November rolls around and I have, for the last 3 years, participated in Drawember, a daily colored pencil challenge. Like most challenges, a prompt is given and each artist gives their interpretation of the prompt. To me, colored pencils are a real challenge; they are like pastels. Beautiful colors, in a typically chunky, flaky, messy execution.
Similarly, 2020 has been challenging, chunky, flaky, and VERY messy. But if you look there are beautiful things happening across the country. Fall sweeps in with colorful leaves and craft fairs are dotted across the land. The hope of the upcoming holidays and in all social outlets, art is being created and shared. Museums are opening, outdoor performers and artists venture into the fall air.
There is beauty around us. We just have to stop and seek it out. Look up from the day’s devastation and see what someone has made for you, and for me. Pick up a pencil, brush, or whatever you need to pour out yourself. Each one of us is unique. Every one of us brings a different talent, skill, idea to the everyday world. As different as an individual colored pencil, we come together and create. Each giving a part of ourselves to work together, and make a beautiful life.
1 Corinthians 14:26 – What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
The following sites have some fine colored pencil examples: