When I was little, my parents had to leave Singapore for Netherlands to look for work. I was left in the care of my grandma and aunts. Because of that, I’ve always felt a certain closeness with them. And I’ve always felt loved. That said, there were many times when I resented having so many people be “in my business”.. now I realize it’s because they love me. 

In a certain sense, my grandma and aunts are like my mothers. And it just occurred to me that this is very similar to how the elephants take care of their young. The calves are cared for by the aunts, sisters and mother. 

So on this Mother’s Day, I would like to thank my grandma and aunts (some of whom have passed away) for their love. Happy Mother’s Day 💕💕💕

This was painted with watercolor and white specks created with gesso. 

I love painting female faces. And they often have the same facial expression. Determination? Strength? But also with a touch of softness. I wonder why..Maybe it reflects what I admire the most? Being soft and strong at the same time. It is not something I am good at. But I certainly aspire to it and admire women who are that. To all the strong women out there. Cheers to you! 

After my last blue journal page, it’s time for some happy colors. These colors make me smile. And I love this quote by Marilyn Monroe. “I believe that everything happens for a reason….” I have to admit, I love this page very very much❤️❤️❤️

While I did not make a video of this process, I thought I could share some pics of the process. Hope you will give it a try! 

Started with a page with acrylic paint, collage of scrap paper and image transfer. Also included a business card I picked up from a fair. Loved the stripes. I love to pick up cards, brochures etc and incorporate them in my journal. Reminds me of the place or store I visited. 

Added gesso all over to bring everything together 

And then she appeared…also added some modeling paste with butterfly stencil. 

Intensified the colors

Added doodles and journaling. And viola..

I don’t usually paint when I am upset. Not sure why. Maybe because I only want to see pretty things in my art? This page was an exception. It started with a lot of dark blues and greys. Reflecting my mood and state of mind. As the day went on, my mood got lighter and better. So did the colors on this page. I added more white and light colors to the page. And as my spirits lifted, I began to doodle on the page and voila, the final page appeared. Much lighter and happier than when I first started. Art is therapy indeed..

Acrylic paint with collage and markers for doodling. Also added some texture using molding paste and stencil. Finally added some journaling to remember this page by. 

Have been obsessed with elephants recently and took a break from painting faces. I am back.

This time, I decided to experiment with combining 2 of my favorite things. Face and butterfly. My first butterfly. I am happy with how it turned out. 

Remember to look within. Everything you need is already inside you…

I am fascinated with elephants. This is my second painting of them. The more I learn about them, the more I admire and love them. They have the largest brain of any land animals, which make them highly intelligent but also emotional. The bond they have with their tight knit group of family members is admirable. It’s how I feel about mine. With Mother’s Day coming up, I can’t help but feel all  sorts of emotions towards my young ones, towards being a mother. 

To my little ones, I promise you this… I will always be here for you. Like an elephant….

You are loved… my little ones..

I just had a wonderful Saturday volunteering with my 2 teens. It is not often that we get to do things together and I treasure every minute of it. It also reminded me of how quickly they are growing up and soon, my older one will go off to college and then the little one will follow suit.

I know this is what life is about and I am excited for them, for their future. I hope they will always know that they are loved, wherever they are… no matter what age they are, they will always be my little one in my heart…

Re the watercolor painting. I love elephants and have heard about the strong bonds they have with their babies. But I have never painted one. I am just not good at painting anything other than faces, especially animals. 

This time, I thought I would push myself and give it a try. I actually enjoyed it. Took me a while to get the proportions right. And the eyes are different. I like what turned up. 

Will paint more… it is peaceful looking at their beautiful features and gentle eyes when I paint them…. 

Dedicated to my “little” ones who are not little anymore. 

The more I find myself, the more people I lose… and I am fine with it. Quality over quantity. Anyone else feel the same way? 

Watercolor painting. 

Played with colors to brighten up this wet and dreary day. Started with paint, then collage, including the use of scrap wine label, doodle and journaling. Colors make me happy💕❤️❤️ 

It’s a beautiful day for bubbles! Bubbles bubbles everywhere! Watercolor painting. Decided to switch back to my first love…anime/fantasy girls. It was fun. Now time to get outside and play with some bubbles❤️❤️❤️ have a beautiful Sunday!