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
"Painting is my second wanderlust.. breaking me free to realms where my footsteps dare not tread.."
~ HweeYen Ong | Singapore Artist ~ exploring heritage through oil painting.
Original Paintings for sale: artbyyen.com |
Art Prints: ypics.etsy.com
Showing posts with label WATERSCAPE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WATERSCAPE. Show all posts
28.12.14
8.6.14
The Ship
I wasn't quite sure what style this painting will take when I started, as I was only intent on superimposing two images - one of a distant port city, with streaking light reflections and a twilight sun - the other, a ship inspired by a picture taken in Jeju.
In the end, when I fused the two, it became a surreal abstract piece and the vessel evolved into a skeletal outline of imagination, nothing like the original. An artist commented that the piece is very Chagall. Interpret it how you will. I have decided I like it the way it is and am leaving it at that.
Title: The Ship 船 (O101)
Description: Surreal abstract painting of a ship at sea, departing from a port city in the night, with a red twilight sun, dramatic vibrant tones and hues, and a dreams style reminiscent of Chagall. Jeju Notes 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 76cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com
In the end, when I fused the two, it became a surreal abstract piece and the vessel evolved into a skeletal outline of imagination, nothing like the original. An artist commented that the piece is very Chagall. Interpret it how you will. I have decided I like it the way it is and am leaving it at that.
Title: The Ship 船 (O101)
Description: Surreal abstract painting of a ship at sea, departing from a port city in the night, with a red twilight sun, dramatic vibrant tones and hues, and a dreams style reminiscent of Chagall. Jeju Notes 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 76cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com
22.2.14
Sunset
Once in a while, my surrealistic tendencies overcome and it is with this experimental piece inspired by an inspiring sunset on Jeju island in Korea.
Realism or even impressionism was the last thing on my mind when I painted the image. Instead I saw shapes and symbols swirling in motion. I thought it wasn't going to work but I added the woman and it seemed to click. So I persevered until the colours gel, brought back from the realm of disunity by the movement.
And then I stopped. My emotional outburst was over. I am not even sure if I like it. It is certainly different from the other korean pieces done so far. But I think I will keep the piece.
Title: Sunset 夕阳 (O94)
Description: Shapes, movement and symbolism embody this bold soulful surrealistic landscape painting inspired by a beach sunset in Jeju, Korea, known for its haenyo sea diver women. Jeju Notes 2013.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com
1 comment:
shelley whiting said... I love the wild and expressionistic style. Beautiul and lively work
Realism or even impressionism was the last thing on my mind when I painted the image. Instead I saw shapes and symbols swirling in motion. I thought it wasn't going to work but I added the woman and it seemed to click. So I persevered until the colours gel, brought back from the realm of disunity by the movement.
And then I stopped. My emotional outburst was over. I am not even sure if I like it. It is certainly different from the other korean pieces done so far. But I think I will keep the piece.
Description: Shapes, movement and symbolism embody this bold soulful surrealistic landscape painting inspired by a beach sunset in Jeju, Korea, known for its haenyo sea diver women. Jeju Notes 2013.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com
1 comment:
shelley whiting said... I love the wild and expressionistic style. Beautiul and lively work
14.2.14
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
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
15.12.13
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
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
4.9.13
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.
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.
24.8.13
Suzhou Houses
There is nothing more lyrical than the Suzhou houses, period. They blend poetically with the landscape like a Chinese painting, whether by the river ways and intertwining bridges, or along the ancient streets, sometimes whitewash, sometimes dated yet emanating an understated beauty beyond the crumbly walls.
This was especially so along Pingjiang Street, running parallel along the river of the same namesake. There are new shops and teahouses a-plenty with an endless bustle of yuppies, locals young and old, tourists of course, but somehow the charm of ancient Suzhou is retained with architectural delights surprising at every turn. A little boat rows by on the canal, an old boatman with silver hair singing a familiar Chinese tune, yet so fitting to the atmosphere together with the photography shoots of young beautiful models in traditional costumes every 50 feet it seems. A happening place this is, as it must have been all those years ago in ancient Song Dynasty. But the houses attract me the most, with many varied exquisite designs laid out in a haphazard yet harmonious manner along the narrow stone pathway, especially the silent ones on the opposite river bank with the quintessential black triangular roof lines elegantly sketching the skyline. And that is what struck a chord in me most that resulted in this painting..
Title: Suzhou Houses 苏州屋 (O86)
Description: Houses by the Pingjiang River in Suzhou struck an emotional chord with the artist. China 2013.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com
This was especially so along Pingjiang Street, running parallel along the river of the same namesake. There are new shops and teahouses a-plenty with an endless bustle of yuppies, locals young and old, tourists of course, but somehow the charm of ancient Suzhou is retained with architectural delights surprising at every turn. A little boat rows by on the canal, an old boatman with silver hair singing a familiar Chinese tune, yet so fitting to the atmosphere together with the photography shoots of young beautiful models in traditional costumes every 50 feet it seems. A happening place this is, as it must have been all those years ago in ancient Song Dynasty. But the houses attract me the most, with many varied exquisite designs laid out in a haphazard yet harmonious manner along the narrow stone pathway, especially the silent ones on the opposite river bank with the quintessential black triangular roof lines elegantly sketching the skyline. And that is what struck a chord in me most that resulted in this painting..
Title: Suzhou Houses 苏州屋 (O86)
Description: Houses by the Pingjiang River in Suzhou struck an emotional chord with the artist. China 2013.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com
17.3.13
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.
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.
11.2.13
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.
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.
13.1.13
Solace
After a hiatus, I am finally back to painting with a change of scenery, literally :) And lotsa inspiration from the surreal place called Iceland from my latest travels..
Where the elements strike stunningly close, where mother nature is omnipresent in its immense powers, and most of all, the fascinating Icelandic sun.. ever so close to earth, ever so bright, as if tempting one to touch its unseeable whiteness in the cold wintry air.
So it is that I started with painting the unforgettable Iceland sun. Which is strange as I rarely paint sunsets, a rather cliche subject to me. But the Land of Fire and Ice changed my mind. And this may be the start of many more, in hopefully the start of a series that explores the feelings that this indelible abstract harsh lands in the cold volcanic north stirred in the artist in me..
Title: Solace (A39)
Description: A soulful piece depicting the unforgettable Icelandic sunset at the surreal wetlands of the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters in Mývatn, North Iceland. Icelandic Series 2013.
Medium: Acrylic on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 30 x 30cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com
3 comments:
sag said... Wonderful....
jeffrey said... This is really nice! Makes one feel optimistic just looking at it
lu ky said... great! I like it! No wonder your talent here!
Where the elements strike stunningly close, where mother nature is omnipresent in its immense powers, and most of all, the fascinating Icelandic sun.. ever so close to earth, ever so bright, as if tempting one to touch its unseeable whiteness in the cold wintry air.
So it is that I started with painting the unforgettable Iceland sun. Which is strange as I rarely paint sunsets, a rather cliche subject to me. But the Land of Fire and Ice changed my mind. And this may be the start of many more, in hopefully the start of a series that explores the feelings that this indelible abstract harsh lands in the cold volcanic north stirred in the artist in me..
Title: Solace (A39)
Description: A soulful piece depicting the unforgettable Icelandic sunset at the surreal wetlands of the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters in Mývatn, North Iceland. Icelandic Series 2013.
Medium: Acrylic on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 30 x 30cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com
3 comments:
sag said... Wonderful....
jeffrey said... This is really nice! Makes one feel optimistic just looking at it
lu ky said... great! I like it! No wonder your talent here!
28.1.10
Kaleidoscope

