the weekend artist inspiration #12: The Happiness Project

How has your week been so far? Mine has started out stressful at work and with me ending up all day at home the day after sleeping from fever-like symptoms. So here I am still wide awake since I slept almost the whole day in. 

Im currently reading 'The Happiness Project' in my quest to find true happiness though I think I am a fairly happy person I just need to find answers to my life questionsI don't make sense right?!!). One of my life questions is how far do I want to pursue art in my career? Whether I put in more hours to learning? Learning what?

I'm planning to start on my 'Happiness Project' in august so I bought this Little Prince organizer specifically to keep track on my progress.

I started doodling on it already along with some quotes from the book that I don't want to forget. Again another notebook/organizer to add to my growing collection.

Before I end this post I just wanna share to all that Graphika Manila 2012 is here again on August 11, 2012 at the SMX. I am a big fan of digital art since I started my career out in that field. I'm planning to go if my schedule will accommodate it. 

For more info on Graphika Manila 2012 just visit their link here http://www.graphikamanila.com/

goodnight

-the weekend artist-

the weekend artist series: Paper Art #1: Wedding Invitations Designs

Who doesn't love weddings? I so love them I organize them as a sideline. 

What's funny is I still always get teary-eyed whenever the Dad walks her daughter 

down the aisle, whenever the couple say their vows, 

as well as during the couples first dance!

 So that is what I have been busy with during my time away from my blog 

for almost 2 months now apart from my job.

Actually I was at a family gathering recently when one of my aunts 

asked me about my blog and why I haven't been updating.

I told her that I haven't been working on it because 

I have been too busy with my day job 

and coordinating weddings during my free time.

 I haven't been painting lately or even finish my old projects. 

She suggested that I just share what I have been working on right now.

So here I am sharing a bit of what I am doing 

and for the coming weeks I will keep on sharing more.

Aside from wedding coordinating I have been accepting commission work

 for wedding invitation designs as well for a couple of years already. 

I think my love for paper is evident on why I still keep on accepting invites designing.

With weddings I still get to exercise my creative side from coordinating, 

selecting flowers, wedding gown designs and specially the invitations. 

I would be more than willing to share my experiences about starting a wedding coordinating business of your own here for those who want to ask. 

You can just drop me a note.

(All pictures included here are invites designed by me)

How about you wanna share what's been keeping you busy?

-the weekend artist-

the weekend artist inspiration #11: A short trip through Hongkong

As you read this I have already arrived in Manila for more than a month already. Passing by the City of Angels on my way back!(more on that one on my next posts). A lot has happened since...been to Hongkong and back.

A trip to hongkong is never complete without a visit to Shamshuipo. A shopping mecca for craft and fashion lovers like me. I always feel inspired just browsing thru the stores.

I've been hoarding art and crafts materials from every visit. Buttons, tassels, paper materials, vintage stickers, swatches of fabrics, and all other what-nots.

Visiting Hongkong has always been inspiring. Their appreciation for fashion and arts is seen everywhere. Whenever I go visit my love for photography has always been revived.
I have always drooled over Lomography whenever I am there. 
I saw this cute store along granville and I really wanna go back on my next trip and probably finally buy a special Diana edition I have been pinning away for! (*sigh*) 

It's going to be a long and inspiring weekend...have a great one!

-the weekend artist-

the weekend artist inspiration #10 Saying Goodbye

I say goodbye to Boston with a heavy heart... I'll miss Boston because it showed me a different view of America. Life there was simpler(though I think more expensive compared to other states). It's like a retreat from the modern and busy lifestyle I was so used to in Manila.

(Photos above and from the last 2 previous post were all taken from my visit to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts)

photo from pinterest

As you read this I'm already back to my busy life in Manila... I say goodbye one last time to my Boston experience and the lessons it has taught me...goodbye for now!

-the weekend artist-

the weekend artist inspiration #9 Museum Eye Candy

I start off with a painting I adore specially the play of colors.

If I remember right this is a Renoir!

My visit to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts opened a lot of new insights for me on

how my taste for certain paintings have evolved through the years.

Another painting which I love specially the stroke/style of painting with colors.

Another piece in a similar style which I think came as a series.

Last but not the least one of my favorites again from a series.

I guess this shows my gravitation towards colors and a certain painting style.

Though nowadays I am also drawn to subdued and saturated style of painting.

It might be a reflection of my current state of mind or as they say 'Art imitates Life'.

I tend to be so serious lately it kind of feels so dramatic.

A better...happier post maybe next time.

goodbye for now...from my boston files

-the weekend artist-

the weekend artist inspiration #8 Art Appreciation

Stepping inside an art museum is one of my most fave things. Actually any museum gets me feeling giddy inside. I think my love for things old and new (goes to show why it's hard for me to throw things away) and the history that comes with it is hard to resist. 

