Pileated Woodpecker by Kate Lanxner with Caran d'Ache Supracolor pencils
by Kate Lanxner, The HeARTful Blog
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Quote by spiritual writer Thomas Merton (from the newsletter of “Manor and Maker” an art retreat center in a chateau in the Dordogne, France)
With a good drawing pencil, a paintbrush, or a pottery tool in hand, even before we have made a mark, we’ve made the decision to express what is in our hearts and imaginations in a tactile way. It’s such a relief and so satisfying, if we work in our heads most of the day - often we don’t have much choice - analyzing, typing, sorting, planning, judging, editing… 9-5 at least, or for some people, 24/7 off and on in a continuous loop!
In this blog, I will most likely be concentrating on art-related subjects in and around Switzerland. But firstly, I am going to draw attention to a quintessential Swiss company - Caran d’Ache - which offers supreme quality which can enhance your results, to both professional and amateur artists, and to children in schools. It has been around since 1915.
Caran d’Ache colored pencils have enriched and been part of my life since 2010. I can’t remember where I first encountered their “Supracolor Soft” watercolor pencils, but I have never looked back! These pencils most usually come in a box set and last for years. When I was growing up, my mother bought us Caran d'Ache crayons, which were a step above the quintessentially American brand that is widely recognized: Crayola.
Caran d’Ache gives a lot back to the Geneva community. Not only do they have a point of sale inside the Brachard store near BelAir, Manor, Globus, and other upscale shops, their presence has been made known by their charitable events.
I experienced a large scale event called “Art d’Air” over two consecutive years. The company's generosity was immense! It entailed the pre-planning and preparing for artwork to be created in the same time-frame over a day by 300 artists in six pre-planned spots around Lake Geneva and in the neighboring parks.
Once signed up with a nominal fee of CHF 35.-, you were gifted whatever supplies needed for your piece. I requested the Supracolor soft watercolor pencils and I was given a set of 80, nowadays retailing on their site for CHF 215.- !
It was fun and stimulating working alongside other artists in an outdoor environment. Caran d’Ache set up the easels, tables, and chairs for us; tents with sandwiches and drinks at noon. The spot I was assigned was alongside Lac Léman, not far from the Jardin Anglais. The weather cooperated!
The assistants came around to collect to artwork at the end of the event. An exhibition was set up open to the public in a large hall on the Route de Carouge a few days later. All profits made the from the gallery show went directly to a charity that was chosen in advance (each year was a different charity unique to Geneva). If one’s art was not sold (we set the price), one could collect it at the end to take home.
Now, in 2025, there is another community event which supports emerging artists. Ten are chosen each year and they are given a 3-week residency in the art school of Geneva.
BDFIL Festival de bande dessinée de Lausanne
In 2025, BDFIL is partnering with Caran d'Ache and le Musée de la Machine à Écrire for its BDFIL - Caran d'Ache Prize for emerging comic artists competition. With a prize of CHF 5’000.- divided among the winners, it is open to anyone aged 15 and over who has never been published. The theme of the 2025 edition is "Working Blues". The winners of the three BDFIL prizes will be invited to the opening of the exhibition and the prize-giving ceremony (27 September 2025). The deadline for entries was 16 June 2025 so it is too late to sign up to participate in this contest, but you can check out prize giving in September in Lausanne.
Creative Classes by Caran d'Ache
You can follow online creative classes at this link in English, French, or German. Most of the courses cost CHF 19.-.
I really wanted to congratulate Caran d'Ache for their amazing business and community spirt. If you have a chance to pick up one of their products and don't know which one, then I can really recommended the SUPRACOLOR™ AQUARELLE pencils! And make sure to pick up the water reservoir brush that will make being creative more flexible!
7th annual Switzerland Urban Sketchers Symposium
Switzerland Urban Sketchers Symposium: 4-6 September 2025, Geneva, Switzerland. Passes with three workshops or sketch passes might still be available. Experience three unforgettable days in Geneva – drawing together, being inspired, reuniting with old friends, and meeting new ones! Go to this link.
Author's bio
Kate Lanxner
An American and former Geneva resident, an art teacher for more than 25 years, and a published illustrator. She currently teaches in Montgomery County, Maryland, outside of Washington D.C. in the U.S.
After graduating from art school, she traveled to Paris and took part in a printmaking program at Atelier Contrepoint (formerly Atelier 17) in color etching and engraving, directed by the late Stanley William Hayter. She has not only taken to making art, but sharing her knowledge through The HeARTful Blog.