Another work inspired by my last Scotland trip.The reference pic was taken when I was re-visiting the Highlands on the train and as usual, the typical 'atmospheric' (read: rainy) Scottish weather prevailed. When we weren't shrouded in fog, the window panorama threw up some really dramatic 'cloudscapes' and all I could do amidst the high speed frenzy was clicked optimistically hoping to catch some of these gems, however blurred the result may be. This shot was one of them and I loved the fisheye effect.But when it comes to painting it, my colour instincts took over completely. My original photo is called "eye of a storm"; the painting result is however more of a kaleidoscope of colours with all the elements of nature - ocean, mountains, islets, beach, sky, clouds - interacting and encircled in a harmonious peaceful scene. Hence the name "Kaleidoscope".
Title: Kaleidoscope (O29)Description: Highlands from the train. Inspired by the atmospheric 'cloudscapes' whilst travelling in the Scottish Highlands by train. 2009.
Medium: Oil n Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 60 x 60cm.
18.10.09
Autumn Thoughts Series ( 秋念系列 )
Autumn is a favourite season of mine, perhaps because I don't live in a place with four seasons and don't have to face the prospects of a bleak cold winter ahead with all the bothersome things associated with it. And coming from a country with tropical greens all-year round, the gloriousness of autumn colours never fails to amaze me.So when I travel, this is usually the season I try to catch - not the hot hot summers where I have had more than
enough in my home country, not the cold cold winters even though the sight of snow is exciting to me as well - although spring is a close second preference. But the autumn window is notoriously brief and hard to time, sometimes arriving too early sometimes too late.. but when I did have the privilege to witness the grandeur, it's such a blessing, sigh..Yet this beautiful transient period is such a provocateur of conflicting emotions - stimulation at the visual treat of nature at its surreal best versus trepidation of what is to come after - so we angst over the beauty, the brevity, the fragility of life, the effluxion of time - even the chinese character for autumn ( 秋 ) with a heart ( 心 ) at the bottom means sorrow ( 愁 ).
When I decided to paint autumn landscapes, this becomes a natural theme for my experiment with expressionism - a season of change, a season that prompts many thoughts - a season for contemplation ( 静禅 ), solitude ( 独思 ) & decisions ( 抉择 ), the titles of my 3 pieces in this Autumn Thoughts series.
Title: Contemplation (O24,SA26)Description: Autumn is a season of change, with nature seemingly determined to depart from spring with a climax of its most glorious colours before retreating to bitter winter. It is also a period that provokes the most conflicting emotions. Contemplation is the 1st work in my Autumn Thoughts series and exhibited at the inaugural alfresco art fair @ clifford square from 30 Oct~1 Nov 09. 2009.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 45 x 45cm.
Price: SOLD.

