid.
Let’s jump in to tonight’s featured illustrations:
My Fractured Heart by Katerina Koukiotis
Katerina Koukiotis drew “My Fractured Heart” in color pencil, pastel, and lots of sparkles. Her “little mermaid with her bubbly fragile heart” was inspired by a prompt from Camille Chandler. You can pick up a limited edition ACEO print for only $6! You can also purchase the original 5″ x 7″ sketch for $25.
Bewitching Smile by Tricia Danby
“Bewitching Smile” by Tricia Danby features, well, a truly bewitching smile. We can’t wait to see this sketch continued!
I Wish by Monika Holloway
Monika Holloway’s enthralling sketch “I Wish” was inspired by Edward Cammarota’s prompt “I wish someone would look at me like that.” This sketch measures 6″ x 9″ on 300gsm ivory paper.
Royal Lad by Finley Mac
Who can forget the Toad Prince? Finley Mac didn’t, and drew this spectacular “handsome and perfect little boy, smeared ink and all.” 9″ x 12″, ink on mixed media paper. This is Finley’s first Sketch Fest, and we couldn’t be more tickled!
Shadows in the Dark by Peter C.M. van Herpt
Peter C.M. van Herpt turned a piercing eye to the night and drew “Shadows in the Dark” in pencil and charcoal.
Those are all our featured illustrations for tonight, but be sure to give the gallery a wander before bed. Then come on over and create with us tomorrow!
Did you attend #EMGSketchFest 96? Our 96th Sketch Fest took place over this past weekend, starting at noon AKT on Friday and concluding at noon on Sunday – and it was an exciting, vital weekend of creativity! 27 participating artists contributed nearly 100 sketches of swamp mermaids, hairy unicorns, dragons with flowers and riders, and so much more!
“The Witch of Rose Quartz” by Sachiko Mili
We also had several new members join us for the first time – including Sachiko Mili, the artist of this elegant, esoteric witch. “The Witch of Rose Quartz” creates love potions and is famous for helping lovers – she always uses rose quartz since its energy is pure. Her loyal crow Edward is always at her side. Sachiko used ink, watercolors, and colored pencils.
“Hairy Unicorn” by Mary Rose Magpily
This handsomely ridiculous and ridiculously handsome “Hairy Unicorn” is one of our favorite illustrated responses to Becca “Boo” Moore’s prompt, “very hairy unicorn.”
“My Favourite Highlander” by Francis Bax
Anyone recognize this hunk of Highlander? I’m sure a few of you do! Francis Bax drew this breathtaking graphite sketch (2B and 4B) over the course of a Sketch Fest hour.
“Spring Has Sprung” by Katerina Koukiotis
About “Spring Has Sprung,” artist Katerina Koukiotis said “we can only hope because in NY [it] still feels like winter but crossing fingers soon enough. This illustration is colored pencils and pastels on 5 x 7 toned paper. (Model reference from FantasyStock.) You can grab an LE ACEO print for only $6!
“Swamp Flower” by Maria J. William
Maria J. William created this beautifully atmospheric illustration of a swamp mermaid from Edward Cammarota’s popular and provocative “the swamp mermaid” prompt. “Swamp Flower” is colored pencils and white charcoal on 6 x 8 toned paper. You can purchase prints at $7 or $10.
#EMGSketchFest looks like fun, right? It is! If you missed participating in Sketch Fest 96, we hope you’ll join us for next month’s Sketch Fest – #EMGSketchFest 97 will take place from April 13 through April 15.
To participate, you need to register at the Sketch Fest site. You can just leave prompts to inspire others, or you can also participate by creating art yourself – and remember! We welcome artists of all skills levels and all sorts – you can create jewelry, knit or crochet, or even write something inspired by the prompts. The only rule is that you work for only 1 hour!
Thanks to everyone who joined us for Sketch Fest 96! We look forward to seeing you next month as well.
Have you been enjoying your Saturday afternoon? We have! There are some spectacularly creative pieces in the #EMGSketchFest 92 gallery that you’re really missing out on if you haven’t been participating.
You don’t have to create anything to join in Sketch Fest – you can just turn up to admire the gallery and share your thoughts on social media! (Use our official hashtag, #EMGSketchFest, if you do.) And if you do create, it doesn’t have to be paintings or sketches – you can do sculpting, knitting, crochet, jewelry-making, whatever you’d like!
