Welcome to August and CP Magic August 2026. Let’s take a closer look at what’s inside.
About CP Magic August 2026
FEATURED ARTIST: Deborah Griffis
Effective Shading Techniques: Smooth Drawing Paper
Donating Art: A Good Idea? A Bad Idea?
Drawing Paper Review: Strathmore 500 Series
2 Ways to Make Your Art Look Better
Product Review: Bostitch Quiet Sharp 6 Sharpener
40 pages
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Featured Artist: Deborah Griffis
In Her Own Words
Deborah Griffis 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. She gives every subject the same level of detail and care.
Tutorial
Deborah’s tutorial is a botanical subject on a white background, in which she turns 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
Effective Shading Techniques: Smooth Drawing Paper
by Carrie L. Lewis
Carrie shares a few tips for effective shading on two types of smooth paper. These are easy suggestions you can start using today.
Donating Art. A Good Idea? A Bad Idea?
by Carrie L. Lewis
Carrie speaks from experience in this article on donating art. There are good reasons for making art donations to your favorite charitable cause, and equally good reasons not to do it. Get the low down on those reasons if you’re considering donating artwork.
Drawing Paper Review: Strathmore 500 Series
by Kim Vlahovich
This month, Kim is trying Strathmore 500 series paper. This paper is unique in that it’s quite heavy and is 100% cotton. If you’re looking for a nice, sturdy drawing surface, this might be the paper for you.
2 Ways to Make Your Art Look Better
by Carrie L. Lewis
Are you getting tired of your artwork looking less than professional? Do you want to change that? Carrie shares two very simple ways to make your art look better and you can begin on your current work in progress.
Product Review: Bostitch Quiet Sharp 6 Sharpener
by Carrie L. Lewis
This month introduces a new column reviewing tools and equipment for artists, and we begin with a heavy duty electric pencil sharpener. Carrie shares the pros and cons of this classroom quality sharpener.
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.