Title: Solitude (O25,SA27)
Description: The second work in my Autumn Thoughts series. Aloneness with one's thoughts is the theme of this piece. 2009.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 60 x 45cm.
Title: Decisions (O26,SA28)Description: Autumn Thoughts series. The inevitable need to find meaning and resolution in our thoughts is the central theme behind this piece. 2009.Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 60 x 45cm.
Price: SOLD.
7 comments:
anna jasmin said...
This painting (Contemplation) attracts, and I am happy it does. It possess a certain awe. Love looking at it!
jeffrey said...
I like the lighter shades in Solitude - kind of resonates with the theme how the colours of life start fading away when autumn beckons, don't you think? =)
beibei said...
like Contemplation and Decisions. Stronger Autumn Colors for me. I love Autumn too..那多事的秋。
jiayi said...
I like Solitude as well. 喜欢比较细腻的画作。
allison said...
Beautiful painting (Contemplation miniwork) (I just got it framed and hung and love it) and a great seller. Thank you!
janet said...
Just wanted to let you know that I received your painting (Solitude miniwork) yesterday.. Safe and sound, I love it!!
melissa forcier said...
Really beautiful!! (Contemplation painting)
17.7.09
Cloud Series ~ The Lamppost

When it comes to clouds, how can I forget the Scottish Highlands where the ever-changing weather and sky conditions make for the most dramatic surrealistic breathtaking scenery ever. Period.
So my 2nd cloud painting had to be sourced from the trip photos of my favourite place on earth. The reference pic, a favourite of mine, depicts a typical Scottish lamppost with flowers silhoutted against dancing clouds that seemed to gravitate towards a deserted fort at the Isle of Skye. The word Skye derives from the Norse word Skuy meaning clouds, so apt for my cloud series..
While the original pic was cool in hue, I interjected an orange glow for the sunset setting and had fun with all sorts of colours on the clouds. The result is a tad bold but this is probably the strongest I'd ever get in a painting.. I think.
Title: Cloud Series ~ The Lamppost (O16,SA7)
Description: I was drawn to the dancing clouds framing the silhoutte of a lamppost and a deserted fort at the Scottish Highlands. 2008.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 50 x 40cm.
SOLD.
1 comment:
So my 2nd cloud painting had to be sourced from the trip photos of my favourite place on earth. The reference pic, a favourite of mine, depicts a typical Scottish lamppost with flowers silhoutted against dancing clouds that seemed to gravitate towards a deserted fort at the Isle of Skye. The word Skye derives from the Norse word Skuy meaning clouds, so apt for my cloud series..
While the original pic was cool in hue, I interjected an orange glow for the sunset setting and had fun with all sorts of colours on the clouds. The result is a tad bold but this is probably the strongest I'd ever get in a painting.. I think.

