#AugustDechART Day 23 – Crooked

#AugustDechART
Day 23
Crooked

Drew some inspiration from nature today. More specifically, the Crooked Forest in West Pomerania, Poland. 

Fascinating, isn’t it? 

Weekend Plein Air Diary (31 July – 1 Aug 2021)

Finally decided to give plein air a try. I must say, it was kind of fun. A total of 3 attempts so far, all at the same local park.

The first attempt was on Saturday (31 July 2021). I was sitting on a swing after my late afternoon jog and then I saw this tree in front of me, with the sun shining through the leaves.

The second attempt was in the wee hours of the following Sunday (1 August 2021). This was after my early morning jog, between 5:30am to 6:00am — my second one ever in a long while. I had done my usual rounds and as I did my cooldowns, I came up this path (I seldom took it from this direction) and it suddenly occurred to me to paint the view. It felt so eerie and mysterious, with the lamp being the only illumination.

The third attempt was within the next hour, from the same spot where I stood, only facing the other direction. I had just finished the painting above and when I turned, I realised then that it was dawn! I immediately set to work to get the colours painted in, and quickly, too, because I learned from this that once dawn broke, the colour of the sky shifted and brightened up pretty fast, and I didn’t wanna lose it.

Overall, an interesting experience, and I definitely wanna do this again soon. And once I have the confidence and the equipment, perhaps I will attempt traditional plein air painting next. 

Art of The Week #41: Cathedral

Coloured pencils and ink on paper

‘Tis the season! And a perfect time to attempt a winter scene. This time around, I was heavily inspired by the game Guild Wars 2, notably a location in the game called the Bitterfrost Frontier. There are these tall, gigantic trees that tower over the characters and I love being there, although the map is littered with hostile enemies and creatures.

Part 1: Pencil sketch and shading.

And what better reference than the redwoods forests? The title itself is inspired by environmental philosopher, naturalist, conservationist and author, John Muir, who would refer to forests like these as Nature’s Cathedral, and after whom the Muir Woods National Monument, known for its redwoods forest, is named.

Part 2: Ink outlining and shading

Anyways, this would probably be the last time this year that I would be using the ‘Art/Photo of the Week’ tag for these pieces. It didn’t really quite make sense in retrospect to do it that way, seeing as I never really kept to a strict weekly schedule. Come the new year, you’ll see something different.

‘Cathedral’. Coloured pencils and ink on paper.

In the meantime, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!

Art of the Week #25: ‘Mindful Practice’

Coloured pencil and ink on paper

Monastic life intrigues me, and not too long ago, I was interested in the lifestyle of Buddhist monks, most notably Shaolin monks. I liked (and still like) to daydream myself as one, donning the uniform, embracing the discipline and the mindfulness, performing meditation… and show off my numerous kungfu moves.

Part 1: Pencil sketch

I just thought that I’d finally put it down on paper.

Part 2: Ink outline

Art of the Week #23: ‘Boy Sitting In The Rain’

Coloured pencils and ink on paper. 10cm × 10cm.

There is something very soothing and healing about the rain. There is something even more intimately beautiful to sit and be soaked in the downpour. Last night, there was one, and alas, I didn’t get to sit in it, but I dreamed that I did. And that was enough.

Something happened recently. Something which wouldn’t have affected me as much under normal circumstances. But this was no normal circumstance. And it did… affect me.