To The Rescue

Whew, I finished my commission for Cristina, "To the Rescue". I'm so sorry for my slow art progress because of my bad events (about my relatives' deaths and running errands). I'm very happy that Cristina loved it. She asked me to make a commission for her doctor, who saved her life. Her doctor has a real pet, Mexican Red - knee Tarantula. He also likes scuba diving. I think I did a tarantula drawing for my first time. After I made my quick sketches, I noticed something wrong. A tarantula body should have two oblong shapes. Eeep, so I changed it. And of course, I tried to make it cute according to Cristina's sweet request. Click this photo collage to view!

21" X 36" Acrylics and Coloured Pencils on Wood

My mission accomplished! Hmmm, they look like huge animated scenes. Next week, I'll bring my original paintings to Cristina in Baguio City. I can't wait to meet her in person! About my upcoming commission, I'll talk to you guys next time.

Apart from that, thanks to Amber, who emailed me about creating ACEO (Art Cards, Editions and Originals) . Awwww... I really understand why sweet Amber and maybe other people who can't afford my big paintings. Don't worry, I might start making ACEO pieces when I have time. I think the art prices are ranged from USD $15 - 25, it depends on my different mediums and details. Anyway, I'd love to know what themes and mediums you guys for my future ACEO pieces. Odd forest? Adorable characters like Babu and Abu? Mushrooms? Hairy flowers? Circus? It's up to yourselves, just leave your comment here. Then I can personally choose them. And sorry guys, I don't do ATC because I'm not ready.

On your mark, get ready, get set... GO!
P.S. wait patiently for my response on my previous blog entries! I'm having a headache, hu hu. But I greatly thank you all for your wonderful comments! I really appreciate them very much! MWAH!

Funny videos from Filipino people + Bjornik's SALE works

Do you know why Filipinos are naturally funny and hilarious? My sister Erica showed me this crazy video from Momoypalaboy. I kept smiling and laughing when I watched it. They are MoyMoy and Palaboy. And no, they are not GAY, but natural comedians! I think they are real brothers. I love their amazing face expressions. I really hope they can make more funnier videos. Enjoy watching their famous video "Wannabe", guys!

Oh! Another video "YouTube Drama" from my friend Kuya Gerry, I can't stop laughing! HAHAHA! I can't believe Kuya Gerry got naked! He's an excellent actor and director!

Apart from that, I'd love to share my friend Bjornik's SALE art pieces with you guys. His medium is A3 size pen & ink with framed, entitled "Checkmate + +". I'm lovin' his great pen skills! Curious to know the prices and see high resolution images? Please email Bjornik at bjornbhorgz@yahoo.com and call him +639063151616. Hurry up, buy his works now!

from top left clockwise: King, Bishop, Pawn at Knight

Brrr, it's already cold and rainy here 'coz of another typhoon "Helen". We got small floods here, eeepp... By the way, my tarantula commission for Cristina is nearly finished. I might post it next week, hopefully. I can't wait to meet Cristina in person at Baguio City soon. Okay, I need to keep away from the internet for a few days 'coz I should finish on my commissions first! In my previous blog entry, I'll reply to you guys when I'll be back.

Happy Birthday to my brother Jeremy! MWAH!
See you guys! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I love Nature

Sigh, I think it's my slow work progress because I have to do something like running errands, renewing my driver's license card, buying medicines for my lolo, go on. Wee, take a look at my unfinished commission for Cristina. Colors? I can't wait to finish it.

When I took a break, I needed to inhale and exhale outside. *Mall stretches out* Okay, it's time to take photos of my special garden. I always search any creatures and other natural stuff in my garden. I'd like to share my photos with you guys. Well, I really miss my photography. :) Okay, here you go!

Moss. I really love fresh moss. My favorite color is green!

Ohhhh! I found two small snails on the covered-moss terra cotta vase.

And I found another small snail on the covered-moss rock tile. Sigh, I realize how blessed this snail lives here... This snail seems very shy.

Close up... Sigh, it's so magical and wonderful...

Oh! I saw two bird nests! Awwwwww! I wonder how many eggs are there...

A bird nest looks like a cone...

Ahh, I love plants. When I smell any plants, I feel very lively and energetic! I'm a nature lover!

Hmmm... wait, what's that? Lemme see... Dried leaf?

DIYOSKOPONAKUPOWANONGMUKHANGITSURAHITONG.... (hehe, I speak my crazy Tagalog expression). Well believe it or not, it's a dead baby BAT.

Let's see more details...

Wow, it's the back of the small bat. It looks like a mummy.

Oh, this bat got serious tiny teeth.

