KaRyn's Teeth

Another quick sketch of KaRyn, and this time is just her sticking her finger into her mouth probably because she's teething. This picture makes me spontaneously giggle everytime I have it in my mind, and thanks to my sister having it posted on her Facebook. Had to draw it and share with the group of course. =)

(Moleskine Sketchbook 3.5x5.5")

I can't thank all of you enough for your wishes and comments. My shoulder is getting better...slightly, but I can't expect internal injuries like that to heal any quicker. My wrist only hurts when pressure is applied, at least it's not getting any worse. The cat I think has completely recovered from her surgery, and the coat over her belly has started to grow as well. We were supposed to go back to Louisiana for thanksgiving, but unfortunately my wife and I both weren't feeling well and we spent most of our days off sleeping and getting rested. But I must say though, I have been heavily distracted lately by the new Modern Warfare 3 game which I bought 2 weeks ago. Happy Thanksgiving!

KaRyn's iPad

Just a quick sketch(trying not to strain my right wrist and shoulder as much) of my baby niece KaRyn. She has a fake iPad, and this is how she "utilizes" it ^^

(Moleskine Sketchbook 3.5x5.5")

Not an accurate sketch of her actually, just wanted to capture her action using a single pencil, single eraser that's all.
Thank you all for your wishes, and concerns. Had a good birthday with my in-laws, and had seafood gumbo(yummy) for dinner instead of cake, and I picked pecans for the first time in my life(we've got 87lbs in less than 90minutes). I miss home, and everyone at home, and I really appreciate the thoughts and the birthday card and birthday song video they've made for me.

Pascal

Watched a good movie yesterday, Disney's Tangled. It's been long overdue, but I love almost all Disney animations, 2D or 3D. I am easily touched by movies like this, and I told my wife how much I liked it. And then I told her "Okay I am gonna draw" "Draw what?" She asked. I said I don't know. And then she suggested "Why don't you draw something from the movie?" So here's the very cute chameleon named Pascal from the movie(hopefully I don't get in trouble for this). I've always liked chameleon because I thought they are so cool(especially when their eyes work independently simultaneously, like 2 separate radars.

(Moleskine Sketchbook 3.5x5.5")

Thank you all again for your comments, and time to write them. 7 days of 12hours shift had costed me quite a bit, exhaustion to name a few, and a slight twist on my right shoulder which saved me from a potential 20 foot dropped. I didn't get any treatment, just letting it heal by itself, and it is still weak and hurts every time I try to push or pull hard with my right arm. But the 7 days off after the 7 days of work helped a lot. We went back to Louisiana for 4 days, celebrated my father-in-law's and my birthday since they are just 3 days apart, ate a lot of good food(Seafood Gumbo!). So everything is good except that Meela is getting spayed tomorrow and I am worried for her.

Meela

I have a hectic schedule. I had to drive back to Louisiana to drop off the car, and me and my brother-in-law drove back on the same day. It was 5am in the morning September 30th, and by the time we got back home it was 2am October 1st. While I was in Louisiana I met with my publisher and revised 3 pages of the blacklines and with hope, it's finalized for good.
And then on Sunday, October 3rd, we drove to Nashville and back to get this girl, Meela. =)

(Moleskine Sketchbook 3.5x5.5")

She's a British Shorthair, and close to 5 months old as of today. She's very playful, but very quiet, and has got a pair of beautiful amber eyes. She follows people around like a little puppy, and she sleeps like a champ. After sketching Bosco and Athena, I thought that I should at least sketch our own pet. Hopefully this won't be the last, and I'll try to do more of her as she grow to be bigger each day.
I'll start my 7days-in-a-row 12hour shift tomorrow, won't have time to sketch until afterwards. Happy drawing everyone and thank you all so much for your comments and remarks.
(Update on Athena post : The owner almost cried receiving the portrait of her little puppy. Too bad I wasn't there to witness it, but I am deeply gratified)

Athena

One of our neighbors has 2 dogs, one of them is Athena and she's 15 months old(and she's about 90lbs now!) She's such a darling baby dog, and pretty much afraid of all loud noises. In mornings when I am not working or when I am working nights, I'd usually see her in her kennel not far from our little backyard whenever I am lucky. I know that I am not capable of owning a dog right now as I won't have time for it, but I regard all the neighbors' nice dogs my dog-friends.

Athena's owner Anna is having a birthday celebration this weekend and my wife and I are both invited although I won't be able to make it as I work nights. I couldn't think of a good present from Walmart, or PetSmart, so I thought I'll just resort to what I used to do back when I was in school... drawing as gift. So this is another one that will be given away tomorrow. Happy Birthday Anna!

(Accent Opaque Digital by International Papers 8.5 x 11" )

Thank you all so much for your comments on the previous posts. A little different from Bosco's sketch, this is not done on Moleskine page as it's being given away. The paper choice wasn't too good as it was too smooth and meant more more laser printing. I am sure ink or markers on this type of paper would work so much better than graphite.
(Update: The owner almost cried receiving the portrait of her little puppy. Too bad I wasn't there to witness it, but I am deeply gratified)

Bosco

My sister-in-law's terrified of dogs. I am not sure why and I did not ask. But when Bosco came into their lives, Bosco changed her life.
Because of Bosco she found the kindness, the loyalty, and the child that dwells every dogs that people love about. Because of Bosco she started to appreciate and collect Snoopy merchandises. They almost lost Bosco once in the park, but she was the one who insisted that they must get Bosco back after searching for hours. Bosco did come back and Bosco is definitely staying with the family as well.

(Moleskine Sketchbook 3.5x5.5")

This is my brother's special request, to sketch Bosco for her birthday on the 30th this month. I knew that I wouldn't have time to draw this entire week so I did it on Sunday in that tiny 2-3 window of time that I had left. Thank you all so much for your comments and visiting.

Happy Birthday my dear Sister-in-law.

Betty

I am not sure if Betty will be upset that I scanned her "gift" and posting it here. I am doing it anyway because I am using this as a little "Thank You" note to her for her constant feedback and support. =) This is to you BettyfromTexas.

KaRyn

(Moleskine Sketchbook 8x5, final page of 1st sketchbook)

I have a baby niece that I have not met yet. She's more than 6 months old now, and she doesn't know that I exist either. But I miss her, like how I miss her older sister KaQin, and her older brothers. I will my the effort so that me and my wife are  to go back home next year and see her (and for my wife the family) for the first time. I know that the path I have chosen has set me and my family in Malaysia far apart, I just hope that they will understand that Uncle Alex is far away for a reason, and when there's a time when I am needed, I will be here waiting for them.

The sketch of KaRyn marks the final page of my first Moleskine Sketchbook, my first sketchbook that is actually completed. And I have a lot more to come, and I think I am going to start with the tiny one next and see how well that works out  =)

Moleskine collection

Thank you everyone for your comments on my previous post, Gia. I still miss her terribly, but I will be strong for her.

Gia

(Graphite on Moleskine Large Sketchbook 5x8")

My wife bought a hamster 2 years ago. I thought it was silly because it's just a hamster, not a cat or a dog. She was such a tiny little thing. She didn't eat a lot back then, but she ran a lot...especially at night. She loved her wheel, and her ball.
When my wife's at school, I was with Gia at home the whole time. I'd feed her everyday(I didn't know I wasn't supposed to) and she started to get picky and only ate sunflower seeds because she realized she's got endless supply of those. I spoiled her, she got fat, like a ball of fluff, the cutest little thing ever.
Gia came with us whenever we spend more than 3 days away from home. She hated being in a car, constant movement of her cage was no fun to her at all. She wouldn't come out from her little cage after every road trip, and the fact that we moved twice in 2 years didn't help either. Gia never escaped out of her cage, even when you have her doors wide open. She didn't like to be held or pet either, she's shy all the time
Just about half a year ago, I started to realize that Gia actually "talked" back when you talk to her. She made these cute squeeky and clicking sounds, especially when she's happy that you give her lots of sunflower seed and treats. Just months ago she started to let us pet her, very gently, but she still didn't like it all that much, so we thought we finally tamed the wild beast in the house.
About a week ago, Gia didn't look good. She hadn't been eating a lot.. and her eyes were shut, showing signs of exhaustion. She was frail and weak, having hard time moving around or climbing up her little platform. She's tired, she's old, she needed rest. But she still wanted to move to us when she saw us in the house. And after 2 days fighting natural aging, she gave up, right after my wife telling her it's okay, she could go rest now. I was worried at work, but prepared. We gave her a proper burial in our new backyard, her own little spot.
I caught myself looking at her empty cage everytime I walk pass it... and I would whisper in my own breath..."Gia...."
Gia is not just a hamster, or just another pet. She's family, and she will always have a special place in our hearts, together with her little brother Oni.

My car

This is a post long overdue. Been busy at work rushing complete things I needed to learn, and shift work is definitely wearing me off in such a away that it's almost impossible for me to draw after working 12-13hours. And on my days off I'd be running errands and was busy moving in and getting the essentials done. Along the way we celebrated my wife's birthday, bought some furniture, and then there's a car.
Yes I finally bought a car, my very first in the states, and I am really happy about it. Taking Betty's advice, I decided to sketch a part of it.

Why only a part and not the whole car? Hmmm... I ran out of space on my Moleskine, plus I also thought about having a little quiz. Open to all EDMers only, the first one to guess what car it is correctly(Make and Model), I'll send something nice(hand drawn) to your doorstep/mailbox. Yes, my very first giveaway! YAY! So only ONE guess allowed  per person, unlimited comments and feedback allowed though ;) and it'll last until someone gets it right. I'll then contact you for your contacts and all.

Plants Vs. Zombies

I have to admit, I love video games. I wish I have more times playing them, but they do occupy a lot of time, almost like watching movies and very often requires a lot more concentration and good hand-eye co-ordination.
I was at first a little skeptical about this Plants Vs. Zombies game(available in all game consoles, computers, and smartphones) that it's just a simple game with simple designs, simple musics, simple structures, simple objectives, and simple graphics, made by perhaps people with simple minds. And boy was I so wrong =) It is the simplicity of the game that helped me to remember why I like video games in the first place, to have fun and forget about stress in life for just a moment of course.
I've probably spent more than 50 hours playing this game since I got it, defending my home against brain craving zombies using my plants, and I can't remember not laughing or giggling everytime I play it. It's the same feeling I get when I watch cartoons(and yes I love cartoons too, and I think the cartoonists are the most creative people in the world because they make people laugh).
So all I am saying is that, people behind Plants Vs. Zombies are not simple minded at all, but really creative and fun people. Perhaps that's why Electronic Arts (or EA, video game giant company) plans to acquire Popcap(the company behind Plants Vs. Zombies, and games like Bejewelled) for the rumored amount of USD1.3 billion, pretty impressive right?

5x8" Large Moleskine sketchbook

Thank you all so much for your comments. I felt sorry for my Moleskine sketchbook as I've neglected it for a while now(again). It's hard to be consistent nowadays with the 12-hour shift job, and the packing to move by the end of the month. Yes we're moving AGAIN =) but hopefully for the last time in at least 2-3 years. Appreciate all the wishes, and I shall be posting again when I have the time to do so right after settling down.

Final : Family

Being absent for such a long period of time again, and finally having my real 7-days off from work(and needing to pack to move to another apartment by the end of the month), suddenly I got the call from the publisher to finish all artwork of the ones I drew earlier on Concept Lines, Concept : Family, and Concept : Cover art posts. Not to mention I got another call from work to ask if I could work on Monday and Tuesday which would ruin my plans days off, so I kindly rejected.

I had to re-draw all of those that I've sketched in concept form, and onto bigger scale, but with a little less details, no colors :( and due to time constraint I had decided to go a little towards Manga style, and it's funny how I usually draw people in cartoon style when I draw without reference anyway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actual hours  on art : Approx. 12-13 hours.
Day and time started : July 9th, 10am
Day and time finished : July 10th, 9pm
Other activities within the period: Eat, naps, playing Call of Duty Black Ops and Plant vs. Zombies, Korean movies on Netflix, shower, sleep etc.

Thank you all for reading and appreciate all the comments =)

Quick Doggy Sketch

I really thought that I could sketch something while having my vacation in Orange Beach, Alabama 2 weeks ago. I must say I was naive, all I did was "Yeeeeeeeehawwwww.....!!" Jump in and out of the beach, eating tons of food, and sleeping. I had a good time relaxing. It's my first beach experience in America, and the last time I was at the beach it was 2006 in Malaysia.

This is Landon and he's my wife's cousin's son. He's probably the happiest kid I've ever seen, and he's just having fun trying to get me with his water pistol.

Can't miss the pirate ship in Orange Beach

 At one point the sun was purple while it was setting, it's surreal.

Okay, enough about my vacation. Here's a quick sketch of a happy dog I saw on an ad on a magazine while waiting for my wife going through her dental appointment at the waiting area. It helped to kill my time and I tried sketching as quickly as I could, and it still took me about 40 minutes.

Other than that, work at the plant is still energy draining, and again my publisher is too busy to return my text so my project is halted for right now until further notice.

Thank you all so much for all your comments and kind notes. I am fine and I will definitely be careful when I am at work knowing that any fatal accidents could happen anytime.

Concept : Cover art

It's been some busy weeks for me, I wasn't able to just sit down and draw at all. Long gone the free hours during my night shift. Things just wouldn't stop popping up at work(and was even engulfed in a life threatening scenario as well! Don't worry, I wasn't hurt in that event) and constantly require my attention as an employee. Day shift is even more hectic, and the sad thing is that, it's not going to get any better. -_-
That aside, I am just happy that I was able to get back in touch with my publisher. The concept drawings of family which I did earlier this year is still valid(I am surprised!), and there are still things needed to be worked. They stressed on the blacklines of the cover page, and they gave me the general idea of how the author wanted it, so here's my take on it.

 (The sketch of the concept in ink, pencils and office highlighters)

(Blackline version in ink, to be approved)

I am not sure if they will accept it so we'll see.
Thank you all so much for your comments. I really appreciate all of them and your time. I will try my best to spend more time drawing. My moleskine is once again being ignored due to other more significant responsibilities....sigh.

Black Eyed Peas

Yes the band =) They really churned out a lot of funky and catchy tunes throughout the years, and one of the latest I often heard over the radio is called "Just can't get enough" so I went on Youtube to look at the video, loved it! You can watch it here.
So here's a sketch I did just a few days before(because I knew I was going to be really busy at work for 7 days non-stop, and I was right), and it's based on the music video of course.

(Moleskine sketchbook 5x8")

Thank you all so much for dropping by and leaving comments. You guys are always so kind and encouraging and a lot of times when I am really tired or stressed(not often) from work, I always keep in my mind that at least I have this, life is good(yeah I guess LG is right ^^)

No Digging

One of my co-workers shared a little conversation he had with his daughter(guess how old she is ^^) and I just love how the little minds work sometimes. I would smile and giggle everytime I thought about it, so I had to get it out. Here's how the story goes basically

(True story inspired by Avery Martin)

We had a good laugh, I hope you guys do too. And trust me when I say that those "No Digging" signs will never look the same again.
Thank you all again for your comments and encouragements. I really appreciate them! =)

Portrait of Alex

Not this is not me. She's a daughter of one of my co-workers and I just found out later that her name's Alex too. I was asked to do a portrait of her and I thought I'd like to use it as to test the print quality of a local print shop. I will find it out today hopefully and see how it turns out.

(Update: Finally I've made my first portrait sale today, I am totally excited! So is my co-worker. He did say there will be more to come, I can't wait ^^)

 (9x11" Strathmore Bristol Vellum 300lb, Graphite and a bit of ink)

 (The initial stage before I worked on her hair, which was really time consuming)

I apologize for the absence of my posts lately. It's been a really hectic time for me and I do wish that things could get easier. But perhaps from now onwards I'll have a little time and space to do more artwork.

Thank you all so much for your comments. =)

Random

It's been longer than a month since my last post. No I hadn't been drawing, yes I had been studying hard and working on my tasks at work to get 'qualified'. Hopefully I'll have more time to draw more in the future, but I've already pre-decided that I am going to draw everyday when I retire...perhaps in 30 years time...hahahaha.
Here's something that I drew on my Moleskine sketchbook randomly off the images I googled. I used pretty much everything I have on my pencil case, pencils, graphic pens, colored inks, and color pencils. I am liking those grey inks ^^

Green Day

I hadn't used my ink pen, color pencils, and drawing on a 2-page spread for a long time, so I thought I should. =)

 I've always liked Green Day and I thought they have very interesting styles(both musics and fashion), and good humor.
Thank you all again for your kind comments, and I am glad Dan and Raena enjoyed my last post as much as I enjoyed their project. Hopefully that served as a good sign of approval to their blog, and that they'll keep producing more beautiful illustration for our viewing pleasure ^^

2'nFro

I was thinking a lot of people have sketched Raena for some reason, so I didn't want to miss the party. But I also remember that she's part of a very interesting project called 2'nFro and Dan Kent is also in it, so I thought it'd be fun to do their profile pictures on my Moleksine.
I thought about doing a really rough one, like comic style, but then I got carried away with values and tones again. I know that there's something absence here which is similarity, but it was fun doing it anyway.
So Dan and Raena, this is for you guys and your fun project =)

 Thank you all for your comments!

Suspension

Valentine's day is coming up, I am sure everyone is in a lovey dovey mood right now =) I was struggling to find a subject to draw last week so I just resort to something a little more technical. It was fun doing it but a little tiring.
This is the part of your car where you don't usually pay attention to everyday that's working really hard to soak up bumps and harshness on the road while you're driving while keeping your comfortable in your ride.

 Thank you all for your comments and feedback on the last portrait I drew. The recipient would probably get her gift today as today is her actual birthday, so perhaps I'll get a response from my co-worker tonight or so. =)

Gift

A co-worker recently asked for a favor. He wanted something special for his wife's birthday this month, using my pencils and paper. How could I resist such a fun project? =) I didn't give him a price for this, it's a gift for his sincere intention. I hope she'll like it.

 I haven't done any WIP for a while now, so I thought I'd want to share. This is done on a 9x12" Strathmore Bristol Vellum board. Thank you all for your comments on my previous post =) They are very much appreciated.

Practice

I have not done any sketches on my Moleskine for a long time now. The last one being Paramore dated way back in September 15, 2010. I felt bad because I had been neglecting it, so I thought yesterday that I could do a little practice on it.
Gun haters probably will not like this one but don't worry, no individual or animal was harm during the drawing process and practice session ;)

Thank you all for your comments and questions in the previous post. The publisher hasn't contacted me yet which means the authors probably haven't given them the feedback I needed, so I just have to wait(and this is usually the part which I don't like as I was so motivated to get the projects done... the waiting seems to drain that energy away and now I am focusing on doing a sketch as a favor for my co-worker). So I really don't know which direction I am going with those. Until then, I'll just try to keep finding things to sketch.

Concept : Family

More concept lines, but these are for separate stories and separate authors. I am just throwing ideas out there and waiting for their feedback.
It's hard trying not to get too 'deep' into them as I knew that they are still just within concept sketching phase, but I sometimes do forget and I just had to stop myself.
Thank you so much for all your feedback and comments on my previous post. I really do appreciate the encouragement and the warm welcome from everyone of you. It's almost like coming back to a cozy home after a long travel. You guys are all AWESOME! ^^

Concept Lines

I know that I said I'd be posting more, but like I said... I get distracted very easily sometimes =)
Holiday's been great, work has been okay and it was my first week getting into shift last week.
So I tried getting back in touch with my publisher to see if my pencils are still needed for the previous projects I took on, and they said yes.
I just thought I'd like to share some of the few lines I did for the passed couple of days for the project. It's a story about grandparents' relationships with their grandchildren. And they are still in the very rough phase, just to let the author see and get the feel of what's coming. If she likes it, then I will refine them and add colors. ^^
Thank you all for your comments and it's really great being back drawing again.