Rooftop Reverie & Ocean Overture

Have been tardy this year updating my blog but have to really set down to do so, because these 2 paintings from my Untitled series completed earlier this year have sold :)

The nights always seem so full of possibilities to me, especially from aloft a rooftop which I would dearly love to do myself and dangle away on a carefree evening into an endless night of reverie. So it is that a magical fairytale journey unfolded with this one, inspired by a photo that I took of Barcelona's beautiful architectural backdrop from Gaudi's Casa Batlló.  And with it, the musicians and creatures start to creep in. And it is what your imagination wants it to be..

Speaking of music, the second piece had to do with my ambition to be a composer many moons ago which was somehow linked inextricably to many a sojourn to the beach. So the idea of a sea overture with my little girl protagonist conductor was born, with dolphins and whales performing in symphony with the swirling winds of musical notes.  

Lastly, my Untitled series was recently featured in an interview with Naorococo, an art news portal cum online gallery, where I shared my inspiration for these whimsical paintings. I don't think I am done with the series yet but let's see how it goes :)

Title:  Untitled 10 (A51) 
Description: Whimsical blue painting of girl at rooftop watching a magical fantasy night unfold over a european cityscape of chimneys, pied piper music and a flying witch. 2016. 
Medium: Acrylic on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 
Dimensions: 76 x 76cm.
SOLD.

Title:  Untitled 9 (A50) 
Description: Whimsical ocean fantasy painting with little girl conductor, sea waves, dolphins and whale in lively reverie of vintage music notes. 2016. 
Medium: Acrylic on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 
Dimensions: 76 x 76cm.

SOLD.

Winter Blooms & Wave

These 2 blue paintings came about after I realized I had one too many red art hanging in my room recently and needed to cool the balance ;p Unromantic initiative yet with surprising results as I never knew abstract art could be so exhilarating to do.  Especially the smaller Winter Blooms where everything clicked in one relaxing session.  It was also a return to my swishing brush strokes and organic movement, which others have remarked to me that this is my signature and they would love to see it again.

The art journey is an exploring one, never static at one particular style. And that is what makes it so interesting and keeps me going. I veer and experiment, if it works good, if it doesn't it's something learned.  I do not regret the journey, in fact I relish the ups and downs.  My Spanish journey for 2 years was about composition (most people thought it was architecture ;p), my Asian phase was about connection to my roots, and this Icelandic excursion was about paint, in abstract shapes and thick bright colors.

I may be ready to move on, to what I have no idea. But not knowing is what makes the painting journey so fun.  I used to backpack around the world for the thrill of unexpectedness.  Now my wanderlust is in art.

Title:  Winter Blooms (O114) 
Description: Beautiful blue floral abstract Iceland oil painting of flower blooms of nature on snow in the purple winter light, with swirling impressionistic strokes. Icelandic Series 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 
Dimensions: 30 x 30cm.

Title: Wave (O115) 
Description: Icelandic-inspired dramatic abstract expressionist oil painting of blue purple wave with bold energetic swirling movement of the sea waters in Japanese zen art style. Icelandic Series 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm. 

Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

Akureyri & Abstract Iceland

A trilogy of 3 paintings inspired by Iceland, aptly named the Land of Fire and Ice, as it evokes many a strong emotive feeling with its haunting landscapes, ever-changing expansive skies and clouds drama, wintry ice sculptured vistas, all in dramatic surrealistic otherworldly hues that one can only imagine exist in the real world. 

The land was chilling, the weather harsh, full of contradictions and extremes that only Mother Nature can render in all its glory without inhibition. And it was a blessing to witness, to experience, and at long last, to paint, the indelible images that stuck with the emotions infusing in the strokes of these 3 pieces, epitomising serenity, exuberance and unbridled imagination.

Title: Akureyri (O113) 
Description: Haunting landscape painting of northern Iceland with colourful twilight purple pink sunset skies, icy snow mountains and surreal ice lake reflections, in impasto impressionistic strokes reminiscent of Van Gogh. Icelandic Series 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.

Title: Abstract Field (O112) 
Description: Abstract landscape painting of yellow orange fiery Icelandic wheat field in vibrant colours and rhythmic strokes, much like a child's pictorial. Icelandic Series 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm. 

