我为什么画写实 （1）

 网络上经常有很多争议。写实画，是不是一种死板的【艺术】，是不是一种找不到吃的风格。虽然我的技术没有到超写实的境界，但曾一度向往写实画，偶尔会画表现派，偶尔玩色调。被Rembrant厚重风的笔触感深深吸引，而一头栽入油画界的我，也会被这种言论动摇，也一度认为写实没有什么看头。

在自己的project里，有一个名为100肖像计划，一开始因为上了domestika的油画网络课程，有点欣赏使用大而快速的笔触去完成一幅贴近写实但偏表现的油画风， 也算是我自身在使用的一种绘画法，贴近Monet那种笔触，但也没去到那么抒发情感彩色为重。对于不懂要做什么题材为主的我，想：何不来个100肖像计划，或许能发现新线索，对于自己的绘画方向。

跟着网络教程，终于学着好好使用pinterest，好好归纳参考种类，分类等。说收集100张人物画来作为参考出发点，看自己喜欢的是什么，但时间一久收集至300张不等。久久看回去，refresh以下自己收藏了什么。一开始跟大众一样，是Rembrant，又是Sargent，冷君，各种中国画家，西方的，然后不知道何时目光开始落脚在日本画家身上。

日本传统画（岩彩）和油画里有个一很直白的画类叫：Bijin-ga, 即美女画。 没有什么夸大的标签，题类。就，美女啊。谁不爱？ 哦，我最爱就是美女了。

由于现在的艺术市场都以【现代艺术】为主流，流着许多以概念出发为主的艺术品。这种风气让自卑的我会觉得：啊？所以画个简简单单的美女会不会好像很肤浅？也许因为家庭教育的关系吧，觉得肤浅的东西很不好，但不就画美女啊？又不是杀人放火应该没关系吧。

所以我觉得我要做的是面对我的肤浅想法并接受（

美女画这题材在日本似乎很普遍，毕竟是流传了很久的东西，只是表现的形式不一样而已。从脸很白，眼睛细小，头发梳得高高的那种宫廷装扮的美女画，但主题还是，就美女啊。忧愁的，哀愁的。。。等。也许看到其实在世界某个角落被那么高程度地接受着，我应该感觉有点释怀吧。只爱画日常的美女们，虽然看着肤浅，但心里感觉舒坦。

附上一张100肖像计划的其中一张油画。说不上特写实，但由此可见我很爱描绘发丝。因想分好主宾关系，背景特意用表现手法处理。

Wow 2023 is ending soon AKA My Painting Journey in 2023

 

This is what ChatGPT said to me when I asked about my blog title lol

--------------------------------

It's amazing how time flies! Reflecting on your painting journey in 2023 can be a wonderful way to appreciate your progress, achievements, and the creative experiences you've had. Whether you've explored new techniques, discovered different styles, or created meaningful pieces, each step in your artistic journey contributes to your growth as an artist.

As you approach the end of the year, you might want to take some time to:

1. Review Your Work: Look back at the paintings you've created throughout the year. Consider how your style has evolved and identify any themes or subjects that have been prominent in your art.

2. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate the milestones you've reached in your painting journey. This could be completing a challenging piece, receiving positive feedback, or participating in exhibitions.

3. Set Goals for the Future: Think about what you want to achieve in your painting journey in the upcoming year. Setting realistic and specific goals can help guide your artistic development and keep you motivated.

4. Experiment and Learn: Consider trying new techniques, exploring different mediums, or taking on subjects you haven't tackled before. This ongoing experimentation can keep your artistic practice fresh and exciting.

5. Connect with the Community: If you haven't already, consider joining online art communities or local art groups. Sharing your work, receiving feedback, and connecting with other artists can provide valuable support and inspiration.

Remember, your artistic journey is a continuous process, and each year brings new opportunities for growth and exploration. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, embracing the creative journey can be as rewarding as the finished pieces themselves. Cheers to a fulfilling and creative 2023, and here's to an even more inspiring artistic adventure in the upcoming year!

