UK COLOURED PENCIL SOCIETY
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the UK Coloured Pencil Society held a gala exhibition at the Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf in London in October 2021. The exhibition, which was also available to view online, featured work by members as well as work selected from open submission. The Artist magazine award went to Anna Gannon for her coloured pencil drawing View Over Dover Castle. Anna, who is self-taught, paints small images (no bigger than A4) with coloured pencils. ‘Creating small portable pieces,’ she writes, ‘not only creates a sense of intimacy but is part of the subliminal message that we all need to take small steps working towards large results in the bigger picture. View Over Dover Castle was inspired by the Impressionists (painting everyday activities yet making them seem extraordinary), Van Gogh’s bold and contrasting use of colour, and the Cubists’ use of shape. I wanted to push the boundaries, contrasting smooth curves with harsh straight lines. I was also reflecting on the need for calm and joy in what sometimes can be a difficult world. Art needs to challenge the viewer and the artist, but it can be a healer, providing respite. This formed the backbone of my project, Happy Places, started as a result of the lockdowns.’
See more of Anna’s work on Instagram @agarciacreations For more information about the UK Coloured Pencil Society go to www.ukcps.org.uk