MOVING TO A NEW BLOG!

Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you all know that I am working on a new blog for my artwork. Mainly for the ease of use and reasons like that.

The New blog is NOW OPEN!!! Please visit

http://tananthony.wordpress.com

In A Perfect World...

Well this piece is not really an artwork... more or less it's a short writing I did during a period of much thought and reflection of my own emotions and feelings. I hope you guys enjoy it. It's called "In A Perfect World..."

In A Perfect World...

In a Perfect World, we hold our hands walking down the street looking at the sunset. We could care less of what others would think or say, because in our world… it’s only us that matter. Happiness will be our motto, for everyday we have what completes us in every way. We would sit having coffee or just the regular hot chocolate since you don’t care for that cup of bitter juice. You would share with me your worries and your wishes… worries of time and space taken from us; wishes of having a future together. In this perfect world, no tears would shed from these eyes… as if the word ‘tears’ never existed in the dictionaries. In this perfect world, I could be what I want and whom I want… because it fulfills me.

But in this world, it is not perfect scenery. Skies are never always clear and snow will never stay white. Us holding hands would be shunned upon and looked at as something not of this world. Our feelings would never be taken seriously because of what everyone grew up listening to. And in this world, it is never how I have hoped to be. We can never be that perfect couple that walk down that glimmering street or go together to grab that intimate cup of hot bliss. We could never share our worries and wishes of us as one; for in this world, we do not see as one.

Your heart travels on one that sees active lines aggressively shooting through the routes in front of you. That bleeds sweat and adrenaline when challenged to a game with others. These lines have shields and swords to protect what is important to you. These lines only hope to go into a flowery tunnel filled with sweet fragrances and warm rays of light where at the end it can break through into many routes instead of staying in that one.

But in my heart, it does not walk the same roads. These roads are the flowery paths that seem to only belong in this tunnel. Fragrances that only imitate that which comes from the opening to highways. The lines in my heart are one that does not belong; yet it is sure that it is on the right track. Unlike yours that cross into tunnels and branch into something more, mine will never cross into yours and travel that same path. The path that seems all flowery and fragrant is filled with stones and cracks that slow my lines from catching yours. In this world, my lines don’t belong.

Yet some curse has thrown more rocks into my path. Those that resemble more like mountains than any typical rock. In this world, I climb this mountain trying to reach your path hoping that maybe we can cross into the tunnel together and branch into these vast highways. But when I reach to the other side, you have passed into that tunnel that I had hoped to be ours to cross. As my lines move faster to find some connection into your route, it quickly finds that the rails are never opened, and that my route only goes in the opposite direction of where I had hoped to go. In this world, it is not a perfect world: only a flawed one.

-Anthony Tan 10/24/2009

Current Work In Progress

Currently I'm looking at Kandinsky books to show me how abstract art is done. Or at least one way of abstract art. So I decided to section a part of Kandinsky painting and duplicate it with maybe some minor changes in it. So without much talking here is the current status:

This is almost at the stage of completion... so I'm hoping it will be done soon. :-D

The New Works

Well it is yet again another year in Binghamton University as I start fresh with a new semester of Art Studio Classes. What is even more unbelievable is the fact that I am now spending my last year in this school. Sort of scary yet relieving at the same time. The future is sometimes a very scary thing to think about especially when the situation in the world today is in such a slump. But they always tell you to keep a bright mind and an optimistic point of view or else you'll definitely jinx your future for sure so I hope that this is just the beginnings of more wonderful and great things.

So I am currently taking two oil painting classes, which I am quite excited by that fact yet scared only because that only means that the workload is even more than before. So just wanted to share a picture of my little work corner that I have officially claimed for the semester!

What you see here is where I hope more great artworks will be created. So expect lots from this corner... because I am.

Food Made to Look Good

So... I know I usually put my artwork up on this blog thing. But I also think that food in a way is art... as many chefs say. Also not only that but the presentation is definitely art when it comes to the high-class restaurants. Their plate sure looks like an artwork. So I decided to bake a cake and decorate it. My decoration may be quite elementary and the cake may be so-so but it's something to look at.

