Endless Possibilities

Gemma Gylling has found that the properties of colored pencils allow for an array of techniques, styles and values

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People will often ask me, “Why do you only draw animals?” The answer is simple—because I love them! My art is inspired by my love and passion of wildlife and animals. The animals speak to me in a very special way and because of that I try to help them speak to you through my art. I strive to portray the velvet touch of their fur, the sound of their roar or the plight they are living to exist. I have been drawing animals since I was a very young girl. It’s exciting to me as they evolve on the paper. I enjoy examining the texture, colors, shapes, drama of light and energy found in nature.

Another one of the questions I’m often asked is “Why colored pencils?” I appreciate the transparency of the medium and laying down layer after layer to create a depth of reality. I like how I can have so much control of each little line on the paper, the wonderful textures you can create or the smoothness of an eye that appears as if it’s wet or made of glass. The colored pencil medium is an amazing medium that gives you endless possibilities. I love how you can spend just a few minutes or endless hours and never have to clean a brush or make a big mess.

I first discovered colored pencils in the year 2000. I read an article about a colored pencil artist and was absolutely blown away with what could be done with this medium. I knew right then I was going to put my oil paints and brushes away and learn this medium. I have never looked back.