Couple Sketch
This is my first time to sketch a couple and I must admit I am apprehensive when my friend, Jalyn, asked me if I could do a portrait sketch of her friends as a wedding gift. But I was up for the challenge so the answer was “yes.”
This is the 5th sketch that I am to give away. For every art work I make, I feel like a part of me is instilled in it. Something like “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” 😉
The sketch is size 12″ x 18″ and I used just the regular 2B pencil.
“Pencils and Paint Brushes: Writing and Art”
A boy he is – young, wild and free.
For him, to imagine is to dream. To recount is to live it by. Vivid are his words. Vibrant and so full of life. Thoughts flow freely and openly. Like a blossom slowly starting to bloom. Petal by petal, it starts to unfold to the world outside. It captivated every observer, every passersby. It now becomes like a picture – that of Dorian Gray. The fire of youth seems to breathe in and out of him. Admired by many, praised by most.
And yet, to the painter Basil, who made the portrait with all of his heart came a price too high to be paid – it costs Dorian’s soul. How can the boy be ever protected from the harsh and cruel realities of life? With all the experiences that he would go through, would there still be any good left in him?
Basil tried to protect him. Veer him away from all those worldly pleasures, make him see the world in a different perspective. And yet he, Basil, found himself caught in the whirlpool of words, thoughts, ideas, philosophies that are rich but are not from his realm.
The artist is helpless. There’s no way that he can be saved – that man in the portrait. It pained to see the masterpiece becoming a remnant of the past that would soon fade. Like a memory, dug deep until totally forgotten.
All that was left are his words, his thoughts, that once captivate but now begin to haunt. Sweet words they were. Now, they are all jumbled, like a puzzle, wherein one decent word cannot be formed.
Indeed, the boy is a writer. His life is a wordplay. A tangle of woven dreams, broken hopes and yes, just words.
Nothing else but all sort of words.
***It’s been a while since I have created something “fictitious.” So here’s a short fiction to practice my imaginative writing skills. If ever I have one. 😉
“Sitting Pretty”
*This is the English translation of the Filipino poem I created and posted earlier which was entitled “Pag-iingat sa Pangungulila.” Never had an idea that translating a Filipino poem can be this challenging making sure I do not lose the essence of the original poem. I hope I translated it well.
P. S.
The photo I attached in this post reminded me to translate the Filipino poem – which is what I did just now. Two words entered my mind upon seeing the sitting boy: detached and languid. Thus, the title. 🙂
TO LONG NO MORE – DETACH
I saw in you,
Happiness that is true.
But not afterwards,
When turned were the cards.
Circumstances arise,
Painful was the price.
Why it could possibly be,
Turn out this bad to see?
Now you tremble,
Looking at the rubble.
Shed tears that flow,
Sadness begin to grow.
Beautiful days are gone,
Hoping more could be done.
But you had to let go,
Good things await by doing so.
A promise made,
Memories will fade.
Soon you will see,
The good in letting things be.
“Moonlight By The River” 2013
Finally had the time to finish another art work. Thanks to Scott’s post for giving me the ‘nudge’ to start working with my colored pencils. 😉
I used colored pencils and black paper with silver speckles that now looked like gleaming stars. Ahhh yes, more to learn, more to improve. 🙂
Tiny Butterfly
I often wondered how fragile these small butterflies are (only about half an inch big) and how fortunate I am to capture moments like this one seeing them perched on a leaf or a twig before they set off to their endless flights roaming around nature’s bounty.
As technology advances each and every single day, the role of each and every single thing in this world, living or non-living, becomes not just as a part of an ordinary food chain, food web, habitat or niche, but yes, as something to marvel at and celebrate its beauty amid the vast expanse of grandiosity and extravagance.
That is, as captured subjects underneath that lens – photography.
Yes, mediocrity is where I intend to be bright and bold like this teeny, weeny butterfly. The mediocre – “peace and quiet.” 🙂
“Lighted Candle”
For the past few months, I have dwelt on only one question: “why?”
But it is not for me to question what God’s plans are for me. Nor is it right for me to contemplate on it and doubt. But then again, I am sure about 3 things:
1. I was meant to experience what I have experienced for the past weeks and months.
2. I was meant to be where I am right now.
3. I was meant to do what I am doing now.
Now, it all became clear to me. The answers to my “whys” were given. I have asked God to prepare me and to equip me. And He did.
Experience is the best teacher, as they say. God gave me circumstances to make me realize that last semester was not the right time for me to pursue my thesis in my grad study but this semester. He gave me a job while I am doing my graduate study to prepare me emotionally, mentally and spiritually for what is to come. And lastly, He planned my stay in my job as short-lived because I have a prior commitment, which is, being a Family Support Volunteer in the Community Outreach Ministry.
I guess it all boils down to one thing – like a flame in a candle, keep your faith burning. Surely, it’ll lead you out of the darkness. 🙂
‘Sandaang Pintor, ‘Sandaang Damdamin Exhibit 2012
“It is for the treatment of two sick kids.”
This was what my friend and former co-worker, Sigrid, told me when she asked me if I could donate some of my art works for an exhibit.
A donation for a good cause, I never hesitated. An answer was given – YES.
‘Sandaang Pintor, ‘Sang Damdamin (A Hundred Painters, One Passion) is a collaboration of over a hundred painters all over the Philippines to raise funds for the treatment of two ailing kids, Zack and Zoei, sponsored by the UP Diliman Delta Pi Omicron Sorority where Sigrid is affiliated with.
w/ my “Atlas” and “Banga”
I donated two of my art works: “Atlas” (my first charcoal sketch on a big canvas) and “Banga.” It is a privilege to be part of a cause and be able to help in saving lives most especially of these young children.
