The Power of Preservation:
Tracey Chaykin’s Artful Plea for Nature
by Viviana Puello.
Tracey Chaykin’s art is as intricate as the ecosystems she seeks to protect. With colored pencils as her tool of choice, she creates hyperrealistic works that pull you into the very heart of nature. Her pieces aren’t just visually captivating—they’re deeply emotional, inviting viewers to pause and consider their role in preserving the delicate balance of our planet.
“Morning Swim” Colored Pencil, 10″x8″ by Tracey Chaykin.
Tracey Chaykin’s speech at the Top 60 Masters Awards.
In Morning Swim, Chaykin depicts two ducks gliding gracefully across shimmering waters. The details are astonishing—the soft patterns of their feathers, the subtle ripples in the water, and the interplay of light and shadow. Yet, beyond the beauty, the work speaks to the fragility of clean waterways and the species that rely on them. It’s a moment frozen in time, urging us to protect these quiet, fleeting wonders.
“The Chase” Colored Pencil, 5″x7″ by Tracey Chaykin.
The Chase shifts the tone entirely. Here, an otter slices through underwater currents with an urgency that feels almost palpable. Every element, from the smooth, fluid motion of the otter to the textured riverbed, draws you into the drama. This is more than a scene of survival; it’s a vivid reminder of what we stand to lose if we neglect our rivers and aquatic ecosystems.
“Fast Fashion” Colored Pencil by Tracey Chaykin.
Then there’s Fast Fashion, where a cheetah stares directly at you, its gaze unwavering. Chaykin’s use of glitter paper is a bold choice—it juxtaposes the cheetah’s raw, untamed power against the shimmering allure of consumerism. It’s a striking commentary on how human excess threatens even the most majestic creatures.
What makes Chaykin’s work extraordinary is its dual purpose. On one level, her art is a celebration of life’s details—feathers, fur, light, and shadow rendered with breathtaking accuracy. On another, it’s a heartfelt plea for awareness and action. Her ability to convey both beauty and urgency is what sets her apart.
Chaykin doesn’t just want you to admire her work; she wants you to feel connected to it. To her, art is a bridge—a way to inspire a deeper understanding of our environment and our responsibility to it. Each piece is a reminder that protecting the natural world is not just an option but a necessity.
Viviana Puello
Editor-in-Chief
