CP Magic June 2026 could easily become a go-to resource for artists at all skill levels, no matter where they are in their art journey.
The focus of this special issue is light. Topics range from taking photos to capturing light in artwork. But there’s much more than that.
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What’s in CP Magic June 2026
Photographing Light
Lighting The Ordinary
by Cynthia Knox, CPSA
This article is the perfect place to begin because Cynthia describes the primary types of light, the direction of light, and how to enhance the effect of lighting in your artwork. Cynthia’s focus is still life arrangements, but the information she shares can be applied to almost any subject in almost any setting.
I Am Not a Photographer
by Lis Zadravec
Lis shares the experience with a photography class that opened her eyes to the magic of lighting. It will hopefully help you in seeing the possibilities, too; whether you’re an ace photographer or not.
The Golden Hour
by Krista Oremus and Sarah Oremus
Mother and daughter Krista and Sarah introduce us to the Golden Hour in photography. What is it? How does it work? Why is it important and just how does it apply to making art?
Drawing Light
Letting Light and Shadow Speak Through Color
by Ann Richman
Ann starts us off in the drawing portion of this issue with tips on depicting light and shadow through color. She includes samples of her own work to show how she uses the concepts she explains to create light in her artwork.
The Significance of Light on Water in Art
by Anda Chance, CPSA, CPX
Anda shares suggestions for showing light on and within water. She also shares four of her pieces to demonstrate the interplay of light and water.
Anyone Can Create Vibrant Color
by Becky Eileen, CPSA
Becky presents the first of two tutorials for CP Magic June 2026. Her tutorial is more of an illustrated article that reveals the progression she uses to create vibrant color and beautiful light in her drawings. But she also provides support information, color selections, and tips for emphasizing light in your artwork. Includes download links for her reference photo and line drawing.
Moonlight on the River: A Tutorial
by Linda Metzger
Linda’s tutorial also concerns light, but at the opposite end of the spectrum. She walks you step-by-step through the process of drawing a moonlit scene with water. Includes a download link to Linda’s reference photo. She does a quick sketch on the paper for the line drawing, and shows you how to do the same.
Chiaroscuro Techniques
by Peggy Osborne
Peggy’s contribution is a discussion of chiaroscuro techniques. What exactly is that? Peggy explains the technique, tells why she chose the subject she chose, and how she brought the light and shadow (as well as the cat) to life with colored pencil.
The Magic of Gray Light
by Carrie L. Lewis
Carrie wraps up this issue with a discussion of her favorite type of light; the gray light of cloudy or rainy days. This article includes some of her favorite photos taken on gray days, as well as what she looks for in such reference photos.
All in all, it’s a wonderful issue packed with information for every artist in every medium, and you can purchase your copy today!
Don’t forget that if you buy 10 or more issues mix and match,
you save 20% off the cover price with the discount code cpmagicdiscount2 at checkout.
