Just like that

Right now, I am currently in a state of hiatus. It's been a while since I held the brush. I had lots of visions that await my strokes. Yet somehow, despite the silence, I felt like I needed to post something. This time not with a painting, but with words. This poem somehow came to me while sipping my tea. This is about one's encounter with reality and the realization that came with it. Having been in a state of quarterlife crisis, this somehow reflects what it felt, at least for me. Here it goes:


Just like that

No more goodbyes,
You took yourself to the door
Wearing the promise
You convinced yourself
With eyes closed
falling like rain

Drifting into sea
Lost in stillness
Holding on to hope
If only you stayed
Confused and numbed
Braved every soul

In that quiet night
Bliss came forth
Alone again in silence
Befriended the ghost
stars shone the path
and your heart is home

Landscapes

I have always been fascinated by the great outdoors. Such blissful yet tranquil atmosphere consumes our senses! Though seeing the sky, mountain, sand, sea and rivers is already picture perfect, I think a little bit of human element makes it real. Here are some works that I did along with some works after Amorsolo and Monet. In terms of painting style, I believe impressionism wins in painting landscapes. Not only did it capture the fleeting colors of the day vividly but also the soul through which Nature seems to talk in the canvass. Such technique was developed in the earlier parts of this century and has created names for artists like Monet, Degas, Renoir and their contemporaries, even Van Gogh. For us here in the Philippines, such delicate light and sceneries are best captured in the works of Fernando Amorsolo.

"Lagoon"

Watercolor

2010

(after Amorsolo)

Oil Pastel

(After Amorsolo)

Oil Pastel

(After Monet)

Oil Pastel

"Dusk"

Watercolor

2012

Anatomical Sketches

I just wanna share with you some of my anatomical sketches. These are some drawings I did while studying human anatomy. Yes, I studied it like a medical student. There are lots of advantages in studying anatomy. Aside from the fact that you get to know more about the different names of the internal workings of your body, you get to deepen your appreciation on the intricacies of its design. The figures I've drawn are from books. I don't have live models. Haha. I also noticed that in the books, there is a bias towards the male body. It may have been influenced by the works of the classical masters where they idealized the body of the male figure. 

I used mainly graphite on ordinary sketch pads here. In some drawings, I used sanguine pencil (red ones) to give it that "classic" look. I recommend at least using 3 different grades or hardness of the graphite. I also would like to note that when using graphite, make sure you don't have sweaty/oily hands. Also, a kneaded eraser is the perfect tool when erasing graphite for me.

When doing studies, I often create comparisons most importantly ratios and proportions. 

Spring

I somehow illusioned my self when I was young (read: slim and innocent) that we do have spring here in the Philippines. Yes, we have the water type, but what I mean is the season. I came to this conclusion when I observed that during Mar-May, certain types of flowers are in full bloom. I would also call the season "Fall" when I see certain types of trees shedding their leaves. Haha. This time of the year, be it called Spring or Summer, we certainly do need a break! Yes, and break we did. We went to Hale Manna in Moalboal here in Cebu. It was a quiet, private and cozy resort. I took these shots when I was in Basdako during sunset. I also took a shot of an orchid in our garden. Oftentimes we seem to forget, let alone recognise, the beauty that God has made for us. From painting the sky with such melancholy, to making the flowers bloom, all for us to be reminded of His love. He really puts up an effort just to make us realize this. Hopefully this coming lenten season, let's give ourselves a break, a break from our daily habits, a break from our old selves, and seek Him.

God Bless!

"Basdako"

2015

Watercolor

"Orchid"

2015

Watercolor

Doors

I got this shot from Taiwan in one of the temples there. I was amazed by how big the door is. Adorning the door is this doorbell. I am not sure if it's pure gold. But it effectively sent the message that the house belonged to someone special and that you have to knock real hard to be able to make it sound. Looking at life, I recall a verse from the bible saying "knock and it shall be opened unto you...". Somehow, we just have to believe that if we really need something so bad, we just set our hearts and our minds to it, and hopefully the universe (or God) will somehow contrive to make it happen. 

Cheers!

"Knock"

2015

Watercolor

 

Scribbles

I have a few anatomy sketches. Here are some of my nude works in watercolour. These are basically pen and watercolour. No pencils were used. I just scribbled my way to draw these forms. The watercolour certainly elevated the scribbles to a whole new level. I somehow consider drawing the human figure one of the epitome of an artist. The human body is such a complex and delicate subject. Its different yet limited poses convey movement and meaning while the colours give it life. These works are basically studies. I just experimented with my new sketchbook. I was surprised and pleased with the results.

Going Filipino

It's been a while since I posted something. This time I will be sharing with you some of my works inspired by the symbols and scenes that identify myself as being Filipino. I painted these works on my Moleskine portable watercolour booklet. It's quite handy not to mention pricey for its size (~3.5"x5.5").

Moleskine has been regarded as the notebook of writers. Yeah, "writers", not painters. Hence I was a bit disappointed on how the paper handled the water. I think it can work with normal milk consistency paint but failed on wet on wet washes. I don't recommend this for beginners as it is pricey and is only useful if you are going to the field or needing something to capture that sudden burst of inspiration. As for my case, I use it as a study prior to working on something big. It is also a good tool to keep any sketches which you may find useful in the future. Here are some works I did.

