Monthly Archives: November 2011

Reminiscing College

Posted on by
42

IMG 0112 1024x765 Reminiscing College

It’s been a while since I last visited DLS-CSB. I sat down at the famous Plaza V–think Boracay beach or other beaches that has huts. I sat on one of the huts and started reminiscing for a bit the good old times as a student when we were still doing our thesis in this very spot, telling stories and secrets and meeting new people.

I pull out my Derwent hardbound sketchbook and my Sakura Pigma Micron 3.0 Pen and started sketching the view in front of me. You might be wondering why I use a pen in sketching instead of pencil. I have longed challenged myself to use a pen in drawing (but too hesitant to try till now!) since I won’t feel the pressure of making a good drawing (by erasing a lot!) and wasting my time fussing about the little details. But pencils of course are the first tools in the art of making drawings and it’s great to note that it help in setting guiding points for perspective drawings.

I must say that I have surprised myself with this detailed sketch despite some misaligned perspectives. The pen in its simplest form actually made me confident. It actually conditioned my mind that mistakes are inevitable and that I have to just go with it and DRAW! I colored this piece when I got home using my Pebeo Watercolors. I finished painting before lunch.

Sketching on-location as I have mentioned in my previous posts trains the eye to observe the details and lights of our surroundings. It also help us to capture something as quickly as we can the beauty of nature, people, things, events on paper without owning a camera. I love the freedom that sketching brings to me that for a moment in time I am the only person in this world.

Michael Nobbs from Sustainably Creative states why he recommends drawing with a pen and not a pencil: The reason is simple, when you use a pencil the temptation is to always erase and redraw if you make a “mistake” (new drawers can often spend more time erasing than drawing!). With a pen there is little choice but to commit to every line you draw and accept every “mistake”.

Have you tried drawing with a pen yet? Happy Paint Party Friday!

Painting without the Baggage

Posted on by
28

IMG 0080 545x1024 Painting without the Baggage

I did a sketch of this beautifully weird plant design printed on the bedclothes of my brother’s while watching an evening show. I happily mixed on some pale Lemon Yellow and Rose Pink then blend them onto the background. I paint on some purple, orange and red at the back of the flowers–trying to paint on the negative space to bring out the flowers. The best part is just experimenting on colors and shadows. I am happy with the way the painting turns out. The imperfection is what makes it perfect.

I started incorporating drawing and painting into my life again–which means choosing to do it everyday.

However, before the above realization, I asked one of my inspirational artist Connie Hozvicka founder of Fearless Painting of Dirty Footprints Studio how she managed to paint everyday because I can’t. Why?  I always feel tired after going home from work. I cannot possibly imagine how else to squeeze time to paint because frankly I prefer to just plop on my bed and just watch the television mindlessly.

What she said in her next blog entry in answer to my inquiry struck me immensely deep. Here is an excerpt:

If it’s important–you’ll find a way.
If it’s not–you’ll find an excuse.

Painting is really important to me.

And for me to get there, I have to put in the practice.
The work.  The effort.
The time.
Truth is–ten years from now I’ll still be tired,
still be tempted by charming men on the television,
and I’ll still have those dang dishes to do.
But I’ll be a better painter
than I am right now.
And that’s what keeps me committed.

***

Art matters to me.

I tell myself that I need to paint gently–lift the emotional baggages, leave behind over-thinking, pull that energy and creativity of the inner child in me then push myself slowly towards nourishing my Artist Soul, my Artist Heart.

I am a work in progress. I am very thankful to where I am right now. I thank God always and always for being there for me. For giving me inspiration through people and everyday life challenges.

Happy Thanksgiving to all artists in the US coast & to everyone around the world! Happy PPF!

On Overthinking

Posted on by
40

daze copy2 744x10241 On Overthinking
I was trying to brainstorm for my greeting card design but nothing special came into mind. I realized that the reason is I tend to plan the beginning and the end then fuss over that idea resorting to another brainstorm for the next (hopefully great) idea and so forth until I grew tired of it.

 I created the above digital painting to remind myself not to overthink. It enlightens me that overthinking tends to make things impossible to achieve. You know why? Overthinking tends to complicate things because we strive to aim for perfection and appreciation.

I admit that I am still practicing the art of not worrying. It feels good that everytime there is an event or if there are new challenges to face I am learning to shift my mind to the adventure and learning that I will be having rather than the I want-to-but sentiments. At the end of the day I am thankful that I did not give in to anxiety but to the gratefulness of each day.

I prod myself to focus my thinking on my creative dreams. In Tictocc #23, Kat Wright asked us to spend 10 mins in solitude and ask ourselves this question: “What do I want to create right NOW and what would I like to create in the future?” I was touched by this question and the answer is automatic: At present I want to create drawings and paintings in my sketchbook where I will be capturing the events and beauty of what’s around me with a dash of watercolor. In the future, with the continuous learning that I will be having I hope to be painting in canvases and having my own exhibition.

I admit that I am scared and uncertain of my answer for the future. However, Kat told us to spend 10-20 mins working on the “NOW” answer then muse over the long term future answer. She advised to banish away negative unhelpful thoughts and try to be true to that little voice inside of you that asked to create.

I am more than excited to create and allow myself to focus on the more important things in life which are my dreams. So yeah, don’t think too much and just do it! Thank you Kat for the reminder! Happy creating everyone!

PPF

Drawing Inspiration

Posted on by
20

DSC06843 1024x768 Drawing Inspiration

This quick sketch (in watercolor) was done during the external audit for ISO20K. I am working under the Quality Services Team. The external auditor from BSI (British Standards Institution) is from New Delhi India but he said he is currently residing in Singapore as part of his work. I admire him very much because of his intelligence, humor and stories. We learned a lot from him during his two-day stay.

Whenever I look at him I can’t help but hope that I am as good as him in terms of my own craft. Someone very confident. Someone passionate. Someone who can teach and impart lessons. Then I realize that I can never get there without many years of experience. I know that I am getting there to where my dreams lie…slowly. I need to focus. I need to work hard. I need to embrace who I am and what I am capable of doing. I need courage. I need to take risk.

Paint Party Friday