Aww... this baby bat seemed to cry or scream... Oh poor. I'm not sure if it fell into the tree during the typhoon... Or perhaps, this lost bat tried to find a bat mama... Sniff. So I left this bat on the branch, like a peaceful grave.
And the last photo... It's Abu's great cat granddaughter named Flame. She can't stop purring against my feet and legs (aye, I wear my green flip flops again.)

Whew, next time I'll take more photos. I give you my few beautiful tips, aspiring photographers and artists: If you feel bored, get your camera and explore those extraordinary things like snails, bat... If you don't have a camera, get your sketchpad, pencil, watercolor paints and brushes. Then draw and paint it when you enjoy seeing the Mother Nature. It's really inspiring, enjoyable and helpful to learn and see the details and elements of the nature: lines, dots, patterns, circles, swirls, shapes... I hope this helps you.

Okay, lemme continue to work on my unfinished commission now. See you guys soon!

News + "Genie Renaissance" Art Commission

Hi guys, I'm back (and yes, still alive...) I'm so sorry for not being active here. A typhoon "Frank" (Fengshen) killed my telephone and internet connection so I didn't open my few hundred emails and get online for more than one week, eeep! Finally, a telecom technician fixed it. At least we are really safe. However, I greatly feel sorry for those dead passengers and other missing people, who killed by that crazy typhoon. As a matter of fact, typhoons normally comes here in Philippines from June to November.

Believe it or not, I received many crazy news, text messages and articles about the prediction:

" July 18, 2008 - Philippines will get 8.1 earthquake, thousands of people will die "

All Filipinos are totally panicked now. My real friends, family and neighbors keep talking to me alot about this. Ohmaygawd, It's ridiculously crazy. For me personally, predictions can be either true or not. I believe all disasters always come here on earth in unexpected way.

All we can do is to be very alert / careful, to prepare your important things like foods, pocket knives, lighter, etc. and to pray to God faithfully. If it does happens, just RUN FOR YOUR LIFE. Gulp, I was thinking about my present residence near a beautiful ocean... Imagine, tsunami will destroy us if an earthquake could start... argh... Ok, let's forget about those terrible news. I don't want to stay worried. C'mon guys, let's get stronger and braver! Have faith!!! *winks*

Apart from that, hooray... my client / friend Cristina already liked my finished commission, "Genie Renaissance". Whew! Anyway, here's my photo collage!

21" X 36" Acrylics and Coloured Pencils on Wood

My lovely sweet little friends, Sheen and Kat, noticed my painting when I took several photos. They said, "aaww... ang ganda, Ate Mall! (aaww, beautiful, Big sis Mall!)" I asked them, "Hey sweeties, can I take photos of you both with my painting?" They nodded happily. Take a look, it's so sweet, isn't it?

Coming up... I'll continue to make another commission for Cristina about fuzzy tarantula.

And oh, yes, that's my new medium: Wood burning. That's my FIRST wood burning piece, "Big Gossip" (unfinished). For my first time, I tried it carefully and wow, it was so hard and dangerous because it was extremely hot especially hot wood burning pen tips! After burning it, my eyes got red and irritated because of the wood burning smoke. Unless I should wear my protective goggles. But it's absolutely great for the textures and details. Warning, this tool is not for young children! Anyway, I can't wait to finish it. I really hope I may have free time for making more wood burning pieces.

That's all folks! Wow, I am very talkative here... How are you guys? Hope you all will be alright! Please wait patiently for my response, I got a few hundred emails and comments! Kudos!

Before I go...

Sorry for these blurry photos, the weather is rainy today. Now you guys see me working on my big art commission (I know, my client Cristina loves to see how I'm doing! *winks*). Yep, I massaged my painful foot with my favorite natural shea butter with lavender essential oil... ohhhh, so calm and relaxing. I enjoyed painting it. Oh, after I'll be done in making all of the commissions, I can't wait to make a new medium (my trusted comrades: Susana and Patricia, don't tell everyone!) *giggles* Well, you guys will figure it out soon. Bwaahh, I need to make new small art pieces for another USA art show this year. Busy, busy, busy...Huhuhu, I want to play with my five cats when I'm free! Tee hee!

Apart from that, I'll be away from the internet for a few days because my family and I will go to Manila for my elder brother Jeremy's wedding event. I'm very happy for him and his new wife, Willen. I really hope they will grow deeper, happier, lovelier, sweeter and purer during their first marriage.

That's all folks now. Hope you guys will be okay and see you soon! Keep creative and unique! Ciao!

sneakie peekie....

Okay guys, I let you guys to see what tools I use.

Yes, it's very important to use a ruler and tape measure! And... oh my, I can't stop collecting my wooden boards! I always find wood boards in the flea markets, woodworking store, antique stores, everywhere... Sometimes I get abandoned wood pieces for my personal artworks. Oh, I love my Black & Decker. He's my super handsome boyfriend. Hahaha, I can't help it. I should buy more Black & Decker power tools!

