Commissioned work. Swimming man, Oil on canvas 30"x36" 2013

This is one for the few commissioned painting I enjoy doing!

The most realistic commissioned work I have done since 4 years ago. Done with oil on canvas. A lot of blending and layering techniques implemented. My client provided me a photo for me to interpret. Her photo is with saturated color. I told her with this I would like to wash out the color a little because I wanted to emphasize more on the figure's movement.  And I added hints of complimentary colors even tho it is not in the photo to add more drama. It took me 7 days to finish this work, working and re-working until I feel its finished. And I am grateful she loves it.

Commissioned works are the hardest works for artists due to constraint of ideas, limited time and wanting to please the clients. Luckily with this one, I had time to explore and experiment and think through what she wants out of the artwork. Understanding me as an artist and let me have the time and freedom to interpret her  photograph to an artwork the way I feel. Thank you Meryl. (shipped to Adelaide Australia)

 Mock ups 

Samudera. Burn Flowly. Acrylic on canvas 24x36" 2013

  

This is my acrylic translation from a photo by Nolan Nitschke. I was just in love with the dynamism and colors of the photo that I just need to satisfy that itch to paint it. I did not intend to copy the photo inch by inch but somewhat express it through texture and experimental application to show movement. 

The title, 'Good vs evil', was inspired by my friend's interpretation of the painting when I asked her what do you think? She said it gave her the impression that cool water over gushing forth to vanquish fire. Like peace overcoming anger. And around this time coincidentally, I am trying to overcome a struggle myself that have plagued me for more than a month now and the sprained ankle I'm dealing with the past week and half.... but I shall not elaborate further. 

Anyways....I was so amazed by her words that metaphorically I decided to name this painting inspired by what she said; Good vs Evil. Thus: Burn Flowly Time of completion: tonight. Peace!

Another Samudera painting. Samudera or Samudra is a Sanskrit term for "ocean", literally the "gathering together of waters" (saṃ- meaning "together" and -udra meaning "water". Dictionary meaning of samudra is ‘confluence’ and ‘ocean/sea’. I am of Javanese descendent which I am proud of... because of our history and invasion. So with this water series, I name it Samudera Series.

Samudera1 acrylic on canvas 18x24" 2013

Acrylic on canvas. This time I tried blue on white canvas. With as touch of glaze of complimentary colors. From my previous blog, I'm supposed to elaborate on why I want to work about water and movement. One of the reasons is; water is formless. it takes e shape of any form. Two; its a symbol of perpetual change. Its like a thumbprint... no two are alike at any moment. That's why I'm intrigued with water... there is no right or wrong... only infinite possibilities...It represents life.

Dive01 unfinished

Decided to create a series of Dive this year. The objective is to explore the dynamism and movement of water and figures. No models or picture references used for this upcoming series. Just a test and trial of my understanding of figure movements and observation of the perpetual moving water against skin and flesh. I will elaborate more on this project in my next blog. Thank you for browsing. 

Sky Sea Oil and acrylic on canvas

 

Had this done impromptu. Had it primed with ochre and intially had the intention of painting something else. Well this idea came about as sudden as when you are happily on the way to somewhere when you realise that your favourite sandal's sole were gaping open at the front like an alligator's mouth waiting for prey. I kinda thought it looks rather unfinished, then I re-looked and re looked, somewhere inside me made me believe that I'm happy the way it is. I believe nothing inspires more than the sky and the sea, especially when you know that the storm is coming.