Title: Pink Thoughts (O111) 
Description: Surreal whimsical Iceland city lake painting with pink twilight clouds, abstract blue white water reflections and brown orange autumn leaves. Reykjavik, Icelandic Series 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm. 

Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

Japan Nakasendo Way

Yes! Beginning a new series.. a new country, a new journey, a new revelation.. a place where the culture and colours are the diametric opposite of vibrant Korea that I last painted.. a place that is uniquely. and sedately. zen.  

This, my second visit to Japan after more than a decade, is when I came to understand and appreciate what I did not so many years ago, when I had been literally lost in the translation whilst backpacking in Hokkaido ;p 

Hiking the Nakasendo Way (中山道) this time round, a 17th c highway from Kyoto to Edo (ancient Tokyo), I had a beautiful sojourn meandering the land encountering ancient post-towns, inns, teahouses, distance markers in li (里), shinto shrines, deities for protection of travellers, and many a poignant tale of the 劳师动众 (labourious) Princess entourage that travelled to marry the Shogun. Having come full circle on this land, I finally came to love it at last.  Of course, having an English-speaking Japanese guide helps immensely :)  Thanks! Mario Anton of WalkJapan.

So I came home armed with a thousand photos, and even more wonderful memories, and started to paint. I wasn't quite sure if I can do sedate, but zen, maybe. These 3 paintings are a start. Make what you will of them. They are nuggets, stories  from the Nakasendo. And really, we did meet a lovely wedding couple. I knew then that I would paint the bride's stunning kimono gown :) Enjoy the pieces! 

Title: Kyoto Dream 京都梦 (O105) 
Description: Poignant impressionistic painting of a Japanese lady in pink kimono at the Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺), in dramatic yellow red surreal hues. Nakasendo Way 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.

Title: The Path 悟之路 (O106) 
Description: Whimsical surreal painting in grey monastic tones, inspired by the red lamppost lit stone path, up to the Kumanokōtai Shr ine (熊野皇大神社) in Japan's Nagano Prefecture (长野县). Nakasendo Way 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. Dimensions: 61 x 61cm. 

Title: Japanese Wedding Couple 日本婚礼 (O104) 
Description: Portrait painting of a young Japanese couple in traditional wedding wafuku (和服), with the bride in a resplendent red phoenix kimono, accompanied by a whimsical backdrop of purple umbrellas and Japanese lanterns. Nakasendo Way 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. Dimensions: 76 x 76cm. 

Purchase at: www.saatchiart.com/yen

Postcard from Jeju

I love these postboxes on the Jeju Olle Trail No. 7 for more reasons than one.  In today's world of iphone/ipad and a plethora of gadgets for instant gratification and communication, whoever remembers the joy of waiting, of anticipation, of imagination, of surprise, of receiving a physical postcard in the letterbox, with a stamp implanted from lands faraway and wondering how far this little item has travelled to be delivered.. And with a preciously thought and penned message.  

Most of all, I love that it stops time. That it rekindles the romance of travelling, of being away from it all, and just enjoying the little joys of wandering, of discovering, of appreciating, of savouring the moments, of remembering a distant friend, and of being at peace :)

Title: Postcard from Jeju 信的告白 (O100)
Description: Whimsical painting inspired by the joy of discovering a cluster of postboxes on the Jeju Olle Trail No. 7, a reminder of the romance of travelling and of sending a postcard home. Jeju Notes 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 76cm.

Autumn at Hallasan

The journey for this work was as convoluted as the actual climb at Hallasan that I undertook last September, all 5603 feet up Korea's highest mountain, just hoping to catch a glimpse of autumn even though Jeju was unexpectedly as hot as Singa-land during my stay there.  Well, that is "Singaporean madness" for you as we come from a land of eternal green.  

It was a small peek at fall, literally. Some fallen red leaves on a small patch of the forever rocky path.  But I was delirious nevertheless.  Even more so than when I was to later reach the summit.  

So I painted autumn again which I haven't in a long while.  While the composition came easily enough, I struggled with the colour of the ground for a while before I finally got the feel that I wanted, intentionally stark contrast and all. Lyrical yet brittle. Yup, that pretty much sums it up. 

