Old Collages

Did I ever show you these collages? They are done in a mini square sketchbook, about 10cm x 10cm. I made them a long time ago, as a quick, spontaneous warm-up practice. It didn't last long and I made only about 5. These are the best ones. I'm thinking about doing these again with lots of scraps of pretty paper I collected. After all, the sketchbook isn't filled yet!

Sorry for the lack of updates.. I'm doing okay though.
How are you feeling these days? How about the illustrated book? ;)

Paper clay

Hi Jinnie, I've made and painted some little objects using paper clay and watercolor. I've yet to get them varnished but here they are anyway! :) I was thinking they could be made into magnets or brooches. Wouldn't it be fun if we could sit at a table with tea and cookies together on a sunny afternoon just getting our hands dirty!

Grace

Hi Jinnie,

How are you my friend? Before I forget, I'd like to share about how someone showed me Grace last Friday. I don't know that person, but I wish I did... so I could thank her once more.

You see, I was taking the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) train that morning to town for an appointment. The train wasn't particularly full but as soon as the doors flung open at my station, everyone rushed to snap up whatever seats they could find, leaving some people standing. I was of course, one of the standing few since I wasn't fast enough to wobble up a seat with my 7 month old pregnant tummy. I had also, in my haste to not be late, not managed to secure myself a proper breakfast to which I was sure, standing the full journey would make me faint.

Now, on board the MRT cabins, there are designated "Priority" seats - these are to be relinquished by any person/s who didn't fit the category of pregnant, elderly or disabled. The folks in the Priority seats were in neither of these categories and most were young and able bodied. Conveniently, the rest of the passengers and said youngsters started dozing off in their seats, reading their phone messages, whatever they could find to do to prevent having to give up their seat.

Now came Grace... even though she wasn't in the priority seat and could have qualified for it, since both her feet twisted inwards at an almost 90 degree angle and although she could probably have lived with it since childhood, was definitely not as comfortable walking like a normal person. She gave up her seat to me. I don't know who between us, qualified for it more, but I was definitely grateful! I thanked her twice and started feeling disdain for the rest of the passengers who had their butts glued to the seats.

May this serve as a reminder for myself that there is a silver lining in very cloud, and may I be that silver lining to whoever I meet everyday. :)

The sad trio

Just finished painting the trio's emotional close up. They're supposed to be happy creatures in the story, but it seems I've started with the sad side of them first. I kind of enjoyed painting the little "fur" effects.

Sketch: Flowers

Dear Amanda,

I recently visited the Legion of Honor to see the "Cartier and America" exhibit. It was awesome! I will have to go back on a less busier day to avoid the crazy crowd but it was worth it to see all the beautifully designed jewelry. I couldn't imagine anyone actually wearing them though! Oh, and there was a separate room that had sketches done by Cartier artists, and in one of them, I found a hand written note by Elizabeth Taylor requesting some changes. Must be nice! :D

Outside the museum, I found a little hidden trail led to a great vista point of the Bay. You could see the Golden Gate Bridge from there. I took my time testing my new camera and found some plants (above) that inspired me to sketch. I instantly thought, "They would make a cool ring design!"


I'll probably use this sketch for a Gocco print or a collage, instead of a jewelry piece, though. ;)

Wish we can go to museums together, Amanda!

Love,
Jinnie

Page 17

Alas... page 17 of the book. Pardon my scanner... it's one of those 3-in-ones and since it's not very big as well, scan quality and clarity isn't the best. HY's mentioned how the chameleon is now too blended in with the leaves. I'm also thinking of inking in more details to the leaves etc. But at least it's painted for now! :) Now to get my butt moving for the rest of the pages!

Sketch: A New Camera

Dear Amanda,

Sorry for not updating earlier!
This is a sketch I did this morning. I still feel awkward sketching with a pen but I'm getting used to it the more I play with it. Pens really make you more decisive, don't they?

I just used some old Micron pens. I might have to get some new ones. These are the remnants from my college days. Yikes! The tips on the #005 ones must be too delicate; I have several of them and the tips on all of them got pushed in too far. Do I put too much pressure on them? *shrug* What are your favorite pens to sketch with?

Oh, and meet my new camera! It is a surprise gift from M. He wanted to rekindle my love for taking pictures. ♥ ♥ It's true I've been shooting much lately, not even Polaroids. Heck, my other film camera still has a slide roll that I started early last year. Eep! But with the handsome new camera, I'm starting to look at things differently again, so M's plan is working! ^_^ I really love the way the new camera looks, with the silver + black. It is much smaller and lighter than my other camera. Awesome. I can't wait to get the roll developed.

Anyway, that's pretty much what's new in my neck of the woods.
How is your children's book illustration going? *poke poke*

Love,
Jinnie