Finding Your Muse by Alisa Burke

Hot and fresh news from blogland ...

Alisa Burke just started a FREE online class called Finding Your Muse, check it out here.

I'm sure joining the class as I'm a big fan of Alisa's art and teaching.  She's a big inspiration to my creative pursuit.

Hope to see you all there!

Cheers! xxoo

What's in My Sketchbook?

After more than two months away from my sketchbook, I finally made a sketch page about two weeks ago.  And what a shocker!

It was a struggle from start to finish.  Nothing went smoothly.  It's as if I have never painted before.  By the time when I finished it, I was pretty upset.

But instead of pecking on my wounded ego, I asked myself if I had learn anything from this sketchbook page.  One thing popped into my mind - painting is not like riding a bicycle, once you learn it, you'll never forget it.  Good painting skills require continual practice.

A valuable lesson learn ...
 

The sketch is also for Paint Party Friday - hosted by Eva and Kristin.  All are welcomed!  Do join in to share and support each other!

Cheers and have a wonderful weekend! xxoo

Back to Blogland ...

Hi to all my wonderful Creatives and Bloggers,

Been away from blogland for too long.

Reason(s): Well it is very easy to blame it on work place drama, health matter or anything. But I'd rather be honest and upfront. Simple reason for absence - I haven't been in the blogging mode lately. Sometimes, I just want to be quiet, feeling the pace of my life and be rid of things which became a bit of pressure to me!

I hope you won't find me being selfish, negligence or even being ignorant of all your support. I didn't! Just need some time off. :)

During the time off, I went back to the first love of my life. Don't get too excited, I'm not talking about a person here! I'm talking about my love of reading.

Out of the 6 books I read, I was greatly moved by the biography of Steve Jobs. Before the book, I knew nothing of Jobs and only viewed Apple computers and devices as just another piece of ... well computer gadgets. Since I finished the book, it has heightened my appreciation of the Apple products, the Apple Philosophy after the products and my admiration to Jobs as a visionary.

It is such a shame that I haven't enjoyed any Apple products while Jobs was still with us. :(

Anyway here is a short update of what I've been up to and also my own way of re-introducing myself back to blogging again.

Til then, take care (while I ease back to my weekly sketching / painting routine ...)

Cheers!

TED Talks - Brene Brown, Vulnerability

Brene Brown

HAPPY 2012 & TED Talks

Happy 2012 to all my fellow creatives and bloggers!

(I know it's a bit late, but I've been on hibernation since mid Dec last year and am gradually waking up!) :) 

I'd love to share this wonderful TED Talks with you.  The topic presented is not only relevant to the aging population, it is also for every one from all age group.  Enjoy!

See you all later ... xxoo

Christams Time

My dear fellow bloggers and creatives,

I'm taking an early Christmas break, hence instead of offering you my usual sketchbook page, I'm giving you something sparkly.

Lighting candles at night throughout December month is my personal Christmas tradition.  And here is the one I specially lit for you!  You all have been so supportive and wonderful to my creative venture.  And you had helped me to get better at each of my sketching and painting.  THANK YOU!

This year has been a challenging one for me. Both health and work place issues had grind me down a fair bit.  I'm hoping with the new year, things will shape up.  I so need the energy and focus on my creative projects.

See you all in 2012 and wishing you a fantastic Christmas and Happy New Year!

Hybrid J xxoo

What's in My Sketchbook?

I drew up a lone tree in my sketchbook a few weeks ago and had been thinking of what to do with it.

Then an idea struck me after I put up my Christmas tree on 1st December.  I drew / painted some moss like string web with little white balls hanging from the lone tree.  Then I painted the background with darker color which reminded me of winter night.  And there you go ...

It is interesting how the things in our life inspire our creativity.  And I hope you enjoy this little imaginary Christmas Tree of mine! :)

The sketch is also for Paint Party Friday (which I'm late for my entry this week) - hosted by Eva and Kristin.  All are welcomed!  Do join in to share and support each other!