Walking in the Deep

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Elisa Choi

Before I was able to conceptualize this piece I have felt an immense sense of frustration.
For not coming up with concepts quickly.
For stressing myself out on what tools to use to get the intended effect.
For being stuck with the branches.
It was 6:10pm. The deadline is the next day.

I wanted to cry. But I take a rest instead.

And it is while resting that I said to myself that God will not leave me. He won’t give me trials that I cannot handle.
Then I had an AHA moment.
Just like that.

This digital painting is done entirely in Illustrator.
It is a mural. Though my teacher says it’s less likely one because of the mood. It’s somber.
Are murals suppose to be happy?
But he seems fascinated by it.

I was feeling sad I suppose while creating this. Emotions always have a hold on me in whatever I do.
Sometimes it gives me good inspiration. Other times it only leaves me emptiness.

I am so thankful to the Lord. For giving me strength. For easing the pain in my wrist.
For walking with me.

Art will always be my passion.
It may be draining at times.
There might be days when nothing bears fruit.
The result might be hurtful to bear especially by futile remarks or criticisms.

But keep on creating.
Create for the sake of creating. Not to impress.

As Julia Cameron says, “I will take care of the quantity, God will take care of the quality.”

Have a blessed weekend you all!

Paint Party Friday!

Matte Painting

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Elisa Choi

One of the past lessons that I greatly enjoyed in my Advance Photoshop class is Matte Painting. According to Wikipedia, matte painting is a painted representation of a landscape, set, or distant location that allows filmmakers to create the illusion of an environment that would otherwise be too expensive or impossible to build or visit.

Below is the original photo of a very beautiful day in the mountain with an empty house. Our goal is to turn it into a night scene.

I matte painted this image into night using Photoshop various brushes and techniques. I first created the ambiance by darkening the photo then using gradient for the night sky. Next I put on details like the stars, moon and the shooting star. Lastly I put on light and shadow where I painted those beautiful bright fireflies that seem to be coming out of the house as well as the faded light at the windows.

We have created various other scenes using the original photo like a snow, underwater and a rain scene. It’s difficult to create a realistic environment. Familiarity of the techniques and tools is a great advantage.

I hope to be a matte painter someday. I am still learning and hope to be gentle about the process.

Have a great weekend everyone! Be happy!

Paint Party Friday

July 14: Limited Creative Energy

Posted on July 14, 2012 by Elisa Choi

July 12: To You

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Elisa Choi

This artwork is digitally drawn and painted in Photoshop. This piece was submitted for the Green Canvas contest in light of preserving our forest. I was referring to this artwork when I talk about it at the PPF interview.

This is to God.

And this is also to You.

To you who supported my art endeavors from the day that I was reminded of this dream.
Who gives valuable criticism and ideas on how I can improve further.
Who praises my work and share it with others.
Who challenges me to do things differently.
Who encourages me to step up for Harmony Thoughts.
Who listens patiently to my whines and my lack of spirit at times.
Who believes in what I can do.
Who constantly asks me how I am progressing with my art.
Who reminds me to use my time wisely.

I thank God always for You.

Paint Party Friday

July 3: Beauty in the Rabble

Posted on July 3, 2012 by Elisa Choi

Sometimes–

We have to be ruined in order to be healed.
We have to cry in order to be enlightened.
We have to get hurt in order to feel love.
We have to get lost in order to find our way back.
We have to lost someone in order to show appreciation.
We have to fall in order to be brave.
We have to suffer in order to live.
We have to be weak in order to be humbled.
We have to fail in order to succeed.

July Challenge

My First Day of Life

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Elisa Choi

Today. My first day of life.
I am officially back to school. Officially a student.
And as my mom puts it I am going to study what I want now.
And I know that it’s been the thing that I want. Ever since I think.
And today as I sit and listen to the teacher at the lecture room I couldn’t help but feel the jitters of being a student.
Reciting at class suddenly seems exciting. Sharing my knowledge on the color theory. Sharing what I do. I know it’s not much.

But I feel happy.

I have been waiting for this all my life.
To finally have the courage to step up, out and above for my dream.
My courageous self took that HUGE risky step last May.
Bracing the unknown. Knowing that the challenges are yet to come. Yet still keep on walking.
Because I know. I know that this dream is not just my dream. I didn’t dream this. If I did it won’t be like this. I might still be there. Trapped. Uncertain. Unmoved.

But this is God’s dream for me. He calls me for this. My life’s work. And God knows how emotional I am for this whole calling. It’s hard. It’s very difficult to follow what He wants me to do. Others think that this is not for me. I’m called to quit. And I did. But I returned. More determined this time.

With His help. Always.

“He told them, “Because of your lack of faith. I tell you with certainty, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

Do what you love. Love what you do.

Category Archives: Digital Art