It’s a late summer night, and we’ve been Sketch Festin’ all day! Let’s take a look at some of the creativity that’s come out to play, then make sure you click over to the full gallery and explore some more.
“Beach Witch” by Jenna Wing-hu
Jenna Wing-hu did this quick digital sketch inspired by Becca Moore’s prompt. This delicate and whimsical Beach Witch sports appropriate coverage in her wide-brimmed hat.
“Fire Fairy Dance” by Becca “Boo” Moore
This playful and dancing fire fairy was sketched by Becca “Boo” Moore – and you can pick up the original pencil drawing on copy paper for only $15.
“Gizelle and Conall” by Ellen Million
Ellen drew two of her favorite characters from the novel Tropical Christmas Stag: Gizelle and Conall! She said, “I couldn’t resist the excuse to sketch these two. It’s been WAY too long since I just sat down and sketched!”
“Grey Fox” by Mayumi Ogihara
This sultry and intense fellow drawn by Mayumi Ogihara was inspired by William “Kenku” Swiftfoot’s prompt, “Grey Fox.” Commenting on her digital sketch, she shared, “He might be featured in a fantasy male portrait colouring book I’m thinking of creating in the future.” We hope she does!
“Ocean Communion” by Shelley M. Walker
Shelley M. Walker drew this vital and wild beach witch taking part in an “Ocean Communion.” Her piece is colored pencil on paper.
What was your favorite piece? Don’t forget to check out the rest of the #EMGSketchFest 122 gallery – and leave some comments for our awesome participants!
Our eleventy-first Sketch Fest has come to an end! But that doesn’t mean the gallery’s locked – some additional illustrations may be added as our artists finish uploading the creations inspired by their claimed prompts.
You should definitely swing by the full gallery – in a bit. Let us whet your appetite with some featured illustrations first.
“Lily” by Maigan Lynn
Inspired by Julie Rabischung’s prompt of “lotus flower mermaid,” Maigan Lynn drew this pale and long-lashed fish-tailed beauty. “Lily” is drawn with colored pencils on 5.5″ x 8.5″ on toned paper. Pick up the original for $35.
“The Blue Fox Carried by a Balloon” by Erich Heidewald
Erich Heidewald drew this delightful blue fox who’s “[f]loating, floating away!” with a whimsical grin on their muzzle. This illustration is colored pencils on 3.5″ x 5.25″ on 60 lb sketch paper.
“Little Red Hen” by Kathy Nutt
There’s a sublime watchfulness in Kathy Nutt’s line drawing of a “Little Red Hen.” We can just see this chicken giving a mischievously loud bacaw before shimmying her feathers and looking for feed.
“Queen of Shadows” by Mayumi Ogihara
Mayumi Ogihara sketched this “Queen of Shadows” with her vulnerable yet piercing gaze and perhaps a hint of a raven-feather collar and a truly impressive crown. This is an unfinished digital sketch inspired by Maigan Lynn’s “the darkest dark” prompt, and Mayumi may finish it after some more brainstorming time.
“Storm Fairy” by Katherine Rose Barber
“Storm Fairy” by Katherine Rose Barber is a breathtaking sketch of tempestuous beauty. She also did a speed-sketch of this, which will be up on her YouTube later – be sure to check it out.
“Just Wondering” by Peter C.M. van Herpt
This majestic gorilla by Peter C. M. van Herpt was created in pencil and pastel pencil and inspired by Nathalie Edelhirsch’s prompt of “just wondering.”
That’s it for tonight – click over to the full gallery for more, and join us here tomorrow when we announce the dates of the next Sketch Fest!
We continue celebrating 25 years in business with today’s entry in our EMG Story series. Wondering what we’re doing? Start here with our introduction.
