48: Few More Steps

IMG 2078 703x1024 48: Few More Steps

“Few More Steps” watercolor on sketchbook

Half of the day I decided to sketch and paint one of Hannah Loaring’s photos at Further Bound. It was rather a quick sketch on pen and then a loose brush of watercolor. The poor paper cannot take much of the abuse of water. Also the paint stains therefore it is difficult to soften some edges.

After working on my first freelance project and waiting for the client’s feedback I silenced myself for a moment. There is this adrenaline rush of requiring myself to accomplish the next task. Feeling very tired of pushing myself I quickly grab my sketchbook for a break.

Few more steps. I am feeling the woman’s heavily paced steps as she carries the big load of laundry back to her home. Or perhaps just preparing to wash them. What attracts me to paint her is the very colorful outfit that she wore. Another thing is the atmosphere of weariness that I feel or perhaps the embrace of life despite the poor situation. I am always drawn to human emotions. The deeper and darker the more interested and inspired I am to reach out and capture that essence.

Maybe I am like the woman herself. Tired but keeping on. Thinking what’s next but moving on. Never giving up because life is beautiful. Because I trust.

47: Tulips Overflow

IMG 2027 1024x703 47: Tulips Overflow

“Tulips Overflow” Watercolor on paper

It is the 3rd week of my free online class of Introduction to Art Concepts and Techniques at Coursera. It is my dream to study in art school but I am still grateful for this opportunity to learn the basics of art online and interact with fellow artists. The topic for that week is correspondence with memory– mail art!

IMG 2024 1024x855 47: Tulips Overflow

This mail art is entitled Tulips Overflow. The medium behind the work on the handmade envelope and postcard is watercolor. I am a painter and I love to use watercolor to portray the things that inspires me into a loose and colorful adventure.

Memory for me is the awesome collection of life experiences. It might be a certain happy childhood event. It might be a sad encounter when I pass by a beggar. It might be the anger feeling of a betrayal from someone. I created Tulips Overflow because their vivid colors and simplicity captured me. I have seen a field of tulips on T.V. and bouquet of tulips being sold in the market. That memory makes me happy. I love nature and whenever I think of flowers and trees their essence somehow refreshes me. It reminds me of the wonderful creation of God. Painting them makes me grateful of all these blessings.

IMG 2022 1024x705 47: Tulips Overflow

Back of envelope painted

I had such joy creating Tulips Overflow. I had the intention of inspiring you to be thankful regardless of where we are in life. Let us see things in a different light. Look around you– the nature. Be grateful because we are alive. :)

Warmth in the Midst

FeathersnFishTailsWarmthInTheMidst 1024x768 Warmth in the Midst

“Warmth in the Midst” Digital Painting

I am so honored to have my work featured in the front cover of Ends of the Earth last issue e-zine. I am very thankful to the editor Anna Brock for choosing me to contribute. The theme is Feathers & Fish-tales.

I did not publish any writing related to the artwork. But right now I am inspired to write a short poem that inspires it.

Someone must have heard,
The crunch and rustle of the leaves.
Someone must have felt,
The chilly wind hovering like a ghost.
Someone must have seen,
The wriggling creature in this numb gray form.
Because suddenly I feel warmth.
Like a dream,
A blanket made of feathers and fish scales.
Enveloped me like a hug.
For the first time I feel hope.

Artist Feature:http://eotezine.wordpress.com/2013/06/03/featured-artist-elisa-choi/

If you would like to read Feathers & Fish-tales issue, please send an email to ends-of-the-earth@h2m.myzen.co.uk with Feathers & Fish-tales in the subject line.

46: Orchids Memory

IMG 2010 994x1024 46: Orchids Memory

Orchids Memory” Mixed Media on paper

I love to paint what is around me especially the things that strike me as profound and unearthly. My dad bought orchids a few weeks ago but it died. All I was able to save was a simple sketch of the flower which prompt this painting.

Orchids Memory is done in mixed media which uses acrylics for the orchids and watercolor for the background. I painted the orchids using a palette knife with acrylic paint. Then I use a brush to fine tune the details such as the shadows and the lines on the leaves. The fluidity of watercolor makes great background.

God bless us all!

45: Sweet Escape

IMG 1915 edited 1024x743 45: Sweet Escape

“Sweet Escape”
7″W x 5″H acrylics on 300 gsm archival watercolor paper
$20 Unframed

In the city where I lived there is the constant bustle of a typical city life.
The daily pollution for the senses.
I dreamed of a home where I can visit and stay sometimes.
A home that is far and peaceful. Filled with nature without a doubt.
Somewhere where I can rest and pray and paint quietly.
As I begin to search for inspiration I know I had to paint it.

Sweet Escape was painted in four days for about 20 hours.
Truthfully this was my first “ambitious” piece.
I am planning to sell {my painting} for the first time.
To get my work out there. To learn. To inspire people. To share the love.
One painting at a time.

After starting my painting journey back in 2011,
It has given me nothing but life.
Life will always have its challenges.
But one thing remains constant.
The love of Christ.
That’s what keeps me going.
Everything I do is for His glory.

—–
If you wish to buy or if you have any questions, please email me for details at lis[at]harmonythoughts[dot]com. This is open for local and international residents.

Note* 5% of the proceeds will benefit Project PEARLS.

44: Irises

IMG 19171 782x1024 44: Irises“Irises” watercolor on paper

After painting in acrylics for quite a few days,
I forgot how watercolor should be treated.
Today this versatile medium reminded me that freedom is its name.
I let go knowing that I will be guided by my intuition– the child in me at play.
Boy, was it fun!

***
I need some advice from you–
Have you tried selling paintings (acrylics or watercolor) in watercolor paper?
If so do you spray fixative or sealants on your final work?
Do you put the painting on mount, frame or no frame before shipping?
What is your pricing strategy especially if you are just a beginner in selling?
Any tips on painting for selling?

I appreciate any information you share. Thank you so much!

Paint Party Friday Rocks!