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!