Now, let’s listen as Mayumi Ogihara tells us her EMG Story:
“From the Depth of the Ocean”, $30
“The first time I heard about EMG was when Katerina Koukiotis and Jenny Heidewald told me about this fun and addictive sketch jam that’s happening every month, and they were right! I joined Sketch Fest in August 2012. It took me a couple of years until I decided to join because I didn’t feel comfortable having 1 hour time limit to work on a sketch, but I got over that part really quickly, and before I knew it SF became an event I look forward to every month. My inspiration often comes from words and phrases, so using prompts to create sketches are a perfect way to get my creativity going. It’s also very interesting and inspiring to see how other artists interpret prompts in their own unique way. I have created many sketches during the past 6 years of SF sessions. I hope to have a chance to further develop those sketches into fully detailed drawings some day.
In addition to SF, I’m participating in Portrait Adoption and Coloring Books, and my graphite drawing “Medusa” was featured on the cover of EMG-Zine September 2012. Thank you for all your hard work, Ellen. I’m very happy to be a part of this creative community!”
Would you like to share your EMG Story with us and perhaps see it featured on our blog? Email Deborah here.
Saturday may be wending to a close, but we’re still sketch festing the night away! It’s our 101st Sketch Fest, and you’ll find the gallery full of playful cats and fairies, and pieces inspired by unicorns, Game of Thrones, and the Victorian era.
Enjoy our featured illustrations, then take a dip into the gallery!
Becca broke out a brand new sketchbook for this “Toadstool Fairy,” and she commented: “Warming up with a steampunk fairy!” This toadstool-appreciating fairy is on 5.5″ x 8.5″ Canson Mixed Media paper. And you can snag the original for only $20!
“From the Depth of the Ocean” by Mayumi Ogihara
Inspired by another of Becca Moore’s prompts, “Spooky Mermaid,” Mayumi Ogihara drew “From the Depth of the Ocean” from the deeps of her own imagination and this reference. This illustration is Col-Erase brown and white charcoal on 5″ x 7″ toned paper – and could be yours for $30.
“Keeper of the Last Summer Light” by Kir Talmage
This warm and homey sketch that creator Kir Talmage titled “Keeper of the Last Summer Light” well-evokes the last lights of summer. She commented, “I need more anatomy/life drawing lessons! These arms are giving me so much trouble! But I like her expression.” We do, too!
“Luna” by Maria Gonzalez
Maria Gonzalez drew the wonderfully enchanting “Luna” as a play on Mayumi Ogihara’s prompt “luna moth fairy.” You can take home the original 4″ x 6″ sketch in colored pencils on an toned paper for $16!
We’re signing off for the night, so head on over to the full #EMGSketchFest gallery – it’s free to sign up and participate!
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!
Wow. Our artists have just been blowing us away, helping us celebrate #EMGSketchFest 100 in true style! We can’t get over all the remarkable portraits, funny and whimsical illustrations, 3D art and so much more – there’s acrylic pouring in the gallery, everyone! It’s amazing!
You MUST check it out – and let us tease you into clicking over there.
“Sunshine” by Monika Holloway
The sheer amount of character Monika Holloway captures in “Sunshine” simply radiates off the page. Graphic pencil on 7×9 cotton paper.
“Bubbles” by Elisa Ferguson
Elisa Ferguson’s “Bubbles” captivates us with its vibrant colors! Here’s what Elisa said about this piece: “Bubbles float through all water, but they really like mermaids! This red haired beauty really likes her bubbles.”
“Koi Mermaid” by Becca “Boo” Moore
A “Koi Mermaid” gives a coy flick of her tail in this sketch by Becca “Boo” Moore. “I enjoy drawing mermaids and koi, so whenever I can combine them, I’m happy!” Becca commented. The colored version of this is available for only $25!
“Remembrance” by Mitzi Sato-Wiuff
Mitzi Sato-Wiuff’s “Remembrance” makes us pause at the wistfulness so artfully captured in the graceful line of her neck, her lowered eyelids, and her parted lips. Sakura Micron in sepia on 5×7 Bristol vellum.