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So I thought it's interesting to take on what ChatGPT suggested me to do:

1. Review Your Work: Here's a collective of works I've done arrange in months. Some are finished works, some are random paintings and works that were stopped halfway...

Jan

Initially prepared for a group show, but I realize I don't have the time to meet the requirements from the gallery's plan. So I had to pull out. I do like the composition of this painting and high contrast in tones. I do think it's something very rare for me lol.

Feb

My first try on mineral painting, using animal glue binder and pigments

March

A cheerful painting of pink plushies, done around when I got flu. I remember feeling terrible and dead, While resting at home their existences piqued my sudden interest. I recall seeing an artist who paint plushies and I really like how the paintings felt. So I decided to give it a go. Would say that I enjoyed a lot painting these simple "creatures" , bouncy, squishy and a hint of joyful mood from them. 

Apr

Portrait #36/100

Portrait #35/100

May

Girl in Kebaya (outline) somewhat lost interest with it and decided to move on... but I did enjoy stylizing the drawing a bit 

June

2 watercolour painting done when I was visiting my boyfriend in Cambodia

This painting was meant for an exhibition of heritage in Sitiawan, but the exhibition was cancelled.

July

Prepared some paintings for a group exhibition at Inner Joy Art Gallery, PJ

Aug

-am very lucky to have a friend request a commission work from me ^ w ^ painting stuff that I like

Sept

After my show at Inner Joy Gallery, I don't have any upcoming deadlines or schedule coming up. I started have more time to think about my artworks and painting at my own pace.

Oct

(WIP)   I shall never torture myself by painting mini checkers again 😓😭

Nov

Yep, it's a diptych. I was actually thinking to pick up where I was in 2014/15. But I'm not sure if that's really the way ... ... 

You can check out this post from my old days>>

https://soracilipi.blogspot.com/2015/08/platform-ii-and-other-stuff.html

Dec

??/100 Portrait

I was tired from the checkered dress painting. Took some break by painting my 100 Portraits Project again 😁

I say... it's quite tiring to recollect my memories of what I've done this year =w= lucky iphone do sort out photos in month and making it easy for me to scroll thru...

As for the rest of what ChatGPT suggested...I'll see if I had time then I'll do it, if not...

Good Night!😘

100 Portraits Challenge 画一百幅油画肖像挑战

在记录这时刻， 不知不觉已经画着27张了。

来，这里分享下11-20的图。    

                       

方宣与白猫

光阴

昏暗下的吻

蓝绸带的女孩

火焰

母亲与侄女

宁静

宁静#2

宁静#3

100 Potraits Challenge- First 10pcs

Whew, time flies and it's 2022, 2 years into the COVID-19 Pandemic since 2020 March or so. Along the way I did paintings that I wanted continue from my project in New Zealand, did some self portraits, some commissioned works.. then... all of the sudden I'm not sure what theme specifically I wanted to paint. All I knew is I wanted to paint portraits. 

Inspired by an artist who I purchased his course, A.J.Alper, on Domestika, mentioned about 100 portrait challenge. Being a big portrait fans I thought this is a good idea. So I begun my portrait painting journey. 

I sourced my photos from friends, facebook, pexels and other free to use photo website, and Instagram too with the permission of the person. I wanted to take photos of people around me as model too, but am scared of covidsssssss. Would be nice to paint from live too, hit me up if you would like to model for me hahah.

The paintings are all done in small scale of A3 size as I only have a small corner where I do my painting, minus the luxury of storing heaps of large size paintings. The biggest pro of small painting is that I could finish them faster, allowing me to experience trial and error in a short period. It too helps me with my indecisive behavior, which occasionally become the reason I procrastinate. I always need to remind myself,

 " I have 100 to go! 100 to try in anyways I like!  Don't spend too much time thinking if these are the perfect reference to go with." 

Though I can't assure this is a good mindset, hence I learnt to a quick sketch prior to figure out how I feel about those selected reference, and if I wanted to make it into a finalize painting.

-.-.-.-.-.-..-.-.-.-

Here are my first 10 paintings, started since August 2021.

