Pencil Pushers

Art by Barbaros Karagulmez Photography
Springbok | 500 pieces | 2018
A row of sharpened colored pencils reflected in rippling water, showing a full spectrum of colors.

The image displays a vibrant, high-contrast composition featuring a row of sharpened colored pencils arranged side-by-side, spanning the full width of the scene. The pencils are organized in a precise rainbow spectrum, transitioning from deep reds and pinks on the left, through oranges, yellows, and greens, to blues, violets, and finally black and grey on the right. Each pencil tip is sharp and pointed, creating a distinct, repeating geometric pattern across the top half of the frame.

The lower half of the image features a vivid, distorted reflection of the pencils in a body of water. The smooth, solid colors of the pencils are transformed into wavy, horizontal ribbons of brilliant light and shadow. The reflection mimics the rainbow order of the pencils above but breaks them into fluid, rhythmic ripples that appear to shimmer and shift across the surface of the water.

The overall style is a crisp, highly saturated photograph. The lighting is clean and even, allowing the saturated hues of the pencils to pop against the dark, black background from which they emerge. The composition is balanced and symmetrical, emphasizing the contrast between the static, sharp lines of the pencils and the soft, liquid movement of their reflection.

A row of colorful pencils reflecting in rippling water in a spectrum of colors.

The image features a neatly arranged row of sharpened colored pencils lined up side-by-side, occupying the upper half of the composition. Each pencil represents a different hue, creating a seamless gradient that transitions from warm shades of red, pink, and orange on the left, through vibrant yellow and bright green in the center, and into cool tones of blue, indigo, and black on the right.

The lower half of the image portrays a realistic water reflection of these pencils. The calm, rippling surface of the water distorts the straight lines of the pencils into fluid, undulating shapes that mirror the color spectrum above. The reflection captures the essence of the pencils, with wavy ribbons of color flowing across the bottom half, creating a sense of movement and depth.

The artwork is vibrant and saturated, emphasizing the high-contrast relationship between the rigid, geometric forms of the pencils and the soft, organic ripples of the water. The lighting appears uniform, highlighting the texture of the pencil casings and the shimmering, liquid nature of the reflection. This is an illustrative piece that masterfully combines solid, vertical lines with swirling, horizontal abstractions to create a visually striking rainbow effect.

A row of sharpened colored pencils reflected in rippling water, showing a full spectrum of colors.
A row of colorful pencils reflecting in rippling water in a spectrum of colors.
📸 Photograph 🌈 Rainbow
Rectangular Landscape | | Irregular/Random cut | Cardboard
Manufacturer ID: 33-01486 | Barcode: 091683014866
❤️1   ✅7   📝1   ⭐4.0 (2)   🤔1.7 (3)

Fun, bold colors, large irregular pieces. We had a 5 hour layover for a flight so we brought this to do over the wait.


by Jim Poleshuk 2026-04-18
Submitted 2026-06-13
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