Moana

A colour study inspired by Annette Marnat. 

Wise men and Llama camels

I've been revisiting some of my favourite Bible stories from childhood this week. I'm not especially religious, but I do remember the illustrated copy I had as a child with very fond memories. One of my favourites? The Nativity, of course! In anticipation of Christmas coming around the corner (yay!) here is one of the wise men carrying his gift in a golden box, on a camel that looks a little bit like a llama. 

MATS Illustration for Children's Books (I)

I recently took the plunge and decided to enrol in one of Lilla Rogers' 'Make Art That Sells' e-courses. I have long wanted to try out her methodology, and it so happened that this month she had a new course coming up which specifically has to do with illustration for Children's Books - an area on which I would really like to focus (you should see my children's book collection).

So of course, I ignored the cries of my credit card ('Interest! Bad Adulting! Think of your overdraft!) as I rang it through on a last minute whim...and now, here I am!

The first week is done, and as the second swings underway, I find myself getting into the rhythm of it a little bit. It is a well-constructed course and very enjoyable. It also feels a little like being back in University; deadlines looming, drawing while crying and eating chocolate all at the same time...

We were given three texts to choose, and of course I couldn't decide on one (I'm pretty terrible at adulting, as I think we have established), so I've decided to just do whichever one speaks to me on whichever week and be kind to myself. After all, I am there to learn! 

This week, I decided to do the Owl and the Pussycat, since I have been drawing more children and people lately (and frankly, I think children are easier - no colour patches and whiskers to contend with). We focused on creating accessories to add some personality to our characters. I felt like making mine a Mexican theme, so I did some Mariachi and Day of the Dead inspired pieces.

At the moment, I prefer my sketches to the rendered work. So no portfolio piece as of yet (hello, Instagram, it's me), but an interesting exercise nonetheless. Now, on to the next...(where is my chocolate?)

Moon Rabbit

According to legend, the brave little Jade Rabbit kept Chang’e company on the moon after she had been separated from her Earthly love. A beautiful tale of bravery, honour and love - and an adorable little furry-hop too! I seem to be making a habit of posting things out of season lately...! Anyway, here is my finished homage to the brave little Jade Rabbit. I have a particular affinity for the rabbit (my totem). And for delicious moon cakes, of course! 

🌸

Little Moon Rabbit sketch

Today, I am painting Christmassy things for a lovely friend and client. But since I can't show that to you yet, here is a pre-sketch of Moon Rabbit (aka Jade Rabbit) for Mid-Autumn - my favouritey-favouritest festival in HK.

Autumn - for Trish

Fall is my favourite season. I find it magical for so many reasons, but most of all I love to watch the leaves changing colour and falling - I truly think it is the most beautiful time of the year. Inspired by the glorious Annette Marnat and a childhood photo of my wonderful cousin Trish. 

Kim (Little Gold)

Hmong Woman and Child

I spent a lovely weekend doing a bit of experimenting and painting. I love, love, love Hmong fabrics and textiles, so I found myself returning to that this week. So, a Hmong woman and her baby enjoying the sunlight. Perfect!

Cupcakes!

I am working a little bit on my animation skills, and trying to develop my idea for my own series (well, that is the dream!). I took some courses recently on skillshare as I mentioned in my last post, and this one was a lip sync class in Adobe After Effects. I really enjoyed it, though in hindsight, maybe a slower audio clip would have been an easier choice! It is not perfect, but I felt that I learned the skills from it all the same.

The character and animation are my own creation, but the audio track is from Hasbro's My Little Pony, and as such, does not belong to me.

Have a happy Sunday!

Hmong leaves motif

This culture make such beautiful things! They truly give me so much joy. I am not sure what this symbol really is, since all of my searches seem to come up empty-handed. To me, it looks like a leaf or a spade, and so I chose to paint it in blue and green (an unusual colour choice, for me). If you do know what it is called, please comment and let me know. I always like to learn more about these colourful, creative people!

Hmong Leaves Mptif

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