Title: Cloud Series ~ The Lamppost (O16,SA7)
Description: I was drawn to the dancing clouds framing the silhoutte of a lamppost and a deserted fort at the Scottish Highlands. 2008.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 50 x 40cm.
SOLD.
1 comment:
anna jasmin said...
The contrast is captivating, this piece draws my attention and I love the serenity.
5.7.09
Mornington Peninsula ~ London Bridge
The trip to the Mornington Peninsula has got to be my most productive art trip ever because I continued to paint it long after getting home to Singapore, testament indeed to the wonderful lighting and strong colours of the place, the feelings it invokes and why it is a popular artist enclave.I started this oil piece using brush and ended up with painting knife instead and this marked the start of several knife pieces. The setting is a dramatic arched rock shaped like a bridge, hence the namesake of the iconic bridge. While the view was stunning when we visited the coast, it was incredibly hot and well impossible to paint without fainting so we did the next best thing and took pictures ;p
First I did a sketch on acrylic paper in a tilted position like my photo which turned out well and then progressed to canvas. With the larger space, I wanted to do more to elicit the feeling of strong bright colours that the scene gave me, which I wasn't quite able to achieve until I started experimenting with the painting knife. There was no turning back after that.
Title: Mornington Peninsula ~ London Bridge (O12,SA3)Description: My tilted impression of the dramatic London Bridge rock formation at the Mornington Peninsula. 2008.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 60 x 50cm. SOLD.
Mini-Acrylic Work (with dark green cardboard frame) 27x21cm: SOLD.
1 comment:
alice said...
I really like this one...
Mornington Peninsula Art Trip ~ Sorrento Portsea Artists Trail
To complete the trilogy of 'decent' plein air works from the memorable art trip down under, this one was done at a secret secret place by virtue of the fact that we had a tip from a local artist and still took a few wrong turnings before finding this wonderful trail.As the work title goes, it is a historic artist trail which has become a millionaires walk no kidding ;p After checking out the millionaires' mansions, no really, the path itself for a good spot to paint, we decided to go back to the beginning of the trail which has ample space and a few viewpoints of the distinctive boathouses on the coast. It was a very hot day so the challenge was more to complete before we melted ;p
I love the pattern woven by the bridges to the boathouses and how they interweave with the lovely patterns of seabed and different hues of the bay waters. I used a portrait view to exaggerate this pattern and had fun creating the sense of perspectives from multiple colours and dulling them with the distance. Initially I included the cliff fence at the bottom but removed it later back home because it distracts from the composition.
Title: Mornington Peninsula ~ Sorrento Portsea Artists Trail (A8)Description: Plein air work at Australia's Mornington Peninsula. 2008.
Medium: Acrylic on Panel (flat).
Dimensions: 40 x 30cm.
Price: SOLD.
1 comment:carol pino said...
I really like the Sorrento's Portsea Artists' Trail Monrnington Peninsula, Victoria... I love your bold yet nuanced approach to color.
2.7.09
Mornington Peninsula Art Trip ~ Cape Schanck

My 2nd favourite piece from the art trip is this "Budha Palm" rock at Cape Schanck which just screams to be painted. Okay I'm exaggerating. But this unusual rock formation which we had to lug our stuff all the way down an eternal flight of wooden bridge steps to reach did give us all The Feeling, so to speak, to start work immediately.Not that we had a choice given the challenging conditions. Dramatic setting means spectacular wave sprays and winds, not to mention flying pebbles and worst of all, the sandflies and awful bites! My acrylic paint seemed to dry as soon as I squeezed them out and I actually wore sun-glasses (to the amusement of my fellow artists) to keep out the sand blizzards. It was no wonder that my initial work ended up a tad "overly wild" for the skies and I had to tone it down subsequently back home. But I do like the rock piece effect. And this is a good companion piece to my Mornington Pier work (below) which I have hanging together in my bedroom :)
Title: Mornington Peninsula ~ Cape Schanck (A7)Description: Plein air work at Australia's Mornington Peninsula. 2008.
Medium: Acrylic on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 30 x 25cm.
SOLD.
1 comment:
sarah said...
This painting is truly beautiful. My friend is Australian and misses home from time to time...it's his 50th birthday..i know he will love this gift. Thank you!
Mornington Peninsula Art Trip ~ Mornington Pier
I've written about this amazingly fun art trip down under before so I'd concentrate on the artworks, starting with one of my favourites which somehow everything clicked just nicely for this plein air piece.It was late morning when we arrived at Mornington Pier and the sight of the many boats and yachts bobbing along on the soft turquoise waters just gave me a very pleasing feeling. I especially like one particular wooden-planked navy blue tented boat so I decided to use it to anchor my composition. At the time I was reading up a lot on Cezanne and it just came naturally that I should tilt the front boats up for better compositional shapes never mind the distortion in perspective. I also consciously shortened the length of the masks to create depth of the boats but exaggerated the one on the front right yacht for a strong vertical to balance the horizontal components. Everything worked well enough and the pastel colours just came naturally to match the boat that I liked and started with, so the only challenge was to get it all done before our stomachs came a-growling for lunch time ;p

