Sketchbook (Journal)

I had to sit down and think about what I love and hate most. As I sat and got writing, I realized that it was much easier to list down the things that I love. I had to really crack into my head and ask myself what is it that I really hate. Only this morning then I realized that there was someone that I really dislike and hope that no one turns out like that...
So here is the list of 10 things I hate and love.... 

LOVE

1. My family & children
2. Animals
3. Chocolate
4. Stationery
5. Shopping
6. Laughter
7. Sunny days
8. Eating!!!
9. The colour TEAL/Turquoise/Mint
10. Roadtrips

Assignment (Opposites)

I got a little confused. Instead of doing 4 pages, I went on a spree and did 10 pages instead and focused on the theme 'opposites'. Had some fun and frustration working on this. Overall, I would say...it was an interesting journey. Here are my 10 pages of opposites in my sketchbook.

Discussion (Portfolio)

Here are some works that I have with me so far. I would love to include them in my portfolio but I am my harshest critique...always thinking it is not good enough and then I procrastinate (I push it back to the far recesses of my mind and pretend it doesn't exist)...sigh...I am one of those that can be called a "jack of all trades and a master of none". Despite whatever design training I had in the past, I believe I am still at the very basic of it all. I remember we were pretty much left on our own to figure out which software to use and how to manipulate images or vectors.However, the array of works displayed does not just focus on digital works. Foundation year allowed me to dabble with different types of art and that was what I loved most. Happy viewing...:)

These were drawn from observation using colour pencils. I love the use of bright colours and aimed to get as much detail in. The maple leaf is a favourite due to the use of a range of warm tones and some blending.

 

 I created a piece of batik for a Speech and Prize-giving Day Award Ceremony back home. The orchids used were the school's official flower. Working with curved lines and wax to create floral patterns forces me to keep my hands steady, a challenge which left me frustrated at times.  I didn't get a very good photo of it as I had to quickly get it framed and submitted.

 This is my graphic interpretation of the batik work using gouache and marker. Using a variety of thick and thick lines to create visual interest and chaos. The use of colour and lines depict a vibrancy to the artwork and reflects the tropical feel of the sunny island with which these flowers bloom.

The graphic designer in me decided to put up 2 wedding invitation cards that I did some time back. The flowers in the pink one on top looks a little stiff, I feel. The flow of lines are not as smooth as I want it to be but I like the use of monochromatic tones to create that soft look. I prefer the green/brown one as I got my inspiration from Monsieur Z, one of my favourite graphic illustrators. Especially love the airport control tower as the wedding was held at a reception ballroom in the airport in Singapore.

Some portrait work that I did for my family using watercolour. I intend to frame these up but have yet to do so. I love the way highlights define the facial features and minimal colours were used.

I used monochromatic tones in blue and one contrasting colour, gold, to depict this artwork. Done in acrylic, I was greatly inspired by Van Gogh's impressionistic style and am happy to achieve the effect of the waves and also used optical illusion to further manipulate the work. The idea to create this painting using motifs that represent different elements of Thai culture came from my encounters with Thai social life.

I believe ceramics would be one of my all time loves. The feel of the cool clay between my fingers while I shape it to form a sculpture is just indescribable. I love the way clay is so malleable and so versatile that one can choose to create simple flat pieces or 3-dimensional sculptures plus add different textures and prints to make really interesting pieces.. Using different materials added to the clay makes it all the more exciting! In one of my works, I used twine to create a certain effect. It then burns off during firing leaving the texture of the twine.

Ideas from my sketchbook showing drawings for my ceramic sculpture. Played around with plenty of organic shapes to come up with different designs. Some of the drawings look downright creepy.

Done in pencil, I was practicing shading and love the challenge of optical illusion. If you notice, there is a goldfish somewhere in there. This work was inspired by Bridget Riley and I used more wavy lines that intersect one another to make it a little more complicated.

Ok so that's a wrap for now. Off to making more in my sketchbook...

I'm new to this...

So this is finally happening.... I feel like the tortoise and the hare.
Anyway here is something that I thought would be useful courtesy of
http://www.joggles.com/brushes-tutorial.htm