Let’s feature some illustrations to get you stoked and clicking through to the full shebang:
“Look at My Mushrooms!” by Shelley M. Walker
Shelley M. Walker shared a fairy with fetching mushroom, flower, and grass foliage atop its adorable head. “Look at my mushrooms!” they cry. How can we not?
“The Queen of the Night” by Mayumi Ogihara
“The Queen of the Night” and her compelling gaze is depicted courtesy of Mayumi Ogihara’s talent and Kathy Nutt’s “Crow Royalty” prompt! This work-in-progress is also up for grabs – Mayumi will be selling the original sketch for $27! 5×7-inch graphite sketch on Bristol.
“Crow Royalty” by Katerina Koukiotis
Speaking of “Crow Royalty,” Katerina Koukiotis brought us a chibi Jon Snow with tiny Ghost! He may know nothing, but we know he’s the most adorable Crow. 5×7-inch ink sketch.
“Ethereal Barn Owl” by Renee Erickson
You can almost feel the wind coming off of Renee Erickson’s “Ethereal Barn Owl“! Renee was inspired by Mayumi Ogihara’s prompt “Ethereal Owl”: “As soon as I read this prompt, the image of a barn owl with the back light filtering through it’s feathers came to mind. Thank you for the prompt Mayumi, I had fun painting this.” The original 12×16-inch oil on canvas may be available for purchase later, so check back!
“Black Unicorn Under a White Full Moon” by Amy Sue Stirland
Our last featured illustration for now is “Black Unicorn Under a White Full Moon” by Amy Sue Stirland! Amy’s notes read: “Doesn’t he look just majestic on that rise?!?” Yes. Yes, he does. “I was thinking of making him darker then realized that I liked being able to see his details. I might make an ACEO that has a full silhouette.” This 5×7-inch black and white pen inks and washes on tinted art paper can be purchased for $17!
We hope you enjoyed this little taste of #EMGSketchFest 92 – now get yourself to the full gallery and discover vampires, goblins, and foxes!
It’s September’s Sketch Fest weekend, and we’re delighted to be here with you all – we’re creating, inspiring, and generally enjoying a whole diverse gallery of art over at the Sketch Fest site.
We’ve even got handicrafts in this one, folks! Don’t miss out.
Oh, but you’re ready for the selection of teaser images? Of course! It wouldn’t be Sketch Fest if we didn’t tease you to hop over to the full gallery.
“berlinstory #15” by blopdotink
Blopdotink had the distinction of getting us started with this lovely and intriguing sequential art illustration! Here’s what they said about a blop discovering a hedgehog: “Again, I am using Sketch Fest to compile a story made up solely of prompts and it’s gonna be a love story again. But not between blops or other creatures, it’s about the love for the greatest city in the world, my humble home town BERLIN.”
“the black cat and the pumpkin” by Julie Rabishung
Julie Rabischung has started autumn off properly, reminding us that October is Halloween and all of September merely Halloween Eve! The original 4×6 ink sketch of this concerned black cat and their adorable jack o’ lantern is available for $12!
“Fall Leaves Tutu” by Amy Sue Stirland
Autumn is an inspired time to make handicrafts, and Amy Sue Stirland has started us off admirably here! Riffing off Mayumi Ogihara’s prompt, “a dress made of autumn leaves,” Amy used fall-toned iridescent tulle and colorful silk leaves to create a whimsical tutu for a well-loved plush.
“Trick or Treat” by Mayumi Ogihara
Speaking of Mayumi Ogihara, she’s gotten into the autumnal spirit as well! She created this creepy cutie, with her eek-inducing hair accessory and tastefully macabre jewelry. If you’d like the original ACEO in graphite, white charcoal, and white acrylic paint on tan paper, it’s a steal at $22. You can also score an ACEO print for only $6.
“The Sorcerer’s Magic” by Katerina Koukiotis
Katerina Koukiotis drew on the mysterious Red Priestess Melisandre (from Game of Thrones) and her admiration for her friend Janna to draw “The Sorcerer’s Magic.” And you can bring home this magical and engaging art card – the $12 original is currently on hold for a prospective purchaser, but you can get a limited edition print for $6!
That’s it for our early afternoon teaser post. Click on through to admire the rest of the gallery. And remember: when you share your Sketch Fest artwork or your favorite Sketch Fest creations on social media, use our official hashtag – #EMGSketchFest!