Title: Autumn at Hallasan 汉拿山之秋 (O99)
Description: A lyrical fall painting of autumn leaves on a rocky path inspired by the artist's hike way up Mt Hallasan, Korea's highest mountain, just to catch that wee bit of fall. Jeju Notes 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.
SOLD. 

Wanderer's Paradise

Madness yet a genius. This was what crossed my mind when I came across this unusual shack on a cliff edge, literally, while hiking the Jeju Olle Trail No. 7.  Mind you, it was quite a drop down that precarious ledge into treacherous terrain, wee..  
Yet I was at once wildly amused by the madness of the author, and terribly intrigued by the brilliance of it all, the more I studied it.  

Wooden planks to layout the spot, check.  Weather extremely hot, not much shade on this stretch of trail, tie shelter to tree branches, check.  Blow-away super strong winds characteristic of Jeju, use lots of strong ropes tied like a maze to secure the all-important showcase chair.. not to mention the almighty drop to heaven if it weren't, check.  And lastly a fantastic view point of the ocean, the rugged rocky coast, the distant islets, check. Now all there's left was to sit..  

Except I didn't quite have the courage of the mad one. The chair seemed sturdy enough when I sat my backpack on it. Stood behind was all I dared endeavour then in the bellowing winds. But the longing and regret endured way after. So being an artist which is a good skill to have when you can't live something, I painted the scene instead ;p Yes, the surreal dream of what it would be like to sit on that ledge - to rest, contemplate and admire with trepidation perhaps - the mad one's gateway to heaven, literally and metaphorically.

Title: Wanderer's Paradise 游子的天堂 (O98)
Description: Colourful surreal landscape painting inspired by a shack on a cliff edge the artist encountered while hiking the coast of Jeju Olle Trail No. 7. The scene depicts her dream sitting beholding the ocean, on a chair tied by a litany of ropes, the concoction of a mad genius perhaps, and a gateway to heaven, literally and metaphorically. Jeju Notes 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

The Scooter

One of the joys of hiking on the Jeju Olle Trails is oft, after long long stretches of ocean sea and waves, even ulu (remote) nothingness, with blistered feet and all from the famed black rocks.. suddenly a quirky little cafe will appear out of the blue... literally.  and blow all the fatigue away..

One had a beautiful sculpture garden and played wonderful music until I didn't want to leave. Another served the most yummy ice dessert with so many nutty flavourings that savouring was an adventure in itself.  
This painting is inspired by a memorable cafe episode on Udo Island. The weather was gloomy when I arrived at the port. Unlike everybody else who chose to go on the plentiful wheel options, I decided to walk.  And I seemed to be the only one.  After an hour or so of a particularly lonesome amble through stone walled paths and brown villages, it started to rain with big pelting drops.  I had to scramble to put on protective layers before continuing. Barely had I braved the blistering elements for a short distance, lo and behold a pristine white structure that looked like a pirate yacht appeared.  It was a godsend little cafe that hailed the start of a petite stretch of stunning white sands and turquoise waters.  As if on cue, the storm blew over, the sun came out. And someone parked a cute white scooter right before my window as I dug into my dessert gratefully, and happily.

The work commemorates that afternoon of eventful wanderings. Of what it means to be on the road.  What it means to find a restive enclave. Of trials and tribulations, pains and joys, of a silver lining at the end of every storm. And of the gems of discovery on a journey embedded into this whimsical window, crowded with items and collectibles.. nuggets from a memorable travel. 

Title: The Scooter 小摩托 (O97)
Description: Whimsical painting of a cafe window onlooking a little scooter parked on a beach, with a lively composition crowded with delightful items and collectibles from the artist's nuggets of memories of the Jeju Olle Trail on Udo Island. Jeju Notes 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

Wave Watch

One cannot miss the sound of waves in Jeju, ever constant, as you wander around the island.. Ever rhythmic, ever present, ever relentless, strong with the whistling winds.. sometimes pounding in all its fiercest majestic glory, evoking exhilaration and even fear at nature's power.. at other times quiet and contemplative.. yet still always unyielding and meditative.   

