Some amazing things happened this past spring/summer. It’s like suddenly my art life went on overdrive. And I get windblown just writing it all down (I’ve listed everything at the bottom, if you are just curious).
But I know; I can hear you. You are saying “stop already with all the accomplishments!” Okay, no problem. I know there is a fine line between sharing and bragging. (Believe me, I am not bragging… I think I am just incredibly surprised.) But there is really one BIG thing I have to tell you about. Because this is my dream come true. The wishes granted from the genie.
And you know, those don’t come along every day.
In the middle of lots of other art excitement in late May, the Queen of the Colored Pencil Universe, Ann Kullberg, asked me to become a member of her team. After a few days of pinching myself, I accepted. And I am now part her team, bringing you Color Magazine and all of the other wonderful products and tutorials and workshops you find at annkullberg.com. I’ve spent the last couple of months settling-in with Ann and her crew and am now looking forward to all the fun and exciting things we’ll be rolling out for you in the future.
I am also going to be teaching colored pencil workshops across the country. My first two weekend workshops have been scheduled for October 2018 in Keizer, Oregon and Hamilton, Ohio in February 2019. Check them out. They are inexpensive and we are going to have a great time. (Plan to do a lot of laughing!)
When I was in first grade (just a few years ago, right?), everyone in the class was asked to draw what they wanted to be when they grew up. There were the obligatory dreams of being firemen and policemen and nurses and teachers of all the kids around me. I don’t remember my drawing, but I do remember what I said I wanted to be: a commercial artist! I had no idea where the term “commercial artist” popped out from. But I knew it meant that my dream was to make a living from art.
I think my dream is coming true.
From one artist and dreamer to another, a piece of advice: dream large and draw on!
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Here’s all the latest:
Thank you so much, Virginia! I hope you enjoy the column. And if there is something you would like me to focus on in the column or look into, just let me know. Thanks again!
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Thank you so much, Sherry! Im going to work hard to help Ann and her team bring even more CP fun into the world.
gosh why do you have to go all the way to ORegon how about here in the Seattle area. I would love to have you teach at my studio, Ann taught here in May. think about it.
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MarJean, I would LOVE to do a workshop here in the Seattle area and I have had a lot of folks ask me about that, so I think there is enough interest. If you get in touch with Erin Flood through Ann’s website — https://annkullberg.com/pages/contact-us — she may be able to set something up.
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This is the biggest, most wonderful news! I am super happy for you—and all of us who will get more of you!
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Thank you so much, Amy. I am incredibly honored to be able to serve the CP community with Ann and her crew. And I hope to help them be even more effective making artists shine.
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Ann is an amazing mentor. We are so blessed to have her as an art advocate for us all. I have had to pinch myself many times when I think of all she’s done for my art career. I know just how you feel and I think it’s wonderful. I am so happy for you!
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I totally agree with you, Gretchen. Ann is amazing, and we are lucky to have her in the colored pencil community. In a very big way, I think she is integral to us feeling like such warm and talented community. I feel lucky just to know her, and totally gobsmacked to be able to work with her.
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Congratulations on a dream come true. Ann has made many miracles come true in so many lives. Live it to the fullest.
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Thank you, Nancy. Ann is really a very special person and has helped and encouraged so many artists. And the same is true of every member of her team. They are like a family. I am really lucky to have the chance to work with them, and I am going to do my best to help even more magic happen for colored pencil artists!
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Derwent Lightfast Pencil Chart
4 Dec 2019
Attitude of Gratitude
28 Nov 2019
Colored Pencils on Drafting Film Test
13 Sep 2018
Dreams Do Come True
31 Jul 2018
DIY! Create and Print a Full-Size Reference Photo
20 Mar 2018
AUTHOR: Virginia C. Benker August 1, 2018 - 8:35 am
Congratulations Rhonda!!
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Looking forward to seeing and reading your column in Color Magazine!