Tension

My friend, Jonah, visited me last summer. She stayed here in Cebu for a week and we had the chance to catch up. She commissioned me for a painting, like the first one I sold. Given her time schedule, I told her I can't make one at the drop of a hat. I promised her next time she visits, I would make one for her. 

When she returned to Canada, Jonah told me her friend is going home to Cebu and would be back in August. If my schedule allows, she commissioned me for a female nude painting as a surprise for her girlfriend. 

Jonah has been one of my few friends since high school. I couldn't really say no to her. June came, I racked my brains for inspiration while arranging the transfer of my parents back to Gensan. July was ushered in, the inspiration still eluded me. When July was about to end, and news from home start to become ominous, adrenaline kicked in.

Tension

I delivered this piece to Jonah's friend, an hour before she headed to the airport. Two days later, Jonah gave this to the special woman in her life. This was received with love and fondness. 

As for me, this is my first painting to cross the Canadian border.

An Omen to Behold

This happened many months ago, before the summer of 2014. I came home from work, exhausted. I lied down to rest and this caught my attention.

In my old room, I mounted my paintings on the wall, purely to enjoy looking at the fruits of my creativity. It was that fateful afternoon, when a light from a setting sun strayed into the blinds and to my artwork, A Phantom in my Slumber.

I considered this as an omen. 

From that day on, I promised myself never to wander away from my artistic pursuit. You see, I always say I'll finish my Master's first, or write my report, prepare an exam, or let my depression run me over. Lately, or for the last year, these pursuits have exhausted me. Each day, I told myself, this isn't the right time.

There is one thing I realized after all these years. The right time is not somewhere in the future. The right time is now. If I don't act on my dreams now, life will just pass me by like an old silent movie. I'll get old and sadly wondered how it feels to follow another avenue of dreams. 

From that day on, I started painting again. Months later, I made several abstract pieces and three of which are up for sale. As of this writing, one piece has been sold, and another has been reserved and being prepared for shipment.

I know the coming months will be exhaustive. Choices would have to be made. And there will be times, I'll fall off the wagon. But I know, I can dust myself down and get back on again. 

For now, I'm just glad I am starting to live my life. 

Drawn from the Pensieve*

One day, I finally took the chance to draw a human figure from memory. No models - animated or not - in front. It took careful imagination and thoughtful analysis to come up with one in correct proportions. Of course, thanks to my friend, Jotay, who kindly advised me if my human appears disproportionate.

It would be a real treat if you can also drop your comments about the sketch above. Ciao!
_____________________________________________________________________


*pensieve - a seemingly combination of the words 'pensive' and 'sieve';  refers to an object used to sort out and reflect memories drawn from the mind, first appeared in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

A Preview to Nude Art

To be able to draw a nude portrait has been on my bucket list when I re-started art. It would come as a surprise if you know me 15 years ago. Raised in a conservative family and awarded as one who emulates the virtue of Notre Dame, I hope I won’t be adjudged unfairly for this shift in interest.

This is not my first attempt to nude art, neither was the painting entitled “A Woman Unchained”. There has been several attempts in the past and I can say, modesty aside, that I have improved in my figure drawing.

But why nude?

Figure drawing has always been a challenge to me. One of the many ways my big brother devised to tease me when I was a kid was to draw me in an exaggerated size, making me look fatter than I really was. Though I wanted to get even, I can’t draw a human figure as good as my brother.

Not anymore. Shame on you, Kuya. :)

I read from a book that to be able to draw a person, sketching them in nude is an excellent starting point. It makes sense for when a person is naked, the lines and muscle tones are very much visible and distinguishable. No clothing will distract the artist’s view.

And if I may be poetic about it, the human body is a beautiful masterpiece. If  an artist will be able to draw it on canvas, it would be tantamount to paying homage to our Creator.