Many artists don’t consider colored pencils as a medium for their work, even though they can be used to create art with incredible color and depth, according to Judy Jacobs.
“Colored pencils are not as messy as many other mediums, are portable and are versatile,” she said.
As a way to showcase the versatility of colored pencils, Jacobs, president of the Colored Pencil Society of America, San Diego District Chapter 202, said the organization puts on a yearly show at the Pacific Beach/Taylor Library.
Judy Jacobs, president of the Colored Pencil Society of America, San Diego District Chapter 202, with one of her framed colored pencil pieces. (Courtesy of Judy Jacobs)
This year’s show, “Mastering Colored Pencils,” opened on April 18 and runs through June 13. It is free to view.
Library visitors will be able to see a variety of colored pencil artworks in the Taylor Gallery/Community Room. All the pieces are done by members of the organization.
“I think people aren’t aware that with colored pencils, one color isn’t what you’re after. We have the ability to layer multiple colors to get new colors,” she said. “Colored pencils are the only medium that is truly transparent and by blending two colors you wouldn’t think go together, you might be amazed at the third color you get.”
The public is invited to a free Meet the Artists reception from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9 in the library at 275 Cass Street. Originals, cards, giclee prints and more will be available for sale and finger foods will be served.
Jacobs encourages everyone with an interest in art to attend the reception.
“By meeting the artists, you can talk to them and ask questions if you see something you really like and it’s all free,” she said. “Although the art will be up for a while, the reception is one of the only times you can meet all the artists and talk to them.”
Loritta “Rita” Slayton won second place in last year’s Colored Pencil Society of America San Diego District Chapter 202 yearly show with her piece “Man of Legion” that is displayed at top. (Courtesy of Judy Jacobs)
Awards will also be given out at the reception. This year’s judge is Scott Williams Simmons. The watercolor artist recently moved to San Diego from Rhode Island. He has exhibited widely and his works are held in private collections throughout the Northeast and beyond.
He has also written and illustrated two fiction books, “Choices Made — A Tale of the Gwerin” and “Broken Ties: A Gwerin Novel.”
Another way to meet colored pencil artists is to attend the monthly meetings of the organization held in the PB Library.
“I have a degree in fine art, and I started coming to the classes more than 10 years ago,” Jacobs said. “Everything I know about colored pencils I’ve learned from this chapter.”
She added the real advantage to attending the meetings is the willingness of the artists to share their knowledge and information.
“It’s exciting. It makes us all better. And we can try to teach you that you can interpret whatever you want to draw with this medium,” Jacobs said.
The monthly meetings of the Colored Pencil Society of America, San Diego District Chapter 202, are usually the second Saturday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the PB Library.
“Everybody is welcome. We usually have some kind of show-and-tell, demonstrations, and teaching of new techniques or information, all of which can trigger your own creativity,” Jacobs said.
Want to go?
Colored Pencil Society of America art exhibit
When: now through June 13
Where: Pacific Beach/Taylor Library, 4275 Cass Street, Pacific Beach
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, closed Sunday and Monday.
Cost: free
Call: 858-581-9934
Website: cpsa202.wordpress.com