We are extremely pleased to announce that the Palomino graphitei pencil has been named the official pencil of Grace Animation Studios, the creator of the Avenging Apes of Africa. The Avenging Apes are helping lead the way in a new genre of “ed”utainment cartoons. “It is our desire not only to provide something fun, but something positive and something of value... not just some empty "toon", says Christopher Turner, CEO of Grace Animation Studios and the creator of the Avenging Apes of Africa.

The initial 1 hour DVD tells the tale of the Avenging Apes who are raised by a wise old African bushman named Mogadishu. The Apes combine forces to foil the sinister efforts of master poacher Harry B. Richborne. See a brief trailer at the Avenging Apes video post here as well as this character development animation test.

John Celestri, VP of Animation for Grace Animation is a devoted Palomino Rider who tells me that the Palomino’s “mix of wax and graphite creates lines with a very sensuous feel as the pencil glides across the paper. The Palomino, in essence, becomes an extension of the artist’s finger as it molds the drawing.” John has developed an exciting instructional DVD, called “John the Animator Guy”. In this four part series, Mr. Celestri appears as an animated character who teaches kids and parents the basic principles of traditional 2-D animation. We look forward to seeing these down the line and are hopeful that we’ll have a chance to feature excerpts of these lessons here on Pencils.com as well. Here's a first look at an animation key drawing using the Palomino.

I’ve been pleased to see the continuing keen interest and even adoration of our Palomino pencils from our customers. As one happy Palomino Rider recently said, "It's the way the lead glides over the paper. Hmmmm...yeah, I know. I've got issues! It's an addiction. But...they really do have a nice feel to them. I'm buying more!."

Despite relatively little formal promotional effort in the past year we clearly seem to have a loyal and devoloping fan base for our product. Thus in order to support this I’m pleased to announce the formation of two new places that Palomino riders can check who else is in the corral and see just how they ride.

I'm talking about our Palomino Riders Group here on Pencils.com as well as a new Facebook Group page as well. Here’s the chance to share your artwork created with the Palominos and show what those Palominos can really do. Whether you ride English, Western or bareback we want to celebrate your unique creative spirit and are sure other riders feel the same.