Liquitex rocks. You know what, I greatly thanked to my auntie Ester, who lives in California, brought me to the big art store during my first USA trip. When I entered the art store and felt speechless... I saw the whole complete art materials: Liquitex, Grumbacher, Pebeo, Caran D'ache, Winsor & Newton, more. Heavenly, oh, heavenly... I bought alot, hahaha! Well, Liquitex is my favorite acrylic paint.

Ok, I started painting Liquitex gesso for coating layers. Weeee, weeee...

Hooraaaayyy, I sketched on my big wooden piece for my current client Cristina. I really miss doing enormous stuff.

Aye, I'll be ready to paint the full colored painting! I'll be busy again! See you guys! *winks winks*

Third Printing???

Remember about my first children's book, The Yellow Paperclip with Bright Purple Spots? I visited my wonderful talented witty intelligent friend Nikki's blog today. She said:

I spent an hour or so browsing around Fully Booked yesterday. Whenever I am at a bookstore, I can't help but check if they have still have copies of The Yellow Paperclip with Bright Purple Spots. (When they don't, I make sure I text or call Adarna House. Hee-hee. It's the marketing person in me.) I was happy to find one of those revolving Adarna book displays with four copies of my book on display. I noticed that the colors of the cover seemed a little different so I picked one up and checked the pages too... and guess what I just found out? We're on our third printing!

As always, I am thankful. It's not actually third time "lucky" - more like third time BLESSED. We're on our third year and I'm thrilled that the book continues to sell.

Our first and second printings were sold... But now... my gosh... Third printing again? I'm crying now. I can't believe how much Nikki and I are so blessed!!! Indeed, we are thrilled that our book continues to sell!!!!!!!!!

If you don't know about this book, here's a synopsis:

Follow the adventure of the Yellow Paperclip with Bright Purple Spots as it makes friends, learns new things, and travels to different places. You will discover why it feels unique and a little out-of-place in a world of silver paperclips.

2005 PBBY - Salanga Grand Prize Winner
2005 PBBY - Alcala Grand Prize Winner
2006 National Book Award, Best Children's Book

Language: English
Author: Nikki Dy-Liacco
Illustrator: May Ann Licudine

If you're interested with this, please order this in the Adarna House Publishing, it's only for US$1.50, paperback.

OHHH, MAMA MIAAAA! HOORAY!!!
*Let's dance together!!! weeee!!!*

TIK TAG TIK!!!

My former elementary classmate and beautiful talented friend Vangielyn tagged me, duh!


Here are the rules:
1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog.
4. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.

1) What was I doing 10 years ago?
Ahhh, 10 years ago... I got passed two college entrance exams in Saint Louis University (Bachelor in Architecture) and University of the Philippines College Baguio (Certificate in Fine Arts - Visual Communication). So I finally took CFA up because my talent suited this course.

2) What are five things on your to-do list for today?
1- Make rough sketches for my new clients
2- Check on my grandpa's health every two hours
3- Buy foods at the grocery store and wet market
4- Check emails from clients, friends and family
5- Take a walk alone

3) What snacks do I enjoy?
banana que, kamote que, isaw, fishballs, ginataan, palabok, ensaymada, pizza pandesal, steamed peanuts, bakery goodies, watermelon, strawberries, ripe mangoes, dark chocolates, walnuts

4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire? (Psssh Vangielyn, pareho tayo ung plano natin!)
- to plant more trees, fruits and vegetables in my own hacienda
- to buy more cows, goats, chickens, horses and fishes for my own farm
- to make more native hut cottages and tree houses
- to make advertisings for my own hacienda like hiking, camping, swimming at the cave pool, etc.
- to get insured
- to make a Japanese garden with weird statues
- to buy a real fuzzy siberian tiger
- to travel around the world

5) Three Bad Habits
- Work
- Walk
- Green Tea

6) 5 places I have lived… (present to then)
- La Union ( present )
- Baguio City
- Pampanga
- Dagupan City ( where i was born... )
- My mama's womb, hehehe! ( super korni ata si mall... )

7) 5 Jobs I have had
- Art Teacher
- Textile Designer
- Caricaturist
- Henna Tattoo Artist
- Photographer
- Paper Mache Artist
- Muralist
- Face / Body Painter ( only for special occasions / festivals )
- Art Judge
- Realism Painter
- Freelance Illustrator ( present )

Six suckers, er people I want to know more about…
- Kuya Gerry
- Bjork
- Rawini aka Bubbly-Pu
- Kerstin aka Ninke
- Nicolas aka Ploop
- Meagan

June Again

Ahhh... It's June again. Yep, yep, I'm still alive, hehehe. Sorry, I wasn't active past few days ago because I was spending time with my lovely relatives who visited us from Guam, USA for visiting my grandpa. We are very happy that he seems okay. However, he doesn't speak and walk. He always lays down on his bed. We keep taking care of him like we feed him some osterized foods with powdered medicines, talk to him about anything, change his clothes, wash his whole body, make him happy and comfortable, etc. Hope he will be able to talk and walk again.