At the end of my stay in Jeju, I went to Udo Island and there, on Seobinbaeksa Beach with its white sands and turquoise waters and dramatic volcanic backdrop from the mainland,  the surreality reaches an unusually calm beauty, eliciting much joy and happiness to the bystanders.  

And which inspired this nostalgic piece, of the simple joys of marvelling at the beauty of nature, of the whimsical fun of waves, of the child in us who was once able to appreciate things instinctively. 

Title: Wave Watch 看浪 (O93)
Description: A whimsical little painting of a couple on a beach before larger-than-life waves and an imposing conical mountain yonder, inspired by the whimsical nostalgic joy of wave watching at Udo Island. Jeju Notes 2013.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

Wild Flowers

I seldom paint flowers, not sure why. Maybe because they are ephemeral in nature and I just love to admire them when I see, perhaps capturing in film but not more. I also adore wild flowers much more than the planted ones, because they bloom despite, because they are a privilege to catch, because they seem so free-spirited..  

One of the greatest joys trekking the Jeju Olle Trails was chancing upon these wild flowers that dot the varying nature landscape all over the island.  They are a constant, like the waves and the black rocks. And they never fail to bring a smile to my face :)  

So I am inspired to paint a piece on flowers again, however cliche the material ;p It's just a much treasured image of my memories of Jeju - the carefree feeling of simple joy that it brings me - that I'd like to capture as a momento beyond film. 

Title: Wild Flowers 野花 (O92)
Description: A colourful floral painting inspired by the wild flowers in Jeju, which brought many a smile to a hiker's face on the Jeju Olle Trails. Jeju Notes 2013.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 76cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

Jeju Boats

Before visiting Jeju, I knew Korea is a colourful nation, "well-educated" was I from all the K-drama ;p  Especially the period ones.  I have always admired the creative use of bright blues, reds, greens, purples, in the lush costumes, contrasting, striking yet not clashing.  

So it was when I arrived in Seogwipo, the southern port city of Jeju, one of the things that delighted me most - apart from discovering the Jeju Olle Trails which gave me plenty of hiking opportunities in my 10-day stay - are the colourful boats at the port.  They are straight from the K-dramas, hues-wise, especially the bright blues.  And there is a quaint whimsical charm in the chaotic clutter of little windows, chimneys, endless lines, rows and rows of light bulbs.. somehow reminding me of a Jap cartoon. I simply adore them!

And of all my amblings around the island, I love the fishing boats on the southern coast most, especially these striking blue ones at the little port of one Beophwan Village, which I stumbled upon while trekking the Jeju Olle Trail No. 7.  I was so engrossed taking photos of these boats that I did not notice that people are bathing at a nearby spot.. Oops.. but that is another bloopers story ;p  Anyway, more than any image in Jeju, I knew I would paint this scene.

So that is the story behind this boats painting. And the start of hopefully, a series to commemorate my much treasured memories of this unforgettable island. 

Title: Jeju Boats 济州船 (O91)
Description: A colourful impressionist painting of delightful cluttering fishing boats at Beophwan Village, the southernmost coastal village in Korea on the Jeju Olle Trail No. 7. Jeju Notes 2013.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 76cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

Tian Zi Fang

Using an old canvas from a piece that didn't work out but which gives a green-tinged colorful underlayer perfect for my red theme, I created this piece in one sitting as everything just seemed to come together perfectly. 

Tian Zi Fang is an arts and crafts enclave in the French Concession area of Shanghai, China.  It is also my favourite place there, with a burgeoning arts and crafts enclave developed from a renovated residential area of traditional Shanghainese Shikumen (石库门) style buildings that is still teeming with everyday neighbourhood life, along with many small crafts shops, fancy eateries, trendy art studios, wires, pipes, lanterns sticking everywhere, but still amazingly coming together to give a unique eclectic buzz to the place. I love it !  As I painted away,  combining quirky elements here and there from the bits and pieces of snapshots that I had taken including the black cat, it was like a re-living of my exploration of the narrow alleyways and quaint corners of Tian Zi Fang all over again.  

