Welcome to CP Magic magazine for August 2026. Let’s take a quick look at what’s inside.
About CP Magic Magazine August 2026
Featured Artist: Deborah Griffis
Deborah is well known for her lovely and detailed house portraits. But her selection of subjects varies from houses to botanicals and still lifes to animals and landscapes. Whatever her next subject, you can be sure it will be filled with lovely detail.
Deborah’s tutorial also demonstrates that detail. She chose a botanical subject on a white background to turn a River Birch twig into a work of art. This is an advanced level tutorial, rather than a detailed step-by-step, but she shares enough information on process, color selection, and other details to help you successfully complete the project.
Also in CP Magic August 2026
Have you ever wished you could shade shadows more realistically? In Effective Shading Techniques, I share a few tips for effective shading on two types of smooth paper. These are easy suggestions you can start using today.
I also share suggestions for knowing whether donating artwork to a charitable organization is a good idea or bad idea. I donated custom portraits and finished artwork for years, so I speak from experience in Donating Art: A Good Idea? A Bad Idea?. Believe it or not, there are very good reasons for making art donations to your favorite charitable cause. There are also excellent reasons not to donate artwork. Defining those reasons is what this article is all about.
This month, Kim Vlahovich provides an review of Strathmore 500 series paper in Drawing Paper Review: Strathmore 500 Series. This paper is unique in that it’s quite heavy and is 100% cotton. If you’re looking for a nice, sturdy drawing surface that is also archival, you’ll want to read this review and see samples of Kim’s colored pencil work on the paper.
Are you getting tired of your artwork looking less than professional? Do you want to change that? 2 Ways to Make Your Art Look Better helps you do just that. I share two very simple ways to make your art look better and you can begin on your current work in progress.
Two New Features
I’m very glad to introduce a new column this month, a column reviewing tools and equipment for artists. I launch the column with a Product Review: Bostitch Quiet Sharp 6 Sharpener. The Quiet Sharp 6 is a heavy duty electric, classroom quality sharpener with very strong good qualities.
Finally, the Final Pencil Stroke has been a resource page every month this year. For August, I begin spotlighting teaching platforms created and run by artists.
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.
