Blog | Harmony Thoughts

It’s Time for Rekindle Memories (Plus Portable Painter Review)

by Elisa Choi Ang on July 28, 2017 with No Comments

On the first week of July, 7 artists from 4 different countries participated in the Rekindle Memories where they sketched/ painted their lives, and savoured the moment that captured their interest. I love the sense of connection that art brings. I enjoyed the heart warming stories that accompanied each artwork. What a pleasure it is to be able to take part in someone else’s memories. Please enjoy the sketches and paintings from these amazing artists! Rekindle Memories will happen again on the … Read More

How to Create Loose and Energetic Sketches and Paintings

by Elisa Choi Ang on June 30, 2017 with No Comments

Locals chatting during breakfast in Sapa, Vietnam Recently, an artist commented that my sketches were loose and energetic. She said that she likes to sketch but often get caught up with perfection rather than capturing a moment. I told her to sketch with a pen. Once she use it, she will realize that the marks she make will (obviously!) be permanent. Her brain will force the eyes to see better in order to express better. She will learn to appreciate the wobbly line that adds character to the picture. She will savour the … Read More

Postcard to Inspire Swap Gallery (Jan-Feb 2017)

by Elisa Choi Ang on April 12, 2017 with No Comments

I love the diversity of artists from around the world who have participated in the Postcard to Inspire Swap from January to February 2017. Their sketches and paintings of their lives were accompanied with stories that gave a glimpse of their lives and culture. I like the different subjects ranging from nature, architecture, people, places, food and animals. I hope they enjoy getting to know one another through art! I am delighted to share with you the wonderful postcard gallery from 10 (wow!) different countries. … Read More

(New Class) Watercolor Sketching Your Life

by Elisa Choi Ang on March 29, 2017 with No Comments

As much as I like sketching in pen, sometimes I find the freedom of not doing any initial sketch and just diving right in with watercolor. It’s the same feeling that my young learners have whenever I will ask them to outline their penciled drawings with marker. They mostly feel daunted by the task because they prefer to just go and paint. I remembered when I was just starting out, I would draw directly with watercolor. It doesn’t matter if the output looks … Read More

Sketch Your Life 2 Workshop Student Gallery

by Elisa Choi Ang on March 24, 2017 with 4 Comments

Late January, around 11 artists participated in the Sketch Your Life 2 Workshop where they sketched and painted their lives for 30 days. From beginner to experienced artists, they all have something in common– to savor their lives through sketching and painting and to be better artist by making art daily and often. I am so inspired by their progress and enthusiasm, and learned a lot about their culture through art and stories. It is my delight to share with you the … Read More

A Cold Frosty Scene

by Elisa Choi Ang on February 1, 2017 with No Comments

watercolor on paper Creativity takes courage, as the famous old master, Henri Matisse said. I believe creativity is to make something that I have never done or tried before. To nurture creativity would mean not only looking inward– into my ideas and imagination, but also outward–creation of God and man made words, ideas and things. It also helps not to hang out too much at the online sphere, lest the creativity will die–at least for me. Freya Pickard‘s words feed my … Read More

Postcard to Inspire Swap

by Elisa Choi Ang on January 21, 2017 with 1 Comment

Painting on bed Savoring each moment. That’s what I love most when I slow down and make time to sketch and paint the life around me. Last weekend morning, I woke up a little earlier and watched my husband sleeping peacefully by my side. Instinctively, I traced the contour of his face with my eyes and said to myself, you know what, I am going to sketch and paint him. Gingerly, I grabbed my sketchbook and pen. There were many imperfections–the other arm … Read More

(Free Online Workshop) A Month of Daily Sketching and Painting

by Elisa Choi Ang on January 17, 2017 with No Comments

A wonderful 2017 to you all! Last holiday, I enjoyed moments spent with loved ones. Aside from eating delicious food, playing board games and watching movies, we also made art. I set the table for a painting session with the nieces of my husband, ages 4 and 6 years old. “What are we going to paint?” they asked excitedly. I quickly look around the table and suggested we paint the coffee cups design of the table cover. They agreed. And … Read More