I'm still waiting for Lin's response (Nuclear Gallery staff) about buyers' requests. Soon, I'll paint my next two commissions (two acrylics paintings, 24" X 36" each) for my wonderful intelligent lovely friend and client Cristina. Take a look below.

And I also started painting my unfinished mixed media piece, "Big Gossip" for sale.

Apart from this, remember what I told you about Merimask before? Weee, I bought a Red Fox Mask for my collection. It's quite awesome, isn't it? Merimask is awesomely talented!

I love love love love wearing this fox mask!!! Thanks Merimask!

By they way, I will be away for a few days. We will go to Manila for visiting my brother Jeremy. See you guys and hugs hugs hugs!

Our Journey Together

Hooray, I finished painting my commission, "Our Journey Together" for my dearest friend / client Stephanie. She and her husband Jeff love purple and brown colors, nature, flowers, mushrooms, snails, dragonfly, hummingbird, everything! Of course, I portrayed them, they look cute together! I'm very happy and pleased that they already liked it! Click this photo collage to view!

17" X 10" Acrylics + Coloured Pencils on Wood

Next, I'll make more art commissions for those buyers who saw my previous works through Nucleus Gallery. About the future book projects, hold on now, I should finish all of my waiting commissions first. I already wrote their names down. Thank you very much for your understanding and patience. *HUGS*

I can't believe that I am workaholic now. By the way, thank you very much for your deep concern and thoughts about my grandpa Pops. My family, friends, relatives and I are trying our best to keep him happy and praying for him.

Have a Wonderful Day!

Lolo Pops

Today, I sketched my grandpa Pops at the hospital. My young sister Erica saw my drawing. Our conversation was so funny:

Erica: Awwww... sweet. *smiles broadly*
Mall: Mhmm. *continues to sketch*
Erica: Awesome drawing. I wish he could smile.
Mall: Yeah, me too. *sighs deeply*
Erica: About your sketch... you know what, you must work as a court artist.
Mall: .... court artist??? O_O
Erica: Yeah. ^_^
Mall: Nah... no way. Suspects might stare at me when I could draw them. So scary.
Erica: Hehehe, if they stare at you, which means they fall in love with you. Don't worry, they can get cuffed so they won't kill yah. =^_^=
Mall: Silly, silly... What if they might scratch my face with their dirty sharp long nails? O_O
Erica: Nah. Anyway, isn't it so fun, aye? ^_^
Mall: leave me alone. >_>
Erica: HEK. HEK. HEK. *winks* What if they can pay you higher for making court sketches... Don't you?
Mall: I would love to... I better bring my pepper spray for my self-defense. >_>
Erica: Oh oh, what if you draw Paris Hilton at the court? @_@
Mall: AH! That's better because she's extremely rich! XD
Erica: I thought you didn't like celebrity suspects! Then give me your money! XD

Erica is so funny. Anyway, my grandpa Pops isn't okay yet. He looks thin now. I took my old photo of him in 2005. Isn't he sweet? I really hope and pray that he will get better soon.

Aya's Depression II

I made this commission, Aya's Depression II for my cool client Marcus Lo (He's a great guy!). I really enjoyed doing this very much. Please click this big photo collage to view.

9.5" X 28.25", Mixed Media

(Acrylic, Coloured Pencil, Graphite, Sand Iron, Gesso & Coffee on Acacia Plank Wood)

Next time, I'll make two plank wooden paintings, The Midnight Dreams of Aya for sale. By the way, I saw many wonderful rubber stamps in Etsy and Ebay but I can't afford them. So I better made my own rubber stamps... Ta-da! It went smooth. I stamped them on my big package for Marcus. It was so fun. When I have time, I'll make more rubber stamps especially circus fonts and my characters Babu and Abu! EEEEeeeEEEeeeeEEEEEee! I really miss my carving skills/ linocut skills!

Tomorrow I'll start painting my next commission for my wonderful lovely client / friend Stephanie. Look at my latest rough sketch below. And awww, Steph showed me her sweet photo of my sold original painting (Mysterious Cats) and other artists' great pieces.

For the new projects (new children's books, graphic novel & music album cover) whom I got emails past days ago, wait for my response patiently. I need to finish my present commisions first. Thanks for understanding me! That's all folks! Good day to all of you, good night to me!

P.S. My grandpa is still at the hospital. Hope he will get better soon!