Initially I started off with thinking doing classic shoulder above portraits, however it slowly evolves into including intricate details, like fine strokes of hair, a background that gives the portrait a story...

Portrait #1

-A very standard portrait to begin with.

Portrait #2

-Is this considered a "portrait"? Well, I don't really know, but I know I'm amazed with how this turns out. The hair is done in such brush stroke that I loved the result .

Portrait #3

-Considered the first failed painting in first 10', I scrape quite a few times eventually I decided to give up and take it as a lesson, which perhaps could be a bad reference choice :( 

Portrait #4

-back to doing normal portraits...

Portrait #5

-the first half body portrait in this project. This is my high school friend Lydia with her violin. I don't know how violin are usually hold, but the fingers pose was sure weird to paint.

Portrait #6 (sold)

-after painting Portrait #2 I really wanted to paint a back portrait again. Selected this picture and experiment with realistic detailed hair and abstract background.

Portrait #7 (sold)

-While looking thru photos of my facebook friends I really like this OCD-kinda set up, the colourful details, neatly arrange alcoholic drinks, a sign board on the edge. Everything is perfect. Sure it took me patience to paint the background more then the person, but it's one of the painting I enjoy the most in first 10s.

Portrait #8

-found this cool reference with lemons and greens and interesting hairstyle with nice lighting. It was fun to paint.

Portrait #9

-And...I fell into the rabbit hole of back portrait, not to mention falling in love with cultural designs of traditional clothing. 

Portrait #10

-And l like to use palette knife for maneuvering paint for abstract background, tried sticking flat based pearls on the cheongsam as pop out embellishment.

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That's all for now, thanks for reading! :)

Hello 2021

 It has been almost a year since am back to Malaysia and I feel I haven't done much or maybe I'm too hard on myself when looking at achieving results. One thing to keep reminding myself is to remember everyone's life time frame is different. Everyone progress in a different pace in their very own journey. 

The Flat paintings series has stopped since I ran out of second hand frames that suits the size am looking for. This sounds like a bad excuse but I have limited space in my studio so I thought to myself it's better to learn to use and source what I have currently. Although later I bought other materials like various color for wool felting, some paper/ air dry clay. As I got amazed with handcraft creations, they are another world compared to oil painting. I can see myself highly interested with experimenting materials, learning new things here and then. But this in return has made me putting less time in oil paintings, which used to be the major things I go for. Not to mentioned, after starting my lecturing job, extra hours are used to record, edit demonstration videos. It feels fulfilling and I could lost myself immersing in that job, but upon switching to studio work my brain kinda freeze for a bit as I proceed. Wonder if anyone feels the same way?

Reading my only post in 2020, and reading my goals and aim I have to say... well... things have surely changed! lol I'm feeling a bit lost now and then, feel like going out for fresh air, to walk, to clear my mind but not in the right time with this pandemic, oh well. I guess I'll do as I go and find what's the aim of my works are gonna be.

Anyways, here're works I've done since the flat series.

Squeeze

Oil on Canvas

60cm x 73cm

2020

Yellow Spotting

65cm x 95cm

Oil on Canvas

2020

2020 First Post

Hi my art blog. I know it has been a while since I posted anything here.
Marking 2020, half a year is passing soon and I've been slowly getting back on my feet on the art journey.

Things to be grateful:
I now occupied a small art studio that used to be my brother's room. He got married therefore moved out. Although it's cramped with items but it has became my tiny heaven.

I started working as a part time lecturer, maybe moving onto full time once I'm more settled into the job. Teaching is hard work, but, I know this is what I've been looking forward to since coming back to Malaysia.

My parents are providing me food and roof in this pandemic. Imagine if I'm still wandering, working all by myself overseas in New Zealand. I'm grateful to be back to home despite that ringgit currency sucks. Ahaha.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
So I came back to Malaysia in mid January, in time for Chinese New Year.
After celebrations, I started to arrange my belongings, tidying things and get ready to produce artworks.