Title: Mornington Peninsula ~ Mornington Pier (A6)
Description: Plein air work at Australia's Mornington Peninsula. 2008.
Medium: Acrylic on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 30 x 25cm.
SOLD.
Prints available for purchase at my artfire shop.
1 comment:
fauziah said...I love the mornington pier it looks so alive..
21.4.09
Seasons ~ Autumn Crescendo

The reference photo for this piece was taken on the famous 100-mile Klondike Highway from Skagway, Alaska to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, paralleling the White Pass Trail of the 1897-98 Klondike Gold Rush. I love this shot because it shows the winding road flanked by tumbling autumn slopes with majestic snow-laden mountains interpersed in clouds looming ahead. Everything folds into a kaleidoscopic centre where the highway appears to dip into a lake, hinting at the drama and spectacle that lays ahead.I did the watercolour piece at a time when I was experimenting with watercolours, which I learned to be an unforgiving medium when it came to mistakes. However, I was really pleased with the nuanced effects I could achieve for the clouds interplay with the mountains. Later when I moved back to oil and started using painting knife, I decided to try this piece in a different mood. I had been trying to learn colour theory from artbooks which somehow stifled my inspiration, so this piece was a happy comeback explosion of sorts for my colourful palette. In the end, I have 2 works on the same scene but varying in medium and moods - one bold and glorious, the other subdued and pensive - echoing respectively the sweeping events of the grand epic adventure that was the Klondike Gold Rush and the poignant poetic side of the individual human stories.
The oil piece will be displayed at the 6 perspectEVEs exhibition from 17 ~ 28 August 2009 at The Art Loft @ Volvo.

Title: Seasons ~ Autumn Crescendo (O8)
Description: On the Klondike Highway from Alaska to Yukon. 2008.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 73 x 60cm.
Price: SOLD.
Watercolour Autumn Highway (W1) 41x32cm: S$80 (USD62).
2 comments:
alice said...This is gorgeous!
judy said...
Your use of color adds excitement to your work! I love your treatment of the mountain scape in Autumn Crescendo and the lovely Winter Wonderland.
31.3.09
Pigeon Symphony
Sometimes, the feel is just so strong that makes it easy when I do a painting. This was one of them. The reference photo (below) is a favourite photo of mine which I took whilst on a backpacking trip to East Europe with 2 good friends. We were in Krakow's Rynek Glowny Grand Square, the largest medieval town square in Europe. The pigeons were so much a part of the hustle and bustle of this lovely place. I especially like how they sat around the fountain enjoying the cool flowing waters, a parallel congregation to us happy human beings also gathered at this great square conversing, relaxing, observing, idling or generally enjoying the life and great atmosphere here. The way the pigeons positioned at this rounded fountain also reminds me of an audience listening intently at a concert arena, except in this case they are attending a "fountain symphony" with music courtesy of the rhythmic white waters. With so much feel, the colours just came naturally that I can't even explain my method, if there was one at all. Perhaps they are an expression of the music that I imagined the pigeons were listening to.

Title: Pigeon Symphony (O3)
Description: Pigeons enjoying the flowing fountain waters at Krakow's Rynek Glowny Square. 2006.Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.Dimensions: 60 x 50cm.
Price: SOLD.
Print available for purchase at my artfire shop.
3 comments:
trudy said...
the colours are really unique in that painting, what was your inspiration?
jeffrey said...
Well done! Lovely
sharon mau said...
this is a fabulous painting, very beautiful work.
Other works on East Europe:


Title: Window Display (A2)
Description: An enchanting window display of a lady in red at a Budapest shop. 2005.
Medium: Acrylic on Panel (flat).
Dimensions: 41 x 33cm.
Price: SOLD.
Title: Krakow Bell Tower (A4)
Description: Reach for the gigantic bell at Krakow's Bell Tower! 2006.
Medium: Acrylic on Panel (flat).
Dimensions: 40 x 30cm.
Price: SOLD.


Title: Zakopane Hut I & II (SA22, SA23)
Description: At Poland's Tatra Mountains where I find the triangular shape of the huts most interesting. 2008.
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