Dark Chocolate Mousse Yellow Cake w/ Strawberries & Blueberries

Cake: Yellow Vanilla Cake
Frosting: Dark Chocolate Mousse
Decoration: Strawberries & Brown Sugar coated Blueberries

The cake looks great... I think, but unfortunately the cake is a little dry due to over beating the cake batter. :-( Oh wells, one mistake makes you learn to do better.

Figure Drawing Series 2

With the fall semester through with... it also goes another semester of my Life Drawing Class. I was blessed to have a professor to be able to really guide me to improving my technique and observations. Although the first half of my semester was somewhat of a struggle, I really feel that I have a better perception of proportion on the human body. People did say that even though the professor's teaching is quite boring and fustrating at times... they do realize that in the end they improve a lot. And so by the end of the semester... I do begin the realize the madness in his methods and really start to appreciating everything that he has done.

So this series contains most of the finished works during my life drawing semester.. ENJOY!

Figure 6
Medium: Charcoal & Conte Crayon
Canvas: Newsprint Paper
Size:

Figure 7
Medium: Charcoal & Conte Crayon
Canvas: Brown Kraft Paper
Size:

Figure 8
Medium: Conte Crayon & Charcoal
Canvas: Pastel Paper
Size:

Figure 9 "SELF-PORTRAIT"
Medium: Pencil
Canvas: Bristol 'Smooth' Paper
Size: 11" x 14"

Figure 10
Medium: Pencil
Canvas: Bristol 'Smooth' Paper
Size: 11" x 14"

Figure 11
Medium: Charcoal
Canvas: Bristol 'Smooth' Paper
Size:

Figure 12
Medium: Charcoal
Canvas: Newsprint Paper
Size:

Tae Yang Portrait

Tae Yang Portrait
Medium: Pencil
Canvas: Sketch Paper
Size: 8.5"x 11"

Coming back to school a little early, I thought I would start working on doing portraits. After doing Life-Drawing... I definitely don't want to loose what I have learned. I still have much to learn, so hopefully by doing more portraits, I can evolve my techniques.

The sketch is of a singer in the Korean Hip-Hop group called Big Bang. His name... Tae Yang. He's definitely my favorite singer out of the group. Here's the original picture that this sketch was based on:

*picture credited to YG Entertainment Korea*

PIN UP GIRL Project *Update 2*

Pin Up Girl Project
Medium: Oil Paint
Canvas: Wooden Door
Size:

So I have completed quite a lot of the Pin Up girl on the door. Everything is mainly painted in and I think i will need to work on the detail on the door (the dark lines... meant to reproduce the indents of the traditional doors). Also I think the background needs to have some variation of color... so I got some working to do. Wish me Luck!

Fuzzy Pals *Update*

Fuzzy Pals
Medium: Oil Paint
Canvas: Canvas Board
Size: 20" x 16"

So early in December, I posted a picture that I decided to duplicate on canvas. I guess you can say its a whole "cute animal" phase that I had. I still have one more in process and this one is almost done... I just got to touch up the background because so far its a little "bland" compared to the front.

I think the main part, which are the animals, I think came out quite well. It took about 2-3 hours per animal (with exception to the small gerbil looking thing)

Fuzzy Pals DETAIL

*Painted from a photograph not taken by me*

Bamboo

Bamboo
Medium: Oil Paint and Acrylic
Canvas: Stretched Canvas
Size: 19" x 12"

So this painting was one of my faster ones, like the Asian Blossom painting. I continued with the Asian style of painting where it is kept to its utmost simplicity, while only concentrating on the significant lights and shadows of the object at hand. So the result was mainly using different shades of greens and whites. Along with adding yellows and reds to the mid-tones of the bamboo. This is definitely not a finished painting yet. I am actually thinking about touching up the background giving it more dimension. And maybe I will probably touch up some of the shadows of the bamboo.

But this is definitely close to finished... sometimes you can just feel it.