I was able to attend the opening of the exhibit last December 6, 2012 at the PCPD Building in Taguig City and met my two great friends, UP DPO Sorority’s former Lady Omicrons, Tish and Sigrid, the rest of the Omicron ladies and other supporters of the event.
w/ the UP Delta Pi Omicron Sorority
Manny O Wines
Baguette
Chocos and Baguettes
Tish’s dear friend, Pat
The great news then arrived – someone bought one of my donated art works. I felt no more than a teenager who just got his driving pass. 😉
Happy I am, not only because I was able to help raise funds for the two kids but more on knowing that they will have greater chances of surviving.
This is an ongoing project and if you would like to help, please visit the ‘Sandaang Pintor, ‘Sandaang Damdamin website and be part of this very good cause: http://www.sandaangpintor.com/.
From us, fellow supporters, our sincerest gratitude and join us as we pray for the wellness of Zack and Zoei. 🙂
Chinese Old Man and Little Boy Marble Bric-A-Brac
I was rummaging through my old photos and found this – a photo of a bric-a-brac that serves as a memorabilia of my ancestors. A few months back, I was looking for a subject to shoot at and stumbled upon Mom’s collection.
She loves collecting antiques. Being the inquisitive me, I find pleasure adoring the marvelous carvings of every sculpture.
If there’s another hobby that I would like to learn, it would be sculpting. Isn’t it amazing how sculptors can create a miniature, 3-dimensional replica of a particular figure that is very well-proportioned?
Yes, they say it is all about proportion and an eye for the aesthetics. These are the creations made possible by them whom we call, “the artists.”
This is a masterpiece that is quite hard to achieve but interesting to learn. Indeed, having this skill is a gift. ☺
For more photography ideas, you can read through this article: Beauty Captured Through A Lens: My Photo Collection
A trip to the garden is always the best breather for me. Yes, communing with nature so to speak. Must be the reason why my thesis back in college centered on regionalism and nature’s role in our lives. Here are macro shots of some of Mom’s beloved plants back in our hometown. 🙂
Ginger Plant
Cone-Like
Fernish
Wriggling Flowers
Rose Bud
Blue Bells
Cattleya
Bangkok Calachuci
Vine
Lilies
Malaysian Mums
Vanda
A workshop that inspired me even more to create another fashion design creation like the one below:
Pink and Blue Dots and Circles
“Fashionably fun.”
That would definitely describe the experience I had during the Fashion Illustration workshop of Ms. Tin Iglesias sponsored by Rio Mints at Thaipan Restaurant last November 24, 2012. It was a spectacular afternoon of colors, lines, food and lots of fun. This was the first fashion illustration workshop I have attended and I must say that never have I enjoyed an occasion as much as I have enjoyed this workshop wherein I barely know the attendees.
Thaipan Restaurant
The workshop was even made more fun by the perfect ambiance of the restaurant which is located at Tomas Morato in Quezon City. The interiors are just so cozy with all the soft, mellow light from the hanging lamps and of course, how could I forget the delicious Thai meals served while we were drawing. Although it was not my first time to taste Thai cuisine, I must say that it never fails to please my appetite. Thus, if I am to rank the ambiance and the food, I must say that I will give it a perfect score of 5, 5 being the highest and 1 being the lowest. The place is just suitable for any small group meetings as the limited space makes it more convenient and cozy for the attendees to socialize and acquaint with one another.
Thaipan’s Hanging Lamp
Thaipan’s Cuisine
(www.facebook.com/riomints)
Thaipan’s Dessert
(www.facebook.com/riomints)
The workshop started with a short introduction of the speaker and host, Ms. Tin Iglesias. She is a graduating BS Clothing Industry student at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. But she has already been invited to numerous fashion events and been featured in several fashion magazines both local and abroad. She has also received several fashion awards and been making a lot of fashion designs for clothing companies here and internationally.
(www.facebook.com/riomints)
tiniglesias.com
Tin Iglesias
After the introduction, Ms. Tin showed us a selected few of her art works. And here they are, lifted from her website (tiniglesias.com):
tiniglesias.com
tiniglesias.com
tiniglesias.com
tiniglesias.com
tiniglesias.com
Truly talented – I know that is what you are going to say upon seeing her art works. And at such a young age, I could not help but admire her and admit that she is going to make a big name and be among the best in the fashion industry. Afterwards, we were then given the chance to create our own fashion illustration after learning the basics of figure drawing and portrait sketching.
Fashion Illustrators
basic figure drawing
my output during the workshop
All I can say afterwards is this – SUPERB! I am looking forward to yet another Fashion Illustration/Fashion Designing workshop with her. Never thought that fashion can be made as exciting as this. And the best part is, I got to meet other fashion enthusiasts who are passionate in bringing today’s fashion to a whole new different level. 😀
Me and my friend, Jeai
Me, Ms. Tin Iglesias and Jeai
Fellow fashion aficionados with Ms. Tin
Fashion Illustrators
Thank you Rio Mints, Ms. Tin Iglesias, to my fellow fashion aficionados/artists and of course, to my ever beautiful friend and herself a fashion icon, Jeai, for this wonderful opportunity. Thanks to Thaipan Restaurant for the delicious Thai cuisine as well. 🙂
Until the next fabulous fashion event my fellow fashionistas!
P.S.
We got freebies too! 😉
Rio Mints
The Journeyman's Moments 