43: What I Live For

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Elisa Choi

“What I Live For” Mixed Media on Sketchbook

The thing that haunts me everyday is to create something.
Paint, draw and design.
I know I am not the best in the world at what I do.
Like you I also feel the negative vibes.
Sometimes I stay paralyzed believing in the “truth” that I am not good and that nobody cares.

But I still fight. I still do what I do.
Because to be an Artist is what I live for.

This is my calling.

Everyday I woke up to the sound of birds singing and the reflection of sunlight,
And I think to myself I want to paint that. I need to draw that.
To a photographer that might mean capturing the day’s beauty in a photograph.
To me it’s imagining the colors mixing together to create that beautiful rich sunlight,
Or sketching that raw shadow cast off by the bird.

Drawing my life has been a very enriching experience.
This calling to be an Artist is a blessing.
To be able to touch other people’s lives,
Inspire and move them…
And in turn uplift me as well.
Life has a way to do that.

____

Today I’m taking part in ‘What I Live For’, an online event organised by author Satya Robyn. People like me all over the world will be sharing what gives their lives meaning. In Satya Robyn’s novel ‘Thaw’, Ruth gives herself three months to decide whether she can find a reason to carry on living. There’s 75% off the kindle version today (99p / $1.49) – read more here: http://www.satyarobyn.com/?page_id=56

42: In the Moment

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Elisa Choi

“In the Moment” pen and watercolor on sketchbook

Getting back to the groove of life means to start somewhere.
Anywhere. Anything.
This week had been full of just that.
I pour myself on art.
I pour myself on being a beginner again.
I learn and I had fun.
It doesn’t have to be a chore.
It doesn’t have to be perfect.

When I say pour I use time wisely.
No distractions of any kind.
Just me and my art.

I wouldn’t have done all that without the grace of God.
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Thank you to all of you PPF artists for your wonderful support. I learned a lot from your words of wisdom last time.

41: Countryside

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Elisa Choi

“Countryside” acrylics on sketchbook

My creativity has been running low these days.
I need concepts to appear in a snap of my brain.
But to my dismay it gives me none.
Also I find it daunting to learn new things associated with what I love to do (art, design).
I wonder aloud to myself why so?
I love art but why am I feeling negatively tired and low spirited instead of positively excited and eager to explore?

Sometimes I do not understand myself.

But during those tough times I walk away from my table.
I breathe. Slowly and gently.
Thinking aloud and whispering to myself that this is just a phase that I need to embrace.
Maybe my heart is filled and choked with pressures, fears and worries.
It’s okay to walk away from the needed work.
Instead pour out those feelings unto paint and paper.
Ignoring rules and procedures.
Quick sketches.
Slap the paint.
Layer the colors.
Brush away.

The result is the painting above. Surrendered to God. Do what I can for the moment.

I need to know, what do you Artists do when face with such a conflict? Have you? Please do share in the comments below. I love to hear your words.

Happy 2 Years!

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Elisa Choi

First painting on May 2011 (watercolor)

I am reminiscing my early adventures in watercolor painting.
The above is my first ever painting inspired by a tutorial.
I look back on all the experiments that I have done in the past and realized one thing: Passion
It propels me to be bold on my undertakings.
It motivates me to self-study.
It gives me permission to make mistakes and still continue.
It gives me power to make many paintings whether they are good or bad.
That kind of passion where it gives me excitement.
That kind of passion where it is not afraid to take risk.
Dream drives passion.
My dream is to be a Painter.

Today I am grateful to celebrate two years for Harmony Thoughts.
I am excited for big things coming for my dreams.
It is one loooooong journey of hard work, discipline and perseverance.
But the trip will be worth it.
Cheers!

All glory is Yours, Father.

Sketch People

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Elisa Choi

“Sketch People” ink on sketchbook

I love sketching people.
I particularly find comfort to sketch them in private like when they are busy or when their backs are turn on me.
There will be times when I find myself sketching them up front.
I caught their eyes staring at me.
For a moment I feel a wash of shame because they might thought that I am being disrespectful.
But those were just my thoughts.
Because who knows what they were thinking. Maybe they like the idea too.
I pretend to draw something else and wait till they’re not looking again.

Sketching people should be done in a quick manner.
It doesn’t have to be a detailed sketch.
It just needs to capture the essence of a person– actions, expressions, postures, clothes, patterns or things.

Have you tried sketching people? How was your experience? Please do share in the comments below. :)

Travel Sketches and Reflections

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Elisa Choi

I miss my daily painting. I was off travelling with my family at Singapore. It was an amazing 4 day escapade. I was able to squeeze in some travel sketches though they are very simple things. We had a tight itinerary. Our feet in blisters and our shoes almost tearing apart (except for my dad). Nevertheless this was a blessed trip. Praise God!

Day 1 and 2: Pattern and print sketches

Day 5 : Changi Airport going back home sketch of a couple

Travel Reflections:

You are not alone in your sufferings. I love seeing people from all walks of life. And what amazes me is that they carry themselves well no matter what they are going through.
I am inspired by people who works hard. They may or may not love what they do but their persistence and determination is remarkable.
Dreams are fuel to our lives.
Nature is a gift from God. It reminds us to stop and notice the beauty of being alive.
Kids are amazing. I look at them and I see their genuine selves. They dream high and live at the moment.
It’s liberating to try new things and be different.
Eating slowly has its perks. Aside from enjoying each bite, people wait for you and you reward yourself with a smooth digestion.
Love is the foundation of all things living. And God taught us first how to love.
Smile and kindness never fail to lighten up the soul.
Sunrise and sunset will always be magical to me.
Pictures make reminiscing more meaningful.
There’s nothing like a good book and a calm bay.

Our life is a constant journey, from birth to death. The landscape changes, the people change, our needs change, but the train keeps moving. Life is the train, not the station. – Paulo Coelho

Do what you love. Love what you do.

Category Archives: Sketchbooks