“Seahorse” by Elma Bree
This “Seahorse” from Elma Bree looks like it’s rather been caught out of turn! Those bubbles and that eye look surprised. Elma said she’ll be finishing the 5×7 sketch on watercolor paper with watercolor markers. You can pick up the original for $8!
“A Green Man” by Ellen Moore
We love to see people playing with three-dimensional art, and this greenman from Sketch Fest newcomer Ellen Moore puts a smile on our faces! This fellow was made with Sculpey and measures 2×2.5. Ellen thinks it might end up being a brooch or a necklace.
“Moon Princess” by Mayumi Ogihara
Our last featured illustration for now is this gorgeous portrait from Mayumi Ogihara – this “Moon Princess” glows pensively under the lambent light of the moon. This illustration was done in Col-Erase brown, white charcoal, and white acrylic paint on 5×7 toned paper. You can purchase the original sketch for only $30!
What are you waiting for? Hop on over to the #EMGSketchFest 100 gallery and celebrate the rest of Sketch Fest with us! Leave comments for the artists, share your favorite pieces with your friends (makes sure to use our official hashtag on social media), and register now so you can participate in next Sketch Fest as well. There’s just over an hour to go!
Welcome to Ellen Million Graphic’s Featured Artist of the Week! Each week, we select an EMG artist and share their work and history. We hope you enjoy getting to see incredible artists this way.
This week, the spotlight turns to Mayumi Ogihara! Originally from Japan, Mayumi now lives and creates in BC, Canada. While she began as primarily a portrait artist, she discovered a talent and love for creating fantasy art – which she’s been practicing with great skill and passion ever since. You can discover more about her, explore her a portfolio full of soulful and emotive illustrations, and even watch videos of her process at www.mayumiogihara.com.
“Star Bright”
Mayumi has been an excellent friend and supporter to Ellen Million Graphics for years – her Sketchfest gallery is especially impressive, since she’s been a regular participant for the last four years. She also provides portraits to the Portrait Adoption site, where she even now has several portraits available that are rife with story potential.
Each of the illustrations included in this feature gallery have products available, and we invite you to explore more at her pages over on EMG as linked below.
#EMGSketchFest 99 may be over, but that’s no reason to stop the party! If you wander over to the gallery, you may still find new art – and you’ll definitely find something fantastic! You may even find a piece of art to buy, and you should absolutely leave some comments for our participants!
Let’s do some featured illustrations:
“Dragon and Sleeping Fairy” by Afke van Herpt’s Cousin Susan
“Unicorn of the Sea” by Afke van Herpt and her Niece Ronja
First up, we have these great illustrations done by Afke van Herpt’s cousin and niece. “Dragon and Sleeping Fairy” by Afke’s cousin Susan is blamed on Ronja! For “Unicorn of the Sea,” Afke wrote: “My niece Ronja did another collaboration with me! I sketched the horse part, and she did all the rest.”
“Blue and Orange Stockings and the Green Dress” by Heather Kilgore
Heather Kilgore created this dancing beauty, the evocation of a summer breeze in her green dress with sand-and-sea stockings below!
“Nurse!!” by Monika Holloway
Monika Holloway is putting us all in a vaudevillian frame of mind today with her fancy-free depiction of a nurse.
“#Junicorn 16” by Ellen Million
Founder of our Sketch Fest feast, Ellen Million took Mayumi Ogihara’s prompt “Unicorn of Shadows” and ran with it to create #Junicorn 16: “I loooooved this prompt. See more details about my #junicorn project here!”
“Earthdragon” by Katta
Katta went three dimensional and sculpted this adorable earth dragon, resplendent in green and showing their belly and holding on to a brown stone.
“Stardust” by Mayumi Ogihara
The glory of the night sky emerges in “Stardust” by Mayumi Ogihara. This illustration is mixed media on 7×5 toned paper, and you can even purchase the original! Just $27!
