Whimsical Little Girl series

The last 2 pieces in my Untitled Series, completed after over a year's journey of 12 whimsical episodes with the central theme of looking at the world through the eyes of a child.  

I started painting the series when I became godma to my baby niece, taking a suggestion from a friend that I should paint from the heart. So it is only apt that my footnote piece is of the protagonist herself, and inspired by a recent real life episode of the little girl who is now 1 year old and, ahem, likes to do her own shopping ;p  To a child, a mall must seem like wonderland so it is that I made sure she gets plentiful colourful company, including a beloved care bear. 

Untitled 11 is a nostalgic ocean piece that got sold almost as soon as I posted it on facebook ;p I had meant to do this one for some time, having taken a break from the series to paint for another themed exhibition. It was inspired by a story my dad likes to tell, of how he first saw my mum, a little girl with 2 plaits playing balloon (pronounced "bear-loon" for hopscotch) at the beach. This must have been the beach at my grandma's place in Johore where they were both born. So the innocence, romance and idyllic freedom of a little girl skipping at sea theme was born.

Title:  Untitled 12 (A63) 
Description: Cute little girl whimsical impressionist painting, shopping in pink pastel colorful fantasy mall with pokemons, care bear, elephant and giraffe toys. True life portrayal of my 1 year old niece and god-daughter whose birth first moved me into starting this Untitled Series, so it was only apt that my penultimate work in the Series is of the protagonist who inspired them all :) 2016. 
Medium: Acrylic on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 
Dimensions: 76 x 76cm.
Sold.

Title:  Untitled 11 (A62) 
Description: Sweet little girl at beach landscape painting, skipping hopscotch with whimsical nostalgic feel, peaceful waves, turquoise ocean, blue skies and sea shells. A step into the past inspired by how my dad likes to recount when he first saw my mum, a little girl with 2 plaits and playing balloon on the beach. 2016. 
Medium: Acrylic on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 
Dimensions: 76 x 76cm.

SOLD. 

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.

Dream Art Store & Fishing Teddy Bears for Christmas

A friend said in order to achieve my dream, I need to visualise and draw it.  And so I did.  And painted an art store that I hope to have one day, my very own corner where I can paint and have other art activities, and hopefully be able to make a living out of it as well.  

Yes, a dream that is hard to fulfil in a very urbanised very crowded very expensive city called Singapore. Oh I should focus on the positives :) And so I looked for motifs on the Internet (where else) that I would like for my shop - an artsy street location, a Shanghainese lady portrait will do quite nice for signage art, a laid back wooden feel with lotsa little embellishments like a stained glass window, peranakan tiles decor, an antique gramophone, a chalkboard duster sign, and of course, plentiful art and knick-knacks. 

Sigh. Now all I need is the dough. Yes, I am working hard for it!  In the meantime, am going back to a bit of my dark expressionist tendencies for a piece inspired by Japan Kyoto's Philosopher's Path.  Those who have been will recognize the emblems of fishing teddies and the carnival carriage.  It's a beautiful walk and one that invokes creativity and imagination, so ask not what the painting means, just feel and interpret as you will. 

Merry X'mas & may all your dreams come true :)


Title:  Untitled 7 (A48) 
Description: Warm vintage painting of cool art shop with little girl and sleeping kitten, under a So Artsy sign and Chinese woman portrait, a quirky artist's haven with painting easel that is inspired by my dream art corner. 2015. 
Medium: Acrylic on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 
Dimensions: 76 x 76cm.
Purchase at:  yen.artfire.com

Title:  Untitled 8 (A49) 
Description: Whimsical fishing teddy bears painting with sleeping cat, dog & rabbit on carriage, inspired by Japan Kyoto Philosopher's Path, in bluesy vintage expressionist style. 2015. 
Medium: Acrylic on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 
Dimensions: 76 x 76cm.

SOLD. 

Birds flew over the Pagoda St nest, Secret Garden & SG50

The week of 23-29 March 2015 has been an emotional one for my fellow countrymen, mourning the departure of a great one whom we owe an indelible debt whatever may be said about the man. The saying that his monument is everywhere is probably something that fully hit the national conscience of many of us only now upon his passing. 

Ironically, I rarely paint Singapore, because it is simply too close to heart. And I always used to think, why is there a need to capture in images, what I already know so well and feel so strongly about, albeit mixed feelings? So my focus has always been on my wanderings, where I am but a transient passer-by to foreign lands, and will need the images to remember my feelings by when I grow old one day, sitting on that rocking chair reminiscing on my life's journey in this world ;p  But I am digressing. 

