WHY CRAYONS?

WHY I USE CRAYOLA CRAYONS AS MY ART MEDIUM


1. IMAGINATION  “Something Magical Is Possible” the same feeling I had as a child when opening a new box of Crayola Crayons remains today. It goes against conventional wisdom to think that fine art could be created with ordinary crayons (at least it was about 40 years ago when I began my journey). It was outside the box thinking then and relates to what Albert Einstein said: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

2. FUN  From my earliest years until sometime in elementary school, coloring with crayons remained to be a creative and fun activity. Later, I discovered the importance of fun and how it plays a significant role in “The Art Of The Crayon” as a learning style that develops sensory perception at all levels. Eyes learn to see, hands develop control, the imagination begins to process as they all work in harmony to release creativity to accomplish the vision.

3. PRACTICALITY  Is an obvious reason for any artist to use crayons. The ease of use, they're non-toxic and their accessibility and economical value are also undisputed advantages. I have paid as little as fifty cents for a box of 24 and did not have a mess to clean up after creating a masterpiece. Even at the full retail price they’re still considered a bargain. For durability, they won’t crack, chip, peel or fade if properly displayed as you would any fine art piece. Budget cuts and lack of funding for the arts have no impact on a medium so practical, economical and obtainable.

4. CONCLUSION  I think “The Old Masters” would consider ordinary Crayola Crayons to be a high-tech palette in a box. I have presented “The Art Of The Crayon” in school classrooms where I have seen students immediately grasp the concept and I have heard positive remarks from teachers and educators of the ongoing benefits of this creative process. “The Art Of The Crayon” offers hope in a turbulent world where “the children’s art medium” can be a welcomed and valued friend to all cultures, societies and people of all ages...making the business of drawing a natural part of the learning process.


CELEBRITIES "IMMORTALIZED" IN CRAYON ARE SHOWCASED IN HAWAII GALLERIES



My latest "Pop Art" Elvis style is in contrast to an earlier crayon rendition created in 1995, where I strived to create photo-realistic images using only a simple box of Crayola Crayons as my art medium. Although I have not moved away from realism with crayons, I've begun to explore the emotional power of the creative process which compels me to think farther outside the box.


Time lapse segment "Elvis in Crayon"




Ruth Buzzi at home with her Jeffrey Robert
 Pop Crayon Art Portrait "Gladys Ormphby" (Laugh-In)





  My trademark signature design crayon nameplate serves to distinguish my art as unique and authentic!





I created this portrait of Charles Gibson while drawing live on Good Morning America. 


Whether it's realism, abstract or impressionism, I love to experiment and expand my imagination with the magic of Crayola Crayons.  Along with my concept of crayons, I am recapturing the enjoyment of the "child within." 

Pablo Picasso once said: "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." I think it’s all about the magic, it’s in my imagination and the fun of crayons inspires me to bring it out.




My new book THE ART OF THE CRAYON (Something Magical Is Possible), is a project I am working on and is dedicated to my biggest fans, the kids. It’s set to contain a large collection of favorite art pieces I have created through the years as inspiration to what crayons are capable of. 

I cannot think of anything more constructive, wholesome and creatively satisfying to the soul than a simple box of crayons.  The secret lies in strengthening the current of creative flow by empowering a child’s creative spirit. The Art Of The Crayon serves as a solid platform which is sophisticated enough to continue building upon for independent and creative thinking.