In March, I received my lecturing job offer under the assist of my lecturers. Imagining that I will be working for the school I used to study at, Dasein Academy of Art! It is a great honor to be contributing back in Malaysia's art education. Although I don't know how far will I be in it, but let's appreciate being in the moment and do my best.
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During my time in New Zealand, after graduating I haven't had much time to immerse myself into the indulgence of oil painting. I had done watercolors most time, each mediums carries their own charm. But the yummy buttery texture and flexibility in styles creation of oil painting is incomparable. Hence, to produce more oil paintings has certainly became a to-do-list on my coming back. Regardless so, I'm also hoping to explore mediums such as wool felting, art creation and exploration sure is endless.

So first thing to do is build my portfolio, and get onto making artworks.
The idea that I settled into at first was a 3 phase of works, naming Here, There and Then. 

Here refers to my my homeland, Malaysia. The familiarity. The re-observation of past and now. That might had turned into an unfamiliar realm.

There refers to the temporary existence of student life, which includes insecurity of that period.

Then refers to the life of a friend and his family, some particular moments that I find it interesting that I do not experience in my own culture.

Honestly speaking I'm not sure if I got everything I needed for this project. After discussion with friends, they pointed what's wrong with it and I'm aware of what they mentioned. I somewhat knew the problem but need verification.

Anyhow, decision came to let's move one step then follows the other as the first warps up.

First, I'm gonna finish the series of student flatting life and self portrait.
Zeta was the flat name where many good friends live. It's sort of rundown, if one wanna compares them to their homes with family.

 Adrian and Ian II
2020
Oil on Canvas
42cm x 56cm

 Milo, Cookies and Noodles
2020
Oil on Canvas
30.5cm x 41cm

 NG Chilling II
2020
Oil on Canvas
56cm x 42cm


combined with previous works from 2017,

 Adrian and Ian
2017
Oil on Canvas
23cm x 27cm

 Adrian, Ian and Anson
2017
Oil on Canvas
36in x 55in

 NG Chilling
2017
Oil on Canvas
41cm x 35cm

Now looking back at 2017's work they looked more raw compared to 2020, it might be that my brushstrokes are getting more loose since then or because 2017's work were not on a stretcher. Overall I would say they still looked pretty good put together.

There're a few more I'm planning to paint to call this series fully complete. This series made me realize the intimate small sized painting gives a different vibes compared to larger paintings that I got accustomed to maybe because the fashion in the art scene was so. Certainly size has became a far more important factor to consider in making future artworks. Because of the shaggy furniture and interior it has also provided me a chance to play around with rough texture. Especially the wall and sofas.

I'm thinking to post works from other series too, but I should try to keep this clean perhaps.
So am gonna leave it here for now.

Till next update, my art blog.

Tags: 人物画 Figurative Painting 人物油画

Paintings Produced in early 2019

In early 2019, I decided to go back to Dunedin, New Zealand and try to be productive and active and find ways I could exhibit my artworks in any way possible (mostly at Otago Art Society, because you could submit any works as long, they 're not "too bad"). Unlike in 2018, I was really resting and taking my time.

Near end of 2018, I bought a new camera that comes with a flip screen so I could take high-quality selfie... for artwork purpose.

Enough blabbing, here is a small I series I made with my adornment for dried Scottish Thistle. These spiky plants have puffy, fluffy seeds that flies everywhere like a fairy in late summer. A little bit like dandelion but not really. At least I used to think they are always similar.

A Beautiful Mess

2019

Watercolor on Paper

(sold)

-This is a work inspired by Jason Mraz's song A Beautiful Mess

Haze in Gaze

Watercolor on Paper

 48.5 cm x 34 cm 

2019

Through the Thorns

Watercolor on Paper 

43 cm x 34 cm 

2019

Soon afterwards I became occupied between my job, creating comics and internship at Natural History of New Zealand(NHNZ for short). Painted a work for a competition and I've doodled a lot more during that period and have also went thru some changes in life, which I managed myself an Art Tutor position in Auckland. I have to pack my baggage and leave Dunedin near August. However- after two weeks at the new job I decided the place is not for me regardless all the hope I used to have. Then drifting for months as I pick up another temporary job- quit again as this new year is coming through. Nevertheless, the struggling and hardship I have faced this year, I'm looking forward into 2020, looking forward to having a peaceful time in my-to-have-studio and create paintings I've longed to.