Fuzzy Pals *IN PROGRESS*

So along with the animals from Alice In Wonderland and also from the Teacup Maltese piece, I bumped across this other picture that was just too cute to pass on.*Painted from a photograph not taken by me*

So since this picture is just so darn adorable... I started a canvas that I am going to call "FUZZY PALS" haha. Isn't such a creative name? So here is the progress so far. Its going slow but I think it will turn up well. Wish me luck~!

Teacup Maltese

Teacup Maltese
Medium: Oil Paint
Canvas: Pre-stretched Canvas
Size:

So I have to say this is one of the cutest pictures that I have painted... just because this was a picture of a very cute Teacup Maltese. The whole time that I was painting this... I just wanted to go out and buy one. But google-ing it... I found out one of these beauties are out for $1400 almost. So I guess I'll settle for a painting of it.
I decided to do an animal series after finishing with the Alice In Wonderland piece. I have to say that painting the dog is one of the most time consuming things. Because mainly every piece of fur had to be dealt with almost personally. So it took me about 3 - 4 hours just to finish the dog. Woosh... this made me very sleepy throughout the process. But I am VERY happy about what the outcome was.

Here's a BEFORE picture:

TEACUP MALTESE DETAIL

Also... I sort of found this good method of painting that I want to share with everyone. Mainly in all art (at least for me) works. "Don't Expect Anything From Your Artwork" Now that may sound silly but it's TRUE! Don't expect your work to look exactly like the object your painting. If you truly hold that against yourself... you will be more likely to fail because it would not own up to your standards. Also it would frustrate you therefore ruining your artwork even more. If you come with no expectation and let it "go with the flow" you are much more likely to be satisfied with the end result.

*Painted from a photograph not taken by me, credits to original photographer*

Alice In Wonderland

Alice In Wonderland
Media: Oil Paint
Canvas: Stretched Canvas
Size: 17" x 20"

Another one of our projects that we were planning to do within the group was an Alice In Wonderland theme. We have LOTS of other doors that we could use for another canvas... but due to time... we couldn't accomplish it. BUT... we all decided to do at least a canvas of a scene in the book. Now another important thing that we made sure we did... was that these are all from the ORIGINAL illustrations in the first Alice In Wonderland books.

I still need to do some touch-ups on the painting. Like Alice's face seems quite bland compared to the others and the left bottom corner needs to have something there. But so far it is mostly done.

Original Illustration:

*Photograph taken from original illustrations of ALICE IN WONDERLAND by John Tenniel*

*During the process of painting this picture... the Dormouse somehow became a cat... haha so this is MY VERSION of the book. haha

PIN UP Girl Project *UPDATE*

So... It has been a while since I worked on the Pin Up Girl door. And I have to say... it is quite a project. Not only is it quite time consuming... but darn it takes a whole lot of paint HAHA. And for all the artists out there... well it isn't cheap.. that is for sure~

But I thought I'd update you guys on the progress ... so i took yet another picture of the door:

So as you guys can see from the past (CLICK HERE TO SEE BEFORE)... I've finally added and fixed up the background. I really like it ~although painting it killed my eyes... couldn't stare at the RED anymore... it like burnt my eyes~ because of the blotches of dark reds and light reds. I've also started playing around with the body... FINALLY because I had to go on a hold cause the red background was still wet.
I've also added a border... to make it seem like she is standing in front of a door. Only because the series of doors that my group has... are the ones with the indent...except for mine. So in order to make it as though we are in the same theme/group... I needed to incorporate an aspect that is similar to the other doors.

Hopefully she will be completed by the end of this week... she is way overdue.

Alter-Ego Panda

Alter-Ego Panda
Medium: Charcoal, Conte Crayon, Color Pencils
Canvas: Drawing (medium) Paper
Size: 18"x 24"

This is by far my FAVORITE piece. Not only because its a panda bear... but it is my alter-ego. Everyone seems to say I remind them of a Panda bear. For one I am asian, I love to eat, and I am considered "plushy" haha... darn it... got to work on that.