On a sunny winter day my sister and I dressed in our short dresses and knits to keep us warm went out for a day at The Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

It was hard not to smile and get all excited when I browsed the list of what's in-store(I'll post my fave artworks in my next entry).

A blurred version of me. =)

My little sister appreciating a work of art.

 Students sketching the modern tower art piece.

The highlight of the trip was seeing Degas in the Nude works

(here is another version of a blurred me again.)

Thanks to my sister for a wonderful and memorable day. 

We finally did it(the whole art app day with the outfit)! I miss you dearly!

Goodbye for now Boston!

TWA

the weekend artist inspiration #7: heArt and Away

November, Christmas and New Year's passed by in a blur for me.

 It went by fast while preparing and actually leaving my work, my life in manila for awhile.

I decided to travel halfway on the other side of the world 

to be with my sister who is recovering from an illness. 

It was quite a roller-coaster of emotions 

and nothing will prepare you for something that happens like it. 

Life has a way of waking you up when your feeling all settled and content. 

Now that she is on the road to recovery 

I now get to appreciate more the wonderful things around me.

I am currently on my 3rd week here in Boston.

Daily walks outdoors has become a general part of my routine

(except on a rainy or flurry-snowish day...which happened today). 

The views are breathtaking and you certainly feel 

that you are in another part of the world

(especially the weather...hey I'm from a tropical country!).

I actually got the coughs and colds on my first week 

while my body adjusted to the weather.

It actually reminds me of London

... the trees, the landscape the architecture and the people.

A beautiful angel found in Boston Common on a beautiful day.

It says: A public spirited citizen whose great gift to the city of Boston provided for the creation of works of public utility and beauty for the use and enjoyment of the inhabitants.

Here's something artistically inspiring which I wish I could do for 2012!  

Do something creative every day.

And lastly a very inspiring New Year's Resolution sign: "Eat More Ice Cream!" =).

Boston has inspired me in more ways than I can imagine 

and more than that it had me thinking about a lot of things in my life. 

I'm glad I made the decision not only to be here for my sister 

(plus it helps me sleep better knowing and seeing that she is doing ok)

but as well as for myself.

I'll definitely miss the place and the people!

Goodnight Boston!

Goodbye for now!

-the weekend artist-

the weekend artist inspiration #6: creative materials

Here are my current obsessions! My newest books and gadgets.
I bought this book entitled 'Make Your Creative Dreams Real' by Sark.
Actually it's the subtitle that caught my attention...'A Plan for Procrastinators, Perfectionists, Busy People, and people who would really rather Sleep All Day'.
That's me! Basically(from what I have read so far) it helps you select a creative dream/s that you want to make a reality. It's more of a moral booster with step-by-step or weekly tasks suggested to help you be on your path there. I bought it specifically on a not so inspiring day =(.

My 2nd book is '200 Projects to Get You into Fashion Design'(though I am already working in it!). I bought it because the exercises looked fun in a non-like-my-job way(don't get me wrong i love my job). it's just that the exercises are not related to my job so it makes it fun for me. Plus the exercises I do here I can share here since it's not confidential =).

My fave of all is my new cam which was given to me as a gift(thanks pao!). Finally I have an option to my point-shoot camera(which I still love since I can carry it everyday).
These are my current obsessions! Plus am reading 'A Game of Thrones' since I saw the HBO series I'm hooked!


-the weekend artist-
Ciao!

the weekend artist inspiration #5: my blogging hiatus

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I've been on a blogging hiatus for almost a month! So my day job kept me away for the whole time. I was busy with Fashion Week since we mount a big show almost every year. From selecting models, selecting clothes, meetings w directors, stylists, etc. To mentoring and assigning tasks to designers and assistants. And aside from that I needed to go to Hongkong to source for the next season and meet up with suppliers. We also had to visit China for a short buying trip(the picture from my hotel bedroom is the one above) and cross back to HK on the way back.

I had to go home by myself so I can make it on-time for a mtg the next day. My flight was postponed TWICE! So I had to stay in the airport for more than 6 hours doing nothing!

I ended up buying another journal and a photography book to pass the time!

Oh did I mention that I finally got a DSLR camera!

So that's what kept me away from blogging. Clearly my work demands so much time from me but I just can't say I don't love what I'm doing even the stressful part I have come to love!

It is one of my greatest inspiration and source of happiness as well... to do what i'm doing and to sharing what I know to others.

-the weekend artist-

Am back!

the weekend artist inspiration #4 Planner Collection

My love for paper extends to planners, diarys and what-nots! 

This vintage one with craft paper is from my sister whose friend found it in a thrift shop abroad.

I actually haven't written anything yet in it because of it's sentimental value.

Plus am saving it for a special scrapbook of sorts in the future.