This scene reminds me of our place here when this was a common site. 

I love sashimi (basically Japanese Cuisine). 

It's humbling to know that we have a good supply of 

quality tuna here in the Philippines.

The "monkey-eating-eagle" really is majestic. 

I love how his blue eyes seems to tell us something.

The pieces are tiny but these are all just for exploration and most important, for FUN. I have other paintings in this booklet but since this segment is about "Going Filipino", that'll be another story.

Salamat at Mabuhay!

:)

Frenzy

"Frenzy"

2015

Watercolor

I took this shot from my travels in Shenzhen around 2012. The Kois here are drawn by food tossed by the passing tourist hence creating this frantic scene. I am somehow inspired by the Kois that's why I decided to paint it. Currently I am on a hiatus. Stepping back from life, I somehow see ourselves in the Koi. Some are really taking a leap out of the water, some are just waiting while others are nonchalant. I think the message is clear, if you want/need something, you have to get it. But the real question for me is, in this day and age, with so many options, how do you know what is it that you really want/need?

Amorsolo

"Woman with blue parasol (after Amorsolo)"

2005

Oil Pastel

I must confess, I am an Amorsolo fan (Fernando Amorsolo is a Philippine National Artist). I really love his works (if only I can afford). This painting was a study after his "Woman with blue parasol". This is framed and hanged in our home as you can see a bit of reflection in the glass. I forgot where I have seen the original however this is my version in oil pastel. This is one of the few oil pastel paintings that I have. That time I was not familiar with oil paints. I did this version by dissolving oil pastel in paint thinner and applying it with a brush. This technique worked! With the completion of this painting, I was convinced that I know how to use oil pastel.

Love

"Emong"

2014

Watercolor

I gave this as a farewell gift to my friend at work when he resigned. Not to mention it was a surprise for him. I find this picture something that would best represent his character. He is a good provider to his family, a caring dad, a very good friend and someone who is passionate about life. I aim to capture his goodness and I hope somehow I was able to give it justice in this painting.

Hope

"Sendong"

2011

Watercolour

This painting was from a photo I took days after Sendong made havoc to Cagayan De Oro, Philippines. On December 2011, a village in Macasandig was literally obliterated and washed to the sea. It was a very sad Christmas for the villagers. We were there to extend our aid and share our blessings. As my family was preoccupied with the distribution, we managed to take some shots of the scene. We noticed a figure from a distance. It was a boy carrying scraps or whatever was left from the devastation. His eyes speaks of fear and uncertainty. It really was a heart breaking scene.

Surprise!

"Surprise!"

2014

Watercolour

This is one of my favourite. Actually, I was not commissioned or anything to draw this picture. This was from the pc desktop image of one of our officemates. It was his son playfully getting his attention. I was captivated by such glow of innocence that I asked him if I could paint it. This painting reminds me of my childhood. A playful yet fragile phase in our lives. But who says having fun stops when we become adults? As they say, age is only a state of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it does not matter. :)

Backyard

"Vanda"

c. 2010 - 2011

Watercolour

One day, I saw some vandas in our garden and decided to paint them. Here, water-droplets are visible since it has just been watered. It was late in the afternoon when I decided to take a shot of it and began painting. My goal here was to somehow create a chiaroscuro effect where there is a big contrast between light and dark.

Sa kabukiran...

"Tuna-an"

c. 1998 - 2000

Watercolour

Our place here in Mandaue has lots of farm land. So, carabaos and mud pits called "tuna-an" are a common sight. Tuna-an is a common place where carabaos would take refuge from the heat of the sun. It cools their body down and adds a layer of mud to their skin which acts as a natural sunblock. Tuna-an is also a place where we collect fish foods called dapnas.

The road less travelled...

"And so I trod the earth beneath,

with eyes looking at my soul,

For time shall come, the two shall meet

And wondered if I've lived at all"

I recalled painting this one around year 2000 (I was in HS back then). I fondly remember this since this was my vision of a hiking trip. I am a nature lover and enjoys backpack adventures. They say life is like climbing a mountain. The higher you get, the more difficult it is to breath, but the view becomes more rewarding.

Hoist the colors!

Hi! Welcome to my blog!

This is my first blog dedicated to my paintings (esp. watercolour). I will be posting soon my thoughts and creations with the hope of reaching out to other artists or bringing out one in you.

Now why watercolour? 

Watercolour has always been my favourite medium. I began drawing at the age of 4 and started watercolour at the age of 6. Watercolour is very accessible that time especially to toddlers at my age back then since it is safe and non toxic (compared to oil). But I never really began to get serious with it not until I reached college. I have also tried other mediums like oil, pastel, charcoal, graphite and acrylic. But none of them stood out in faithfully delivering my vision like watercolour. In painting watercolour, I'd like to just let it flow. There are tons of happy accidents when I paint. You really need to have a lot of patience and discipline when painting watercolour. For me, it's more than an art, it is a way of life. You have to know the water and how to control it but still making room for "mistakes". Making mistakes in watercolour is very "unforgiving" since you cannot erase it unlike oil or the others. Hence, people consider watercolour as the most difficult medium. I cannot blame them. Even now, I still struggle in taming the stains. Nevertheless, its ethereal gleam still shows through my tainted visions. So cheers and hoist the colours!