In this assignment... as stated in the title... is to draw my alter-ego. And what else could I choose but the one and only Panda Bear. To add some of "me" into the picture... I placed the Zune, my glasses, and a bamboo paintbrush with a canvas next to it. Not to say that the bamboo in the mouth is representative of me too. This was a great piece to work on... fun and humorous.

Life should be a fun and humorous one no? What is your alter-ego?

Still Life Series

So here are a series of Still Lives that I did during my Drawing I class. Here are mainly my "finished" pieces. *You may notice that the number on the still life start off not at 1. That is cause the still lives I posted before were probably before this*

Still Life 5
Medium: Ink
Canvas: Drawing (medium) Paper
Size: 24"x 18"

This was the first time I really used ink as a medium to create whole pieces. I have to say... it gives it a much more "illustrated" look. At least for me. These were just random objects put together by my teacher. The hard part about this... the Mirrors. Not only were they hard but you had to make it so that you can distinguish it as a reflection and not as another object. I think I completed the task about 80%. It could look more "reflection" like I think.

Still Life 6
Medium: Graphite Pencil & Charcoal
Canvas: Drawing (medium) Paper
Size: 18"x 24"

This was an assignment that we were required to take 5 objects that represents us. So I chose the following: Personal Size Pichacco Pillow, Fuzzy Slipper, Zune Player, Pencil, and a Loofa. These items I think represent my personality and me as a person best. For the pillow... it is like my "blankey." I usually have it everywhere I go to sleep. It is just so comfortable hee. Also I think I am a comfortable person to be around. I am hyper and always usually smiley. The Loofa and the fuzzy slipper was used to represent my airy and light personality. I have to say that many times I am very hyper and happy. I take things lightly and usually go with the flow. The Zune... man that is one of the most important items here. I love music... not only to listen to it... but to me its meditative. Times when I am worn out or just in a bad mood... music is always there to pick you back up. I find that it is another dimension.. a place where you can just run away for 5 minutes at a time. So definitely that is a MUST HAVE whenever I travel. And finally the pencil... which is why I have this blog and major in Art. I love to do it... it is my hobby and another door to escape reality. What items represent you? Think about it... what is most precious in your life... a MUST HAVE?

Pods Still Life 7
Medium: Ink
Canvas: Photo Paper
Size:

This was a practice piece for using ink. When we first started to use the medium, we were instructed to use a page for prep. To get used to the medium before going for the final piece. Who would have thought the practice would be a final piece for me. I really like it... what do you think it looks like? I have gotten many different answers for this. But the answer... its just a dried up stem with some dried up pods.

Paper or Plastic?

Paper or Plastic?
Medium: Charcoal & Conte Crayon
Canvas: Drawing (medium) Paper
Size: 24"x 18"

This was one of my still-life assignments in my Drawing I class. To draw crumbled paper bags. I have to say it was tough... but I think the middle paper bag really came out good. I think what I like most about it... is the dynamic shadows... and the way I put it so that it looks more geometrical compared to the bag in front of it. That one looks more organic and therefore does not really resemble a paper bag.

So I guess all I can say... Paper or Plastic? hee

Figure Drawing Series

So I have been posting mainly paintings on this blog... But did you know? I am a Drawing Concentration (haha) ... So yea... I haven't been able to post up any drawings. But I was able to upload some of the drawings that I have made throughout my classes here in Binghamton. I have to say... although the Art Program here is not strong... the professors are definitely worth coming to this school. They have given me so much support and guidance that without them... Well lets say my drawings and paintings would look nothing like they would now. They say Practice Makes Perfect and the professors definitely back that up.

So here is a couple of Figure Drawings that I made during my Fall '08 semester in my Drawing I class. I have to say that Figure Drawing is my favorite... something about the human body that is just a "natural art." Male or Female... of course many people would say the Female body is more aesthetically beautiful ... but the Male body has its very complex technical parts which holds its aesthetics too.

I'll add some comments to things that I see wrong or weird about my drawings... since we all grow through time... and I am definitely growing with Life Drawing Class.