These two I bought at a christmas bazaar a few years back 

when I was still in love with colorful stuffs(I actually still am but keep it now at a minimum).

These both are korean journals.

This one was from one of my designers from work he got it on his trip to korea.

I actually did the DIY thingy I explained on a previous post where 

I used glue and varnish to add a protective coating to the cover since it's white.

Well, that's it all my unused planners as of the moment. 

I do also collect Starbucks diary which I use for work 

and have a Moleskine which I currently use now for everyday.
I also keep one as a diary scrapbook which I think is too personal to share here.

Though not really related to art(unlike my scrapbooks and sketchbook posts). 

These planners do serve it's purpose in my life. 

A balancing act between my designing day job, my weekend artist blog, 

my social calendar and my errands.

My calendar is going to be full soon so I hope I do get posts in soon! 

Fashion week is here so I'm gonna be busy. 

Plus it's my birthday tomorrow! 

I've got tons up my sleeves...plans for a big trip next year, an out-of-the-country work trip, 

and school related stuff! am so excited!

gotta go!

-the weekend artist-

the weekend artist inspiration #3 Sketchbooks Collection

As I have shared in my previous blogpost Im in love with sketchbooks

and planners so I'm sharing here some of my faves from my collection.

This is my 'it will be' sketchbook it also comes with a planner of the same size.

I use it for my art projects and mini-doodles and sketches.

It's been with me for 3 years already but only started using it this year.

I bought it at LCX harbour city in HK.

I use this Berkeley sketchpad for sketches I transfer on another paper/canvass etc.

I've had it for almost a year already.

This sketchbook is still blank and it's been with me for a year already.

I bought it as a replacement for a sketchbook which my nephew

ended up bringing with him to the US.

I made a couple of sketches on it for him so he asked me for it.

The replacement sketchbook I bought is wuite big in size
I'm keeping it for preliminary sketches for bigger canvass artworks.
I bought it at NBS I can't remember the price.
 

 

 This is my Montval sketchpad which I use for my watercolor creations.

I've featured this before here in my first few posts.

  

Last but not the least is my 'Sketchbook Project' sketchpad 
which you can see in previous posts.

I think it's important that you like the materials you work with.
Whether recycled or new. It keeps me excited and makes me not waste the paper
I'm working on thinking it's just one page of the whole pad.
I'll post my planners next time!

Paalam!
-the weekend artist-

the weekend artist inspiration #2 Sketchbooks: The Fashion Sketchpad

Im in love with paper! I may say I'm addicted to it

and I have mentioned this over and over again here.

My love is visible in my collection of sketchbooks and diaries/planners.

When I am working on a new project I'm always excited to start on a new notebook.

I specially love the feel of the paper and the crispness of it. 

I go through a lot of sketchbooks and planners in a year. 

It feels nostalgic when I browse through old pages. 

So you could imagine my excitement when over the weekend I found this 

'Fashion Sketchpad' for half the price($18.95 US) and 

double the size of  'Fashionary'(which is still on my wishlist).

I found it on display at NBS Rockwell. 

 Like 'Fashionary' it has an illustrated garment encyclopedia.

A recommended reading section is also included. 

 It's not that clear here but all pages contains different figure templates 

which make it easier for me to sketch.

Plus the templates disappear when scanned or photocopied! 

Am so excited to use this on another future project 

so help me cross my fingers that it will push through! 

That's it for now! 

Ciao!

-the weekend artist- 

the weekend artist inspiration: travel #01

On my work desk rests 3 key landmarks/icons of different countries. These are the Statue of Liberty, London's iconic red telephone booth and the Eiffel tower. Among the three it is the Eiffel tower which I haven't seen or I mean I haven't landed my foot upon the soil of the country which it is known for.  I realized this while watching the movie Julie and Julia on TV over the weekend. So I ended up sketching the Eiffel tower while watching. Oh how I long to see it! They say it's the most romantic place in the world. Can't forget having tea and french macaroons in Bizu with my dear friend joanie(aka artist-chef) and her telling me how she loved her picnic by the eiffel tower and how I do wish I was there to spend the day with her.

So I did finally end up using my new sketch set. I just sketched on whim. just left all the light spaces and penciled in all the shadows. I did enjoy doing this while watching Julie cook her way through Julia child's book.

I loved how Julie described her cooking as a travel which changed her life and she did it through a blog! And how her husband supported her all the way. In a way it's like my life right now...except I enjoy my dayjob way more than her.

I've seen the movie before but it has more impact to me now that I am keeping a blog =)

So going back to my sketch I ended up doing hatching and painting via PS and adding the words "A Bientot Paris!". After doing this sketch I miss my sisters more because when we were little at night we would be imagining we were sleeping in different countries of the world(and France is one of them) not knowing that it will really come true in the future.

Adieu!

-the weekend artist-

julie & julia photo fr: www.imdb.com