Sketchbooks | Harmony Thoughts

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

Make Something Everyday + Nanodrawmo 2016 Round-up

by Elisa Choi Ang on December 12, 2016 with 2 Comments

Well, I was only able to accomplish 15 artworks for Nanodrawmo. Not even half of the goal of 50. But this challenge has rekindled me to make something everyday. Surely I may not be able to sketch everyday (or often) but I press on to create something…anything (!) with my hands. That could mean writing letters, making paper brooch, painting, crafting… So many ways to be productive. Because when you don’t attempt to create one thing often, the following might happen … Read More

(New Online Class) Sketch Your Life 2

by Elisa Choi Ang on September 9, 2016 with No Comments

Creativity is such an important aspect in making art–a precious ingredient in making our artworks unique and personal to who we are as an artist. Honestly, creativity is something that I have struggled (a lot!) because of a variety of reasons like criticism and comparison. Nourishing my creativity back to life is a work in progress and I am thankful for each moment that I am given to create for the glory of God. When I see my younger students struggling with … Read More

Why Sketching Your Life is Good for You

by Elisa Choi Ang on August 12, 2016 with 4 Comments

“Lady Eating” ink on sketchbook Taking photos is something that I would instinctively do whenever I see something that captures my attention. Maybe because it’s faster than sketching and I can easily move on to whatever I need to do or go next. However, if I carve out a time, I can grab a sketchbook and pen to savor the moment more. If you haven’t tried sketching your life before, I wish to encourage you that it is good for you because… it enables you to … Read More

Stilt Hut on Sea

by Elisa Choi Ang on July 21, 2016 with No Comments

I have never felt so close to the waves crashing beneath the plank wood floor and its sound echoing around the four walls of the stilt hut. I felt so near the sea. I have never walked along the shore during low tide and witnessed many crabs migrate their way home. Whenever I looked at this sketch, I remember the time when I was at our room’s balcony…inhaling the salty air while sketching furiously. I was scared of the sea yet I like being near it. Time at … Read More

Sketch Your Life: Student Gallery Part 4 of 4

by Elisa Choi Ang on July 15, 2016 with No Comments

I can attest that sketching from life is challenging (especially using a pen!) yet very rewarding. I don’t think about making my sketches perfect or else I might as well feel intimidated of even starting at all. All I care about is the experience of savouring the life around me and the tremendous learning that happens whenever I step out in faith to do something that undoubtedly scares me (at first) but by the grace of God I am strengthen to do whatever … Read More

Sketch Your Life: Student Gallery Part 3 of 4

by Elisa Choi Ang on July 8, 2016 with No Comments

Every time I look at the sketches of my students I get a glimpse of their lives, the process on how they create art and a feeling of connection with them no matter the distance and the differences. I present to you the third batch of artists sketching their lives. There is a part 4 coming up in a couple of weeks. If you miss the previous galleries, please see part 1 and part 2.

Waiting

by Elisa Choi Ang on July 6, 2016 with No Comments

It can be a little frustrating if the paper cannot handle the watercolor well. I have to wait in between layers to dry. The apple seemed to be waiting as well… World Watercolor Month