I have to admit I started painting Singapore again recently only because SG50 is the 'latest fashion', so to speak, for artistic outlet. But I am glad I did. I still stuck to material that strike an emotional chord with me, even if I have to go out and find it in our hot sweltering weather. And I do not really care if people recognise the place or not, as I was never a realist painter in the first place. There are plenty of good artists out there who can record landscape details for posterity. For me, art is and has always been about a personal emotional expression. 

Title: Birds flew over the Pagoda St nest (O120) 
Description: Whimsical painting of birds on a lamppost with festive red Chinese lanterns, over a plethora of colourful stalls tentage in Pagoda Street, a charming, touristy street market in Singapore Chinatown. SG50 Series. 
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 

Dimensions: 61 x 46cm. 

Title: Secret Garden (O124) 
Description: Blue Victorian whimsical painting inspired by a beautiful pavilion by Swan Lake at the Singapore Botanical Gardens when birds came a-chirping before the dreamy backdrop of a sculpture of swans in flight. SG50 Series. 
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 

Dimensions: 61 x 46cm. 

Title: A House at Katong (O123) 
Description: Expressionist painting rendering of an old house compound in Katong, a charming residential district in east Singapore with Peranakan (people of mixed Chinese and Malay heritage) origins. SG50 Series. 
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 

Dimensions: 61 x 46cm. 

Title: Tree Tapestry (O125) 
Description: Bright orange red abstract painting of a blue tree, in a myriad swirl of tapestry like floral emblems, inspired by lyrical tree branches and leaves by a pond at the Singapore Botanical Gardens. SG50 Series. 
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 

Dimensions: 61 x 46cm. 

Purchase at: yen.artfire.com 
* Birds flew over the Pagoda St nest & Secret Garden are currently on exhibition ~ Mosaic, an art show @ Volvo Art Loft, 2-28 April.

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

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

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

Cang Lang Ting

I hadn't expected to be so "you gan jue" (i.e. moved) this trip to Shanghai to visit a friend. Especially as I do not recall being terribly impressed by Suzhou when I went as a kid on a family trip it seems a lifetime ago. 

But touched me this place did. I am so glad my friend decided to bring me to Suzhou over the weekend and we happened to stay near this particular Suzhou classical garden. It was one of the famous UNESCO gardens albeit a quiet one located at a little river canal behind a serene hospital ground. Best of all untouched by the mad chaos of tourists who throng the larger gardens.

I was attracted by the beautiful name, Cang Lang Ting or Surging Waves Pavilion (沧浪亭). The garden was the epitome of zen, period. And creativity. With everything looking like they were haphazardly arranged yet strangely blending poetically, I was literally hypnotised as we explored the rooms, the mysterious nooks and corners, the way the buildings, structures, pathways, rocks, trees, plants, pond, and even a cave, interacted windingly in perfect harmony. Every window was different and led to yet another beautiful corner.  My impression of classical systematical chinese design was completely turned on its head.  I was reminded of the endless joy of exploring Gaudi's architecture once again.  Yes, this is a gem of a place, which made my trip to Suzhou, and Shanghai, totally worth.  Hence the tribute of this painting :)

Title: Cang Lang Ting 沧浪亭 (O83)
Description: A painting to record the artist's joy of visiting, and feelings for, Cang Lang Ting (Surging Waves Pavilion), one of China Suzhou's famous UNESCO classical gardens. China 2013.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.
SOLD.

Lonely Road

The lonely road beckons..
“Come”, whispers the lil' houses ahead, “ your dreams and wishes are just around the corner.” “Don't be afraid, we'd prop you up”, says the merry crossing. “Yes!” sinister sign gestures. “We're just a little shadow, we won't hurt you”, murmurs looming darkness.. And so lonely road goes. Because this is his existence, his destiny, to go on regardless. From beginning to end. Somewhere, somehow, it'd end eventually. Even if it feels like neverending, as it oft does, an illusion nevertheless. What is life but a path. What is freedom but a choice. Lonely road will just go on..


Title: Lonely Road (O62) 
Description: A surreal expressionist piece inspired by the artist's travels on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela (the Way of St James) pilgrim route. Spain Camino 2011.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 
Dimensions: 60 x 50cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com 

Soulful

Buildings have souls, or so I believe.  How can they not when they are created by the imagination of humans who surely would have infused their emotions into their handiwork?  How can they not when they blend into the earth and root their existence with nature for time immemorial, oft longer than its creators?  How can they not when real living families dwell within their healing shelters and whisper untold secrets into the walls?  
And so it was that these beautiful dwellings spoke to me when I chanced upon them by the river in the lil' town of Samos, famed for its monastery on the Camino route. And I had to render it thus.

Title: Soulful (O60)
Description: An emotive expressionist work inspired by riverside houses sitting prettily in the lil' town of Samos on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) pilgrim route. Spain Camino 2011.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 80 x 60cm. 
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com