Figure 1
Medium: Charcoal
Canvas: Newsprint Paper
Size: 24"x 18"

This drawing was done really as a sketch but I really liked the results in the end. We were supposed to only concentrate on the shadows of the body... hence no face but only the shadows to suggest where her features are.
Her stomach area seems a little stretched... The curve of her hips I feel should really start maybe around under her navel area.

Figure 2
Medium: Charcoal
Canvas: Drawing (medium) Paper
Size: 18"x 24"

This has got to be my favorite pose during most of the class. I feel that it is very dramatic and full of emotion... is she crying? sleeping? napping? No one will know...

Figure 3

Medium: Charcoal
Canvas: Drawing (medium) Paper
Size: 24"x 18"

This is just a regular sitting position. This model was a very professional model. She could really hold a pose... unfortunately due to certain circumstances with other classes... she left. But I definitely will continue to recognize her for her diligence in her work. She said she loved to model because it was art. I would think to be a model... for some is quite a good feeling. The feeling of being immortalized. Definitely will miss collaborating with her.

Again... I think her stomach area is a little stretched... Either that or her legs are way too short.

Figure 4
Medium: Charcoal
Canvas: Drawing (medium) Paper
Size: 24"x 18"

I remember the whole few sessions with this model. She was always the one that I seem to make into more of a "model-like" drawing.
The position is a more dramatic sitting position which really seems to "strike a pose" haha. I definitely think this is a "model-style" drawing.

Her stomach area... seems a little to narrow... compared to her upper body. If she was a real person... wouldn't she look like she would fall over? hee

Figure 5
Medium: Charcoal
Canvas: Drawing (medium) Paper
Size: 18"x 24"

This was a nice laying position. A little dramatic with her stretched like so.

Her leg on the bottom... something is wrong with her positioning. Makes it look like she has no foot or ankle. hmm...


*End Note*
Yea so far these were the major pieces during my Drawing I class. I definitely had fun drawing from models. Practice makes perfect... I definitely do believe it. My friend messaged the other day... and he just got into drawing. He would always say how good I am and how bad he was... but he says he's been improving. He was drawing for 2 straight weeks... practicing how he views certain objects and how he puts it on the page. I definitely believe that you don't need a "God Given" talent to create great art.
My Life Drawing teacher told me the other day during class that, the so-called "Talent" can only bring you so far... but sometimes it is that "talent" that can hold you back. Because you know you are good at something... you are prone to only use that method that you are most comfortable with. And because of that, you don't take risks and try new things that would definitely hold you back from growing into an even greater artists.
So I think its time to take that advice to heart... try new risks and learn from mistakes. Trial and Error right? To think about it... that is how I am in Painting class... I have never painted any complex works until coming here... but I could definitely see an improvement from Painting I to Painting II. Let us all work hard on growing! FIGHTING! 화이팅!

Asian Blossoms

Asian Blossoms
Medium: Oil Paint
Canvas: Pre-stretched Canvas
Size: 20" x 16"

I always have admired many Asian styled ink paintings because of their beauty even though they are so simple or just black & white. Also the admiration for the Japanese Cherry Blossoms definitely held a strong influence to create this piece. Although I initially wanted to have the flowers as cherry blossoms, I think those roses still works very well with the piece. So I see this piece as an Asian fusion painting... incorporating styles of simplicity along with few shades of color.

Overall I am really satisfied with this piece. I think if I get more practice... I will be able to make better ones... interior design anyone? haha

Mystic Forest

Mystic Forest
Medium: Oil Paint
Canvas: Pre-Stretched Canvas
Size: 24" x 18"

This piece started off as a still life of a bouquet of flowers... let us just say that it got very frustrating and therefore a little imagination started acting up into the piece. The three flowers in the middle were from the still life while the others were all an addition of the imagination.

I figured out in this piece that if something was not going right... flip it around a couple of times... you can probably find a new perspective of the piece. And sometimes its even better than what you had in the beginning.

I started to play around with the coloring of the flowers to the point where it began to look like it was in a new environment. And at the end, a sort of Mystical Flower scene appeared. Sometimes I don't even know how things turned up the way they do. But I am really liking the piece.

MYSTIC FOREST DETAIL