About Pencil Artist Kelli Swan

My Education, Interests and Hobbies

As an Artist I specialize in the striking effect of black and white illustration in the mediums of pencil or pen & ink. My detailed pencil drawings depicting various themes have won many awards in prestigious juried art shows. In addition, my work has been published on magazine covers, special event program covers, and in a variety of publications. My artwork resides in collections in Europe, the UAE, and the United States. Educated at the University of Akron in Ohio, I received my BFA with Summa Cum Laude honors.

I draw my inspiration from a life-long love of animals and nature. Fascinated with drawing at an early age, I began winning art competitions in Jr. High School. High School brought a heightened interest in drawing, and a few more awards. Thus the special devotion to my artwork began. I participated in extra-curricular art classes and was receiving commissions by the age of 16.

Using a variety of pencils, I create depth and movement through the use of perspective, rich tonality, and number of rendering techniques. I begin with research and photograph studies of my subject(s). Next, I explores various creative approaches with a series of rough sketches. These sketches are refined and ultimately lead to a final line-composition. Then, the final rendering begins. It can require 100 hours or more to complete a large pencil drawing.

I own and operate Cygnet Graphics Ltd, the company through which I publish and sell my work. Many of my drawings feature the pen name “cygnet” as part of the signature. The word “cygnet” refers to a young swan, as all this started for me at a very early age. Thus the incorporation of Cygnet into my business and drawings.

My interests include reading, hiking, swimming, prayer/meditation. I also greatly enjoy superb films and movies that make me think. My favorite movies list includes: The Sound of Freedom, Flight, Argo, Peaceful Warrior, and Secretariat. My favorite reading material includes the Bible and the works of Emanual Swedenborg.