fly

I forgot what the intention behind this was.

well...hmm,

present for meee

Not my art for once. haha

Yes, I commissioned this girl on gaia (for gold). I can rarely afford someone of a suitable level, but this turned out great. Yeah, it's one of my characters, Val. I haven't written for her yet, she's more of a drawing character.

study of a photograph...ehh I'll fix tomorrow night

Photography composition study

And working on a new project (I didn't really finish the last one eh-but I will)
Working with two subjects is not as easy as working with a single or odd number of subjects, but it can work. Probably good preparation for Cookatoo island!

Diagonals work great with double subjects. My personal favourite is creating a difference of depth physically and/or with focus. Either that our having them at similar depths(but never the same), but at different heights-better for portraits. Another common technique to get each person facing a different direction- e.g. one looking forward and one looking toward the centre. Tilting the camera can also have a pleasing effect-creating a more obvious diagonal if there isn't already. Lastly- the oldest trick in the book: rule of thirds.

100 themes challenge!

I didn't survive the 30 day challenge, but I'll try the 100 themes challenge instead!

I must draw one picture per day under these themes.

(I might change some of the ones I don't like haha.)

well, wish me luck-

1. Introduction
2. Love
3. Light
4. Dark
5. Seeking Solace
6. Break Away
7. Heaven
8. Innocence
9. Drive
10. Breathe Again
11. Memory
12. Insanity
13. Misfortune
14. Smile
15. Silence
16. Questioning
17. Blood
18. Rainbow
19. Gray
20. Fortitude
21. Vacation
22. Mother Nature
23. Cat
24. No Time
25. Trouble Lurking
...

Umm, I changed my mind Dx
Let's make it 'try to draw everyday' D:

Happy Valentines

I'm just getting into the spirit (I had conveniently left my maths workbook at school)

What does 'valentine' mean? The word 'Valentine' has common roots with 'valour' and 'valiant', which goes along lines of meaning 'strength'. In essence, when you ask someone to be your valentine, you're asking them "will you be my strength". That's pretty cute eh. :)

edit: So.... this is for my friends, who are my strength^^

wasting time is FUN

I don't have to tell you that :U

here comes something like prince charming

Ahem. I mean my gaia avatar

kthxbye.

I...will consider this done for now

compulsory update

eep.

yeah, I'm getting there...the face bit

stupid blogger wreaked the quality

Asian Parents (The reasoning behind it?)

Asian Parents

It's a controversial article...and it being caught between both Asian and Western cultures, I have mixed feelings. My parents are both Chinese migrants, and I can say that they are not that extreme. I guess the "force them till they can do it" wore off quite early as my childhood obedience went. Even now, my parents have opted for the "do your best" mindset instead. (Then again, there's no point arguing with a headstrong daughter).

As much as I put faith into freedom of expression and positive psychology, unfortunately my own academic success and the importance of it has slipped.

"What Chinese parents understand is that nothing is fun until you're good at it."

The irony of this is, I get great pleasure out of doing art because I have a bit of skill- but out of my personal choice. (And partially to get kicks out of being rebellious) When I look back, had I been an obedient child and spending that much effort and thought into my academics, there would be no doubt I would be on top.

But why is academic success so important? To an Asian, money in this world undoubtedly has the last say, especially on the quality of life. The general belief is, a good education will lead to a well-paid career. This seems superficial, but this is coming from people who had very little growing up (breaking out of the poverty cycle and into the 'city'), or in the case of my parents pretty much sold up everything and went in search of a better life. The point that some Asian parents will go up and beyond for their kids is true. In very basic essence, Asian parents seek to better their children's standard of life.

I am not sure whether children of Asian parents or Asian parents themselves understand this (it's easy to lose yourself in obsession), but it is what I know.

The Asian-parent strategy will work for an extent of time on a child, but really, it is up to the child to question their true purpose in the world and the meaning behind their parents actions. What is the point of success if one was forced or simply instructed to do so? A robot can be programmed to do that in place of the child. Life is beyond doing well and and impressing the parents and/or others.

And I guess it's up to me as well which way I will be going, and in saying so I suddenly have a greater emotional motivation to devote time in both my art and my work.

Just say it.

Interesting stamp found on deviantart.

From the artist:

"But I wanted to add that I think people with mental impairments, physical impairments, and children DO deserve to get special treatment, however, they do not deserve to abuse it in anyway. "

I'm not offended by it, and I really couldn't care less for those who miss the point and flame the poor guy behind this.

Yet I feel uneasy about it, not the message it conveys, but rather the reactions. Perhaps it's the aggressive nature, but these days no-one listens unless it shout it out to them. Or perhaps people are reacting to predictably, agreeing/disagreeing too easily? (Wow, how weird does that sound)

Most people agreeing with this stamp seem to mention "equality" a lot. I'm not too sure if all of them know what their taking about. In order for equality to occur, everyone must literally be born the same. We know that is not true, and no matter how hard we try-no set of rules or way of life can fit everyone. It's a impossible task. (And think about it-just exerting effort of treating someone as 'equal' already throws the point of it)

What can be said, and is not said enough is respect. The message only goes as far as 'giving respect for those that deserve it', but how many can go out of their way to respect even the unworthy? (Even the ones who know only how to seek attention?)

That is all.

Sketchbook #002

Ugh, the day is too short. I haven't even done maths yet, and by the time I'm done, I'm off to bed.

Here is the concept behind my latest and hopefully successful project. A focus on thicker speedpaint-like brushstrokes and heavy shadowing on a dark background, possibly some back-illumination, like so:

http://mezamero.deviantart.com

Probably less detail, cause I'm short on time and because the background and dress will be complex. I'm intending three or two in a series? I might need to condense the concepts into just two though-including a portrait. I'm recently inspired to do something with a 'gothic' feel, but the colour of the subject's dress will be as pale as her skin to soften the otherwise dark colour scheme. That will be a challenge, I'm not too sure how a pale dress will clash with heavy shadow.

Dress inspiration:

The current work in progress: (Part 1:Bed of Roses)

Yeah, rosebed to be added (or books and falling sheets)?. I'm so strapped for time, this is already ready to be coloured.

(note to self: warm purple background/overlay)

Okay back to work for me. (and maybe you too)

Ok, back online

I have so much in my head I want to write down that it's now all mixed up.

So...

I'm just gonna use pictures.

Apart from the usual "work hard study hard," I desperately need to get into more creative ground. (Writing, drawing, reading, viewing etc.) December was a great month, January-not so much. I've tackled the commissions, and hopefully if school is not too much of a challenge, I have to get busy.

Current artistic inspirations:

1. aozorize: Some freak of nature, naturally. I love the contrast of detail/roughness as well as dynamic compositions

2. Wakkawa: Stunning female portraits. Beautiful colours

3. 0effe0: I'm a fan of the design and detail mainly.

4.kaidensuchan: A bit of something I was doing originally with flat colours and pink multiply, but I love this artwork anyway. Beautiful doll-like faces.

more to come

Current fashion inspirations:

(I'm outta time. will update later)

25% back.

Oh my, so much to catch up on!