COPIC AWARD 2023 Winners Announcement

I was captivated by the artwork's diverse line work, especially the exquisite depiction of skin using subtle, thin lines. It feels as though the entire canvas radiates the artist's emotions and reflects their character, like a self-portrait. What fascinated me the most was the harmonious blend of the artwork's spiritual depth and the use of Multiliner pens, which created a profound synergy.

(Mr. Oshimoto)

As I gazed upon the paper, I was struck by the fluid and imaginative pen strokes. The fusion of curves, straight lines, and dotted patterns spoke to my emotions, drawing me in and making me want to intricately trace each line in my mind. I found myself deeply engrossed in this three-dimensional, monochromatic world.

(Ms. Shinohara)

Among the many intricately crafted artworks, this one distinguishes itself with its impeccable balance of composition and harmonious use of colors. The exquisite gradient from yellow to blue, along with the intricate portrayal of various individuals, makes admiring this artwork an ever-enjoyable experience from varying distances.

(Mr. Oshimoto)

The more you gaze upon it, the more it unveils its hidden charms. The portrayal of light is remarkably exquisite, and the artwork is densely packed with a wealth of details, leaving one to imagine that the artist took great pleasure in its creation.

(Ms. Hoshino)

At first glance during the online judging stage, I found the piece to be a traditional flower-and-bird drawing, which gave me a somewhat typical impression. However, when inspecting the original artwork up close, I was able sense the beauty of the brushwork and the precision in the lines. I was truly impressed by the high level of skill.

(Mr. Takauchi)

The lines are so beautiful that it took my breath away when I saw the original drawing. It's a magnificent piece, balancing warmth and delicate expressions, truly a work of art.

(Ms. Hoshino)

As I was evaluating the entries, I tried to imagine the creative process behind each artwork. Among many pieces, this one stood out for being dreamy yet surreal. The artist’s excellent use of black in the background and architecture, coupled with their light and confident brushwork, made this piece a refreshing sight to behold.

(Ms. Shinohara)

The multi-layered buildings soaring high above the ground are truly impressive. I found myself tracing their summits, wondering how one might reach the top. Along the way, there are characters resembling rabbits and creatures resembling monsters, with various events unfolding. I'd love to see a picture book by Poco that resembles "Where's Waldo?".

(Mr. Takeuchi)

The night sky and the cat's eyes are so captivating that the more you gaze at them, the more entranced you become. The meticulous depiction of the cat's fur radiates a sense of warmth. This piece profoundly touched my heart.

Abstract alcohol ink art is prevalent, but I found this piece remarkable for its exquisite portrayal of the grace with which goldfish float in water. It deserves praise for daring to depict a specific motif. I was moved by the skillful use of colors in this artwork, and it's so stunning that I would even consider using it as a pattern for a dress.

This artwork portrays the imaginative world of the ocean enclosed within a glass marble, a concept that likely captivated many during their childhood. I held a positive impression of it right from its presentation during the online judging stage.

The artist has revealed that they've carried the weight of their own scars as a lifelong complex. I find the courage and strength to channel these emotions into art truly commendable. This resilience not only shines through the artwork's composition but also underscores its powerful nature. It's a captivating piece that offers more than visual pleasure; it conveys a profound sense of purpose for the artist.

Initially, the character's cuteness caught my attention, and I was intrigued by the feature where the illustration shines and becomes prominent when exposed to UV light. While pixiv is primarily an online platform where I often encounter digital artworks, this piece stands out with its unique charm, made possible through analog art materials.

Needless to say, the technical skill in rendering ribbons, ruffles, and laces is outstanding. However, the greatest charm of this entry lies in the expression of the portrayed girl, especially in her beautiful eyes. The sweet yet mysterious feel in her eyes has fascinated many on social media as it leaves it up to the viewers to interpret and imagine her story.

Beneath the clear blue sky, the adorable rabbits sprawled out, giving the impression of relishing the refreshing breeze. The intricate and vibrant coloring, along with the numerous delicate details, speaks volumes about the artist's impressive technical proficiency and unwavering focus.

I found the idea of portraying coral as a stag's antler to be particularly fascinating.
It's easy to envision how the sunlight from above the sea would give it a vivid and colorful appearance, immersing the viewer in an underwater world.
What's especially striking is the diverse visual effects achieved with the red and blue sections.

BEAUTIFUL WORK!

Perfect combination of shading and blending of the colors and amazing 3D effect.

Putting this ethereal 2D figure on a mirror adds further depth to the image. With all the pieces put together--the flowing garments, the shattering object above it, and the overall haunting imagery, I'm drawn into the story the piece tells.

Interesting use of the colours. Interesting message, you can interpret it in many ways.

We love the originality of this artwork. There is a great attention to detail and a wonderful unique theme throughout. There is also a lovely use of colour.

When going over all the entries, I looked for creativity, skill, and originality in the artwork. "Noble Woman" by Atelier Sharaku stood out to me because it beautifully depicts a woman in a swinging dress. The artwork shows movement and flair, and it is very original and playful in its kind, combining collage and Copic inks to create a beautiful composition. It’s my honor to award you the Alcohol Ink Art Award. Congratulations!

（Anne Roos Smink）

Congrats to the winners! It wasn’t easy to choose, since art is subjective, but in my eyes these artworks were the ones that showed the most amount of creativity, had the best color theory, and made their artwork with amazing execution.
Enjoy your prizes and keep creating!

As part of my work for the official Instagram account (@copic_award), I have had the opportunity to view hundreds of artworks submitted for the Copic Award. This piece, in particular, stands out in my memory due to its incredible level of detail and craftsmanship.

The artwork in question features stunning rendering of the mermaid scales, sea, and foam details, bringing the characters to life in a way that is both mesmerizing and haunting. The mermaid's delicate features add to the overall impression of the piece, creating a sense that the characters could come to life at any moment.

This particular artwork was not only impressive to the entire Copic team but also to the other participants in the award. It received the most "♡" (favorites) out of all of the submissions and was awarded the "Applicants' Choice Award". Congratulations!

This artwork captivates with the richness of its expressions and a depth akin to a drawing, achieved through the effective use of precise shading. The vitality of the sunlit trees, the subtle blues and pinks reflected on the water's surface, and the overall impression created by these elements demonstrate a high level of skill. While the foreground figures are depicted with a relatively simple style, their synergy with the background makes this piece truly engaging and deserving of careful examination.

The brilliant and intricate gradients are simply mesmerizing. The way the colors meld seamlessly in the characters' hair and attire, despite the diverse range of hues used, creates a harmonious and unified whole. This piece is filled with exquisite details that invite endless scrutiny. I can only imagine the original artwork holds even more captivating depth. I look forward to the chance of admiring the original piece in person someday.

While incorporating a wide spectrum of colors, the artwork maintains a harmonious tone, showcasing Daniel's experimentation with different facets of Copic, as mentioned in the comments.
The precision in brushwork makes it an artwork that you'd want to explore down to the finest details.

I was immediately drawn to this piece’s strong presence while still maintaining a gentle and soft touch as if it were a page from a children’s book. The different textures of the paper used for the three-dimensional elements and the interplay of light and shadow gave the piece a unique warmth that only analog artworks can offer. Surrounded by delicately depicted flowers, this artwork invites you to take your time and engage with it.

Among the many exceptional pieces created with Multiliner pens, this piece stood out because of its intricate level of detail. The well-balanced use of colors adds to the grandeur of this monochromatic piece, creating a harmonious composition. Despite its title, "Nayami (Worries)," the motifs in the piece carry a certain charm, and I felt there was a concealed story in the background. I look forward to exploring more of the artist's work.