Commissioned Pieces I—Process & Joy

It’s been 2 1/2 years since my last post. Lots have happened during this time, and am taking it slow to get back into posting—it’s like am waking up from a long hibernation. Will write about my reflections, so to say……

Sketched

Blotted

Painted

Completed—signed and framed

Commissioned Pieces I: am going to share with you some stories about the commissioned pieces that I have done over the past few years that I have to put down in words. For me, commissioning a piece is always very special, be it me asking for one, or being asked of one. For portraits that I do, I would always ask for a number of photos if possible that they particularly like of themselves or of the person they are asking to be painted. for there, I would come up with a sketch, sometimes two, and show it to the client, for a lack of a better word. once approved, the outlines are traced and traced again in ink to create the blotted lines, and once dried, painted in.

The correspondence/conversations and photo updates that fall in between are not short or few. I want to make sure that I get things right and have the person to be a part of the journey, since it's my piece as much as theirs. please swipe to see the progress of it.

This one was painted in my temporary home, and painting it brought me so much joy. Not only because it was requested by a person who valued art and anything beautiful—meaning made with love and craftsmanship, but his massive support of it. it also we have met up for coffees before and even after the piece was completed, and continue to do so. Our conversations covers so many aspects, and always full of good laughs.

It's a rare one, where I painted some leaves in the background, which I normally wouldn't do. However, it just felt right. I loved the original photo of him, very natural and humbled, and was very happy with my take on it. glad that his was too!

 

"the stars" series astrology characteristics I

I have been meaning to write more blog posts this year, but things came up and I ended posting more on Instagram @js_daydreamer instead. That said, I have wanted to compose a roundup of my short astrology characteristics/personalities I did on Instagram for my “the stars” series here for sometime now. And since it’s almost the end of 2019, am finally doing it. So, let’s begin!

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Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19)
Also known as the ram. As the first of the zodiac signs and one of fire, Aries are leaders, fearless, energetic, encouraging, motivated, bold and caring.

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Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20)
Otherwise know as the bull. They are stable, reliable, practical and loyal. Though they can be stubborn at times, but it is also that same character that gives them amazing determination.

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Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20)
Aka the twins, is an air sign and ruled by the planet Mars, so they are true communicators, who are witty, well informed and quick to adapt. True to their twin aspect, their moods can swing—but that’s because there are 2 personalities inside them always (which I personally think is lovely!).

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Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 22)
The crab. It is a water sign, with its ruling "planet" being the Moon—the moonchild, which I interpreted with its claws in a circular shape around a small pearl in the middle. Of all the 12 signs, Cancerians are the most home-loving, family and loved ones orientated, who are sweet, compassionate, nurturing, romantic and sensitive.

Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22)
The lion, and fittingly so, this fire sign has the Sun as its ruling planet. A summer spirit, Leos are enthusiastic, courageous, kind, loyal, generous and protective just like the how kings/queens of the jungle should be.

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Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22)
The virgin sign, is ruled by the planet Mercury and is of the earth element. Virgos are perfectionists, who have high standards of themselves and others. They are also helpful, logical, practical and witty.