“Trinkets and Tentacles” by Natacha Chohra
Inspired by Selina Fenech’s great prompt, Natacha Chohra created this provocative and playful drawing: “Trinkets and Tentacles” is a 5×7 graphite sketch and you can purchase the original for only $40!
Untitled by Kir Talmage
Our last featured illustration for today is an untitled piece by Kir Talmage. Inspired by Edward Cammarota’s prompt, “Blue warrior women,” Kir commented that she’s “just drafting some idea” in this pencil and colored pencils sketch.
That’s it for a super-sized Sunday Sketch Fest featured set! Don’t forget to check out the full gallery, and come back here tomorrow for our After Action Report – completed with more features and our announcement for #EMGSketchFest 100!
#EMGSketchFest 98 will soon come to an end, but that’s no reason to cut short your creative jam! Come on by, claim a prompt, and upload your creation once an hour’s up. It’s perfectly allowed.
Let’s do a few featured illustrations to inspire you!
Oceanid by Mayumi Ogihara
Mayumi Ogihara drew this “Oceanid” with her pensive eyes and expression nearly yearning. Col-Erase brown, white charcoal, and acrylic on 5″ x 7″ toned paper. You can purchase the original sketch for $27.
Vampire Doll by Amy Sue Stirland
Sketch Fest is for all types of creations – artwork, jewelry, sculpture, and even dolls! Amy Sue Stirland started work on this charmingly excited vampire doll: “18” bendable muslin doll. I didn’t get as far as I wanted to in the hour and I might have gone over. Those darn ears. Still to come. Dapper outfit and a flow-y cape.”
Angler Fish Mermaid by Kathy Nutt
We love this weird, disturbing “Angler Fish Mermaid“! Inspired by PeggyB, Kathy Nutt drew this in Micron pen.
Snoozing Cheetah by Afke van Herpt
This happily “Snoozing Cheetah” was drawn by Afke van Herpt in white and black ink on 2.5″ x 3.5″ colored card. You can pick up the original for $17!
Before Monsoon by Maria J. William
Inspired by Mayumi Ogihara’s “Mermaid wearing historical Asian jewelry” prompt, Maria J. William drew “Before Monsoon” in colored pencil, white charcoal, and white acrylic on 6″ x 8″ toned paper. You can purchase prints or even the original – starting at $7 and going up to $40 for the colored pencil drawing.
Are you inspired? Click over to the gallery to discover more, and contribute something yourself! If you don’t feel like creating, leave comments to cheer on our participants.
Don’t forget to check back on our blog tomorrow – we’ll have one last #EMGSketchFest 98 post and announce next month’s Sketch Fest dates!
The clock is ticking down, my friends, to the time when #EMGSketchFest 93 is put to bed! But we’re not quite there yet, so there’s still time to participate – and so many wonders to appreciate. Join me for a sneak peek!
“Snow Leopard” by Nathalie Reinholz
Nathalie sketched this adorable little “Snow Leopard” that captures a bit of that Zootopia spirit quite nicely! You can pick up this postcard-sized original for only $30! Ink on watercolor paper.
“Winter Unicorn” by Ellen Million
This shaggy beauty appears courtesy of Ellen Million and her pencil! This shaggy “Winter Unicorn” is 5.5″ x 8.5″ and the original’s available (to be cleaned up and finished a little more) for $20.
“Moon Crown” by Mayumi Ogihara
Mayumi Ogihara depicted this “Moon Crown” and its lovely bearer with colored pencils, pastels, acrylic, and glitter on toned paper. “I added some glitters on her crown and the fur which you can’t see in the scanned image, but they’re quite sparkly,” she adds. She’s offering the original for only $27, and you can get various prints for $6 – $12.
“Mr. Tumnus and the Lamp Post” by Caitlin Woods
This last one is a winter classic! Caitlin Woods sketched Mr. Tumnus as we first met him in Narnia. It does remind one of a certain gifty time of year!
