“Each year I take time to write one or two articles about my artwork,” Lewandowski said. “In the case of the upcoming pieces, both were previously released to other publications, and because of how well they were received, other magazines requested the articles. I always look this as an opportunity to present my artwork to new audiences.”

The first article deals with the issue of working on an oversized colored pencil drawing. The headline, Sizing Up the Composition, addresses the early planning requirements, looks at the segmented approach to each stage and provides a list of the materials used along with a supporting progress image.

“Artist magazine is a popular art publication in this country and copies are generally available in bookstores, grocery stores, art supply businesses, art galleries and libraries (including Alpena County Library),” said Lewandowski.

The second article takes a look inside a waterscape drawing. The drawing, “Cascading Water XXVII,” was originally created for a publishing company based in England and Wales.

Courtesy Art Above is Alpena artist Erwin P. Lewandowski’s colored pencil drawing “Falling Water XX.”

“When the leadership of the UK Coloured Pencil Society learned of the release, they immediately contacted me to see if I could obtain permission to reprint the material in their magazine,” Lewandowski said. “Permission was granted provided that credit be given the company since it was a paid for article. They also insisted on a minimum delay of 8+ months before publication.”

The article breaks down the drawing into six stages of development and includes a supporting photo for each stage plus a list of the materials used.

“I’ve learned to enjoy the process of sharing my approach and techniques with people; especially with individuals who work with the colored pencil medium,” said Lewandowski.

In December, the artist was informed that his entry, Oceanside IX, was selected for the 8th Annual Inside the Lines Online Exhibition sponsored by the United Kingdom Coloured Pencil Society.

The artist was pleased to learn that two of his Oceanside/Lakeside colored pencil drawings received FAV 15% notices in the October and November FASO BoldBrush Painting Competition. FASO stands for Fine Art Studio Online, and FAV 15% means favorite 15%. This FASO event is held monthly with marketing and prizes ranging from $30,000 to $38,000. The final selections are made by FASO and the FASO staff.

Courtesy Art Above is Alpena artist Erwin P. Lewandowski’s colored pencil drawing “Oceanside IX.”

“Recognition by one of the leading website firms for artists in the world is quite special,” Lewandowski said. “In 2024 I was honored to receive the notice for four months (March, May, October and December),” said Lewandowski.

The artist and his wife reside along the shoreline of Lake Huron in Alpena.

To learn more about the artist, visit his website at: www.erwinplewandowski.com.