Watercolor | Harmony Thoughts

Snail Mail My Email (and 3 things I have learned)

by Elisa Choi Ang on November 18, 2016 with 1 Comment

I have never written letters on behalf of strangers before. I was so excited to hear about Snail Mail My Email (SMME) which “is a worldwide community art project where volunteers handwrite strangers’ emails and send physical letters to the intended recipients, free of charge.” This is their 6 and last year running it and I am thankful to be a part of this endeavor as a Letter Artist. Last week, SMME invited people around the world for email submission. … Read More

Nanodrawmo 2016: Day 1

by Elisa Choi Ang on November 1, 2016 with 3 Comments

Pear; watercolor on paper I think I have never completed any Nanodrawmo challenges before. But it is always good to join and try again! The challenge: 50 artworks produced over thirty days. It seems a lot but I’m not going to stress myself with that. This month, I will be sketching my life mostly in watercolor (with the occasional use of pen). For this sketch, I set up a pear still life. I begin from the stem using the tip of … 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

Green Orchids

by Elisa Choi Ang on July 14, 2016 with No Comments

In its short span of life, a flower gives it all– beauty, colors, fragrance, decoration, accessory, food, medicine, wonder. I had the pleasure of sketching it up close, observing and beholding while the orchid lasts. The life of a flower reminds me of Jesus when He was living on earth. How short His life was yet He left us with an eternal impact. As His Holy Spirit lives in the hearts of God’s children, may we live a life worthy of the calling God … Read More

Purple Orchids

by Elisa Choi Ang on July 12, 2016 with No Comments

Like a child filled with excitement and awe at the sight of toys and candies, I had the same feeling when I first stepped inside the National Orchid Garden in Singapore. Different species of orchids graced the garden, along with hundreds of other flowers, herbs and succulent plants. I admire this one particular orchid with bright purple color and white spots. Sketching it on location made me appreciate its beauty more.