The composition is not of an actual street but is a jigsaw puzzle of sorts, of my fond memories of the whimsical atmosphere of Tian Zi Fang.  If you do visit as I did, you may spot an item or two of my painting there. Have fun exploring as I did :)

Title: Tian Zi Fang 田子坊 (O89)
Description: A colourful whimsical painting inspired by the lively streets of Tian Zi Fang, an arts and craft enclave developed from a residential area in the French Concession area of Shanghai. China 2013.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas with sides painted magenta.
Dimensions: 76 x 76 x 4cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

Suzhou Gardens

Back to painting my favourite Suzhou classical garden, Cang Lang Ting (沧浪亭), which many say has a japanese zen feeling to the piece.  

I simply love this place. Its meditative atmosphere emits an untouched hypnotic calm as the privileged few visiting its grounds find their own solitary interpretation and poetic encounters as they wander about exploring the many nooks and corners. 

The combination of architecture with nature was perfect, from the lyrical to the whimsical. As with this corner that caught my eye. Interpret how you will the vertical lines as the beauty of this Suzhou classical garden is in the imagination and pondering that it invokes in the mind of the beholder.

Title: Suzhou Gardens 苏州园林 (O88)
Description: A painting of the poetic grounds of Cang Lang Ting (Surging Waves Pavilion), the artist's favourite Suzhou gardens and one of the famous China UNESCO classical gardens. China 2013.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.  
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com 

West Lake

I first visited China as a kid and loved Hangzhou then. Pleasant place, an amazing acrobatic performance, and a beautiful lake. 

So it was that on this trip to Shanghai, I had to go Hangzhou again, even for a few hours. Gilded childhood memories aside, must say I was taken aback by the mad circus at the train station, the crazy cab ride to the nearest part of the lake in order to maximise my visit, and oh lord, I think the whole of China is here!!

Thankfully, the lake is incredibly big, more than I ever remember. Incredibly, there is space for everyone.  And incredibly lucky was I to find a quiet garden section which was so beautiful I was reminded of Giverny.  And oh the time flew by as I explored the little  surprises at every nook and corner.  Rarely has the harmony of man and nature been more intricate than in this heavenly place, which is the very essence of zen. And thus the tribute of this painting.
    

Title: West Lake 西湖 (O87)
Description: A quiet corner at the beautiful West Lake captures my heart, as Hangzhou once did many years ago. China 2013.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.
SOLD.

2 comments:
doreen said...Your painting exudes the energy that is not found in the photo. Well done! Love your painting!
timi said... This painting is beautiful and unique in its execution. I LOVE It. 

The Way Home

A lyrical place makes an inspiring one. Simply love the old streets in Suzhou, with beautiful whitewash houses in the ancient style and the interweaving poetic arching roofs, all coming together like a Chinese painting scene, much like ancient China coming alive before one's very eyes. 

What mysterious abodes lie behind those carved doors? What stories go on behind those pretty windows?  What inspired those stunningly beautiful classical gardens that Suzhou is famous for?  What about the beautiful women that Suzhou is known for?  What  about the aspirations of modern day China? The tug between the historical and the new must have created much upheavals in the lives of the Suzhou people, even as these ancient buildings quietly watch by.. 

With these thoughts swirling, the painting was created. A tad muted in colour compared to my previous works, but that was the feeling that these streets gave to me.


Title: The Way Home 回 (O85)
Description: A poignant piece inspired by the poetic streets of Suzhou. China 2013.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.
SOLD.

Spanish Vignettes

Just created this slide video for my Spain Vignettes photography 2011 and paintings 2011-2012 collection, brings back a lot of fond memories about the Spanish cities and towns. Starting with B is for Barca, Barbastro, G for Girona, A Ainsa, C Cadiz, Cordoba.. going on to Ronda with an unforgettable flamenco night, Montserrat, Morella, Valencia, and ending with Z for Zaragoza. Enjoy the spanish dance! 