Thanks 2019 See you soon 2020.

Surroundings---My Master studies

Hi Guys I know I haven't got around to update for a really long time...Please take some time to learn more what I have been working when I was doing my Master study! Overall I'm highly satisfied with this project and has continue making plans for it.

Introduction
From 2017 to early 2018, I started my Master studies at Otago Polytechnic in Visual Arts. The course is similar to Honors, you are required to do a year long project. As usual, my inspirations comes from my interest of reading. I was heavily inspired by the famous Japanese author Haruki Murakami. Murakami is well known but I never got around to read his book until a friend recommends and I decided to pick up his famous 'Norwegian Woods'. There, I got hook on instantly by his magical writings and decided to make a marathon on his works. What I read include:

• Norwegian Woods
• Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World
• Sputnik Sweetheart
• Kafka on the Shore ( I love Kafka's writing too if you don't know :)
• Dance, Dance, Dance
• Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage

If I had to rank, my favorites are Norwegian Woods +
Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World + Dance, Dance, Dance

Other than the surrealism writing style, what I adore most is Murakami's perspective of describing life in terms of mundaness.

For instance in Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, when the protagonist's door was kicked open, life threatened , the character's focus were on the broken door instead of his life. Also, asking questions like do you wear your earring when you shower? They may look like they make no contribution to the main story line, however the humorous breath brings an intricate relationship with the readers.

Several elements that makes me attached to his works are solitude, loneliness and the act of examining surroundings in depth. Which it resonates with my solitary life in New Zealand. So I decided to take on Murakami's inspiring works and re-observe my surroundings, people and life moments.

Studio Works, Thought and progress
Like many artists, I take photograph reference for my paintings.  I used to have people pose for me when taking photos. But I decided to not do so for this project because I wanted to capture life the way they are.

Many of the works done in this project are small in sizes. Bearing the idea of flatting, in a temporary living space; therefore comes the idea of easy carrying size.

The project's comes in a few section: Zeta the flat, people who I approach with personal interest and attraction and people I already knew (including myself)

Zeta the Flat 

(All photos are taken in this particular flat that I visited countless time)

Adrian and Ian 

2017 

Oil on Canvas

23 cm x 27 cm 

Adrian, Ian and Anson (from left to right) 

2017 

Oil on Canvas 

36 in x 55 in

N.G. Chilling 

2017 

Oil on Canvas 

41 cm x 35 cm 

Sleeping Anson

2017

Oil on Canvas

21 cm x 37 cm

Surrounded

2017

Oil on Canvas

51 cm x 36 cm

-I sold a few postcards for this work which I found it interesting

Corridor and Open Doors

2017

Oil on Canvas

52 cm x 29 cm

-Even if you decided not to be sociable with the people you lived together, but you can't avoid seeing them in the open space like the corridors

 The Familiarity 

Dining at Fiona’s 

 2017

 Oil on Canvas 

35 in x 55 in 

Fatty is Sleeping

2017

Oil on Canvas

22.5 cm x 12.5 cm

Sunbathing

(from left: Evelyn, Isabelle, Yong Wei, Valerie)

photo courtesy: Kong Xing Jun

2018

Oil on Canvas

37 in x 54 in

 Other Interest

Jia Hui 

2017 

Oil on Canvas 

18 cm x 22 cm 

-One of my most voted works, I won painting runner up with this small painting at the Otago University Art week Exhibition 2017

Watercolour Portrait of Jia Hui 

2017 

Watercolour on Paper 

18 cm x 14 cm 

Lik De in Kitchen 

2017

 Oil on Canvas 

38 cm x 53 cm

Yao Lik and Lik De

2017

Oil on Canvas

60 cm x 39 cm

Together 

2017

Oil on Canvas

35 cm x 46 cm

If you are interested to read my full essay I wrote for my project Surroundings , you can download from here :)

https://www.4shared.com/office/BXsnykHPee/Master_in_Visual_Arts_essay_Yo.html