48: Few More Steps

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“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

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“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!

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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.

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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. :)

46: Orchids Memory

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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

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“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

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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!

43: What I Live For

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“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