Pink City

We had a lovely time by the city lake of Reykjavik called Tjomin (the pond).  The reflections of the Icelandic city buildings on the pristine ice make for a pretty picture, much like those little glass orb ornaments with a picturesque village picture in it complete with snow flakes a-falling.. :)

I especially love the church with the tall green tower spire that is unique to Icelandic churches. The structure makes a nice anchor to my lake reflections photograph as well as this acrylic art piece.  For the painting, the feel is decidedly whimsical as I gave the scene an intentional eliptic spin, reflective of our feelings on that idyllic afternoon stroll by the lake as we discovered to our delight the water has frozen over, courtesy of a cat walk on ice (literally), and later diving kamikaze ducks..  Yes we had fun, and serene peace.

Title: Pink City (A41)
Description: Warm landscape painting of Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, with the colorful architecture, church spire and sun set clouds reflecting on the city lake Tjornin.  Icelandic Series 2013.
Medium: Acrylic on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 30 x 30cm.
SOLD. 

1 comment:
timi said... it's beautiful really really lovely. 

Reykjavik

Reykjavik - it took me a long time to learn how to spell the most northernmost capital of the world ;p But the landscapes of the Icelandic terrain are definitely unforgettable. 

This was a distant view of the city from Perlan hill where the wintry shrubs gave a perfect frame to the unique Icelandic architecture, spires and all, with the faraway mountains and sea bay completing the composition that reminded me of an impressionist painting.

This was the scene I most wanted to paint from the trip and it was with great joy that I finally put paint to canvas, meddling with the colours and shapes until I think I got it right.. enjoy!

Title: Reykjavik (A40)
Description: Colorful landscape painting of the Iceland capital, with the city view from Perlan hill. Icelandic Series 2013.
Medium: Acrylic on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 30 x 30cm.
SOLD.

Bell City & Uneven

Yes, bell city.  That was the impression that the southwestern port city of Cadiz gave me.  Maybe because one of the first and most exhilarating views that I had of the place is up from the windy Torre de Poniente where the distinctive tower bells of the Catedral de Cadiz overlook in various sizes over the panorama that is the glittering white Andulasian enclave of Cadiz lined by a blue Atlantic strip.

I feel compelled to paint the city in light and imbued these 2 pieces with the hues of the place.  There is no one single overwhelmingly stunning feature but the sum of Cadiz is a pleasant one and we loved the atmosphere and festivities, enjoying the architecture of the narrow streets, the parks, vistas, the laid-back ambience that can only come with a port city.  And it is this light feeling that sustained my paint strokes.    

Title: Bell City (O81)
Description: An interesting portrayal of Cadiz, a southwestern port city of Spain, inspired by tower bells at the Torre de Poniente of the Catedral de Cadiz.  Spain Vignettes 2012.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 61cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

Title: Uneven (O82)
Description: The buildings and architecture along the undulating narrow streets of the old town of Cadiz in southern Spain make for an interesting imagery study.   Spain Vignettes 2012.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 
Dimensions: 76 x 61cm.
SOLD.

Jello & Yolk

Was I thinking of food when I painted these two? Maybe.. unconsciously ;p  The idiosyncratic names seem to stick whenever I look at them.

Together, the works depict the quaint stone buildings in the little village of Ainsa, capital of the medieval Sobarbe Kingdom, at once mystical and drawing in its aura yet strangely familiar oriental to the asian in me.  Maybe it was the mix of influence of the Celts, Romans, Muslims, and Christians, who in turn left their mark here.  I almost thought the Chinese were here as well.  And the Chinese phrase 古色古香 (literally, antiquity colours and smells) came oft to me as we explored the Spanish medieval town, unlike any other I've seen before.  And come sun down, the spectacular drama of the village lit in orange by the unfolding pink skies was simply unworldly.  Just like the unworldly sanctuary that is Ainsa.

Title: Jello (O72)
Description: The medieval buildings in Ainsa, once Sobarbe Kingdom, each seems to tell a different story, western yet familiar oriental, and evokes deep affection in me like this one. Much like an old friend, hence the name. Spain Vignettes 2011.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 61cm.
SOLD.

Title: Yolk (O73)
Description: At once meditative and brimming with emotions and outworldly possibilities, the enigmatic medieval kingdom of Ainsa beckons under its dramatic dusk skies. Spain Vignettes 2011.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 61cm.
SOLD.