ARTWORKS

  • ABOUT ME,  ARTWORKS

    Embracing Art: Inspiring Without Competing or Leading

    In a world that often celebrates competition and leadership, I find solace in the simple yet profound act of creating art, whether it be fine art or picture book illustrations. My journey is not about being the best or leading others—it’s about inspiring and connecting with people through the language of creativity. It is about showcasing the best of what art can do. I believe art can inspire everyone, breaking free from the constraints of comparison.

    Art is my medium to share emotions, stories, and perspectives, evoking feelings, sparking thoughts, and fostering a sense of unity. Its true beauty lies in its ability to inspire, transcending the boundaries of competition and the need for hierarchy.

    While leadership has its merits, I’ve found a different kind of leadership in inspiration. By sharing my creations and embracing vulnerability, I hope to lead by example, encouraging others to express themselves authentically. It’s not about being in front but standing alongside and fostering a community of artists/illustrators who support and uplift each other.

    My goal is clear: to inspire without the weight of competition and the burden of leadership. Together, let’s create, inspire, and embrace the true essence of artistic expression.

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  • Children's Book How-to,  CHILDREN'S LITERATURE,  line drawing

    In the Lines of Imagination: The Allure and Artistry of Black and White Illustrations for Children’s Picture Books

    Have you ever considered the magic that unfolds within the lines of black and white illustrations in children’s books? While vibrant colors often dominate the shelves, there’s a timeless appeal to the simplicity and artistry of monochromatic drawings that deserves its own spotlight.

    WiP for a picture book.

    When I was a child, I found myself drawn to the enchanting world of black and white illustrations. Now, even as an adult, I distinctly remember spending hours studying the black and white illustrations in encyclopedias—each line and shading telling a story that seemed to come alive on the page. In those moments, I discovered a visual allure that surpassed the typical images found in textbooks.

    In a sea of colors, black and white illustrations stand out with their elegance and simplicity. Stripped of hues, these drawings possess a classic allure that transcends trends, creating a visual experience that resonates across generations. The absence of color distractions allows young readers to focus on the essence of the images, making each stroke of the artist’s pen a deliberate and meaningful contribution to the story.

    One of the remarkable qualities of black and white illustrations lies in their ability to spark imagination. With no predetermined colors, children are encouraged to fill in the blanks with their own vibrant ideas. This engagement prompts a deeper connection to the narrative, turning each page into a canvas where young minds paint the story with their unique shades of creativity.

    Black and white illustrations extend beyond aesthetics; they hold educational value. The simplicity of these drawings aids in comprehension, making them suitable for early learning materials. The absence of color constraints also makes them more accessible, contributing to inclusivity in children’s literature.

    Creating black and white illustrations for children’s books involves a delicate balance between simplicity and expressiveness. Here are basic standards for black and white line drawings that contribute to the success of these drawings:

    1. Expressive Characters: Characters should convey emotions that resonate with the narrative, adding depth to the storytelling.
    2. Age-Appropriate Style: Tailor the artistic style to the age group of your target audience, ensuring it aligns with their developmental stage and interests.
    3. Engaging Composition: Opt for dynamic compositions that guide young readers through the story seamlessly, maintaining visual interest.
    4. Consistency: Maintain a consistent artistic style throughout the book for a cohesive visual experience.
    5. Clarity and Detailing: Prioritize clarity in illustrations, ensuring they clearly depict characters, objects, and scenes while balancing appropriate detailing.
    6. Playful Elements: Infuse a sense of playfulness and imagination, capturing the whimsical nature of childhood.

    Closing Thoughts:
    As we celebrate the allure of black and white illustrations, let’s recognize the artistry that goes into crafting these captivating visuals. They are not mere lines on a page; they are an invitation for young minds to embark on a journey of imagination. So, open the pages, explore the simplicity, and let the magic of black and white illustrations unfold in the hearts and minds of the next generation of readers.

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  • Pointillism

    Escapism

    Been awhile.

    The gap of postings have becoming more and more longer––from a week to a month and now, 8 months. I came up with this pointilism painting recently.

    Titled ‘Pink Meadow’ this art visualise one of the many landscapes that I picked from my brain. If life is about creating the ideal world that we want to live in, I would paint meadows, people with only good hearts, more trees and animals (excluding the creepy crawly ones).

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  • 2022Journal

    2022 Journal entries

    Happy New Year 2022! Been a while since the last post. I have been neglecting this blog and had even thought of deleting it but when I think more, this blog has been documenting my life for the course of over 10 years. Why do I need to delete it? It has been a reference to events I attended, places I had been and things I had done.

    So, to start afresh, this year I am trying my best to update this blog with my physical journal entries that I carry in my handbag to document my life. Here you go: