Sunday, March 3, 2013

In memory of Guan Hin Tan

I grew up knowing that I had a grand uncle who was a famous artist. He was a teacher, and he specialized in Chinese paintings, especially tigers and bamboo trees. No, I didn't have the opportunity to meet him in person, but I only knew him through his paintings when he had passed which he left his paintings to my other grand uncle.
I started drawing even before I knew about him, and I am not sure why I like drawing, but I am glad that at least I share this same passion with my grand uncle. Every once in a while when I draw, I do feel like I am just a child playing in his shadow. This page is dedicated to him, this sketch is for him.
(Pencil on Moleskine Sketchbook 5.5 x 3.5")

I know it's unusual for me to post 2 drawings in 2 days. I guess I am in the mood to do so (and I am staying away from my PlayStation ^^). Thank you all again for dropping by and leaving comments.

For those who are interested to know a little more about my grand uncle, here are a couple of websites about him and his work.
Tan Guan Hin (Penang)
Virtual Memory of Guan Hin Tan
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21 comments:

  1. Mari Brown and ColourblobMarch 3, 2013 at 8:35 PM

    Thats a beautiful tribute to your great uncle and I dont think you draw in his shadow, but rather in the light that was passed on from him to you. Really beautiful piece and very touching story, thank you for sharing that. Keep drawing, it all looks fantastic!!!

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    1. AlexMarch 4, 2013 at 4:20 PM

      :) That's too kind of you Mari. Thank you

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  2. JaneMarch 4, 2013 at 11:13 AM

    I am sure he would be proud of your dedication and talent - this is a lovely gentle, very alive portrait. And don't apologise for posting two days in a row - it's great for us!

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    1. AlexMarch 4, 2013 at 4:23 PM

      LOL. I wish I do post something every couple of days or so. I guess that's something for me to look forward into when I do retire.
      But yeah, I don't think I'll ever reach his level of achievement, but at least I know that doing this makes me happy, and that's the most important for me.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousMarch 4, 2013 at 3:39 PM

    Oh my word.....!
    Oops...sorry....
    Hello Alex,
    I was forgetting myself there. This must be one of your best portraits. Simply amazing.
    Now I must take a peek at those links......
    Stew.

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  4. AnonymousMarch 4, 2013 at 3:49 PM

    Hello Alex (again),
    I went for a look at those links :-)
    Very good but I am an even bigger fan of Alex Tan :-)
    Stew.

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    1. AlexMarch 4, 2013 at 4:24 PM

      Hahahahah, thanks Stew. ^^ I am speechless, and I thought my only fans are my wife and my cat.

      Delete
  5. debra morrisMarch 5, 2013 at 7:59 PM

    Lovely work Alex. Will check out your Great Uncle's page soon. I've tried bamboo Japanese style and it is so hard to do. Thanks for visiting, (sorry to make you hungry)

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    1. AlexMarch 6, 2013 at 10:57 AM

      You don't have to apologize Debra :) I love looking at the food you draw and makes me want to cook those!
      Thank you.

      Delete
  6. Dan KentMarch 5, 2013 at 8:35 PM

    I loved this post. Such a wonderful tribute. Great portrait. I visited his site. You carry his legacy, it is clear.

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    1. AlexMarch 6, 2013 at 10:58 AM

      That's too kind of you Dan. My grand uncle is definitely in a different league, the one which I am not qualified to be in. :) But thanks anyway.

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  7. AnonymousMarch 6, 2013 at 10:16 AM

    Great drawing and story about your great uncle! It's always fun to learn those things that tell us more about ourselves and our history.

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    1. AlexMarch 6, 2013 at 10:59 AM

      Appreciate it Rebecca. I sometimes do wish that he had more time, and that I could at least know him a little more in person.

      Delete
  8. UnknownMarch 7, 2013 at 12:18 AM

    This is lovely.
    My grandmother, whilst not a famous artist, was the one who drew in our family, so I take after her.

    Love the composition in your drawing of Kay.

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    1. AlexMarch 12, 2013 at 6:49 AM

      Thank you so much Sue. I don't think an artist needs to be famous to produce awesome art work, but when you have someone famous in the family, it's hard not to relate :) I am just glad that my other grand uncle likes my work too.

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  9. JaneMarch 8, 2013 at 2:17 AM

    This is an awesome drawing...I see some good genes here :-))

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  10. TimareeMarch 13, 2013 at 9:38 PM

    Little Yuna was a great drawing but this one is super! Great atmosphere here. Your uncle would be very proud of you.

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    1. AlexMarch 14, 2013 at 7:43 AM

      Awwww, that's really nice. :) Thanks Timaree

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  11. JeannieMarch 29, 2013 at 12:19 PM

    A beautiful drawing! I really enjoyed looking at your grand uncle's art work, so nice!

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    1. AlexApril 1, 2013 at 6:51 AM

      Thanks Bleeni. Yeah I've seen some of his work(holding in my hands) and they are awesome :)

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