sketches — Blog — Erwin Lian

Happy New Year 2019 / January 1, 2019 by erwin lian

Wishing you a joyous New Year!

As we bid farewell to 2018, I find myself contemplating the accomplishments and experiences that have shaped this year. Gratitude fills my heart for the opportunities generously provided by many of you.

2018:

Orchestrated the curated group show INTERLACE with Bynd Artisan, featuring esteemed international artists and notable patrons. Special guest of honor: Miss Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State at the Ministries of Culture, Community and Youth, and Trade and Industry.

Led Sketch Bhutan 2018 in June.

Successfully completed the Botanical Watercolour Workshop at Bynd Artisan.

Guess who attended my Botanical Watercolor Workshop at Bynd Artisan ? Stefanie Sun ! — Guess who graced my Botanical Watercolor Workshop at Bynd Artisan? None other than Stefanie Sun!

Earned a remarkable 4.9-star rating for Sketch Singapore on Airbnb Experience with Francis Theo.

Delivered lectures at Nanyang Technological University on the module "Concepts for Digital Imaging" and at Ngee Ann as the module leader for "Drawing & Perspective,""Visual Communication," and "3D Form and Space."

Executed commissioned works for both the National University of Singapore and the Bank of Singapore.

National University of Singapore Calendar 2019

One of the many paintings that was commissioned by Bynd Artisan and Bank of Singapore for their corporate calendar 2019. — Highlighted by one of many paintings commissioned by Bynd Artisan and the Bank of Singapore for their corporate calendar 2019.

Collaborated on postcard souvenirs in Bhutan with Kencho.

Relocated to Hong Kong and joined SISHKl, securing a Cat 1 IB teaching certificate. Successfully implemented new foundation classes for S3 students.

My instructor Ms Ayoka teaching us about IB Arts at UWC college in Singapore.

Sold the rights of The Perfect Sketchbook to Etchr Lab, paving the way for global distribution and exciting releases in 2019. Stay tuned by signing up for the mailing list!

https://etchrlab.com/pages/the-perfect-sketchbook?utm_source=website&utm_campaign=erwin_site

While the year brought numerous achievements, there were some goals I fell short on:

• Publishing a tutorial book on painting.
• Establishing online lessons.
• Conducting drawing/painting workshops in Hong Kong.
• Presenting a solo show in Hong Kong.

Here are some sketches created during my time in Hong Kong. Admittedly, my productivity in painting hasn't been as high as before. Nonetheless, I look forward to the possibilities that the coming year holds.

Demonstration sketch of drawing the hallway. I captured one of my student, working in the hallway.

The only time I get to draw is during my daily 45 minutes commute to the school

Attended the 24 hours race and was on duty. Sketch our students at rest.

The morning MTR. A time catch up with more sleep.

Digital sketch of the urban sketchers HK at work

Personal development day at the school. Principle giving us a lesson on discipline.

My colleagues schooling a bunch of kids with great enthusiasm and energy..

Stem quiz in school. Intelligence all over the place.

Quick demonstration for the school’s CCA with the Ipad on the view outside our campus.

How students are like during assembly time.

Discovering Discovery Bay / August 26, 2018 by erwin lian

My first month in Hong Kong:

Adjusting to life here has proven to be quite an interesting experience so far. Restarting in a new place is always challenging, and I'm allowing myself the time needed to build the necessary momentum and rhythm.

Without proper gears and equipment, I'm making the most of what I have. Yesterday, I explored Discovery Bay with an old college classmate, a place that doesn't quite feel like Hong Kong and offers some unique quirks.

I sneaked into the Marina Club but was kicked out after they discovered me. Didn't complete my painting and I have to walk around to find another spot. This spot really wasn't ideal and it was on a slope but I decided to give it a go. — I had a curious incident at the Marina Club, where I attempted to sneak in for a painting session but was promptly kicked out upon discovery. Undeterred, I didn't complete my painting and had to search for another spot. Despite the less-than-ideal conditions—no easel, no chair, plenty of mosquitoes, and a scorching sun—I decided to give it a go on a slope.

No easel. no chair, plenty of mosquitoes and a scorching sun were some of the annoying issues I dealt with for this first plein-air.

Ta-dar ! I did it. Not exactly my best work but hey I stayed committed till the end. — Ta-dar! The result may not be my best work, but I stayed committed till the end.

Personal cars aren't allowed in Discovery Bay and people have to buy these over-priced golf bungees that costs a few million dollars if they want a  vehicle. — In Discovery Bay, personal cars are not allowed, and people have to invest in overpriced golf buggies, costing a few million dollars if they want a vehicle. Despite the expense, the area is less crowded, offering a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.

Way less crowded in Discovery Bay and it felt like I been transported out of Hong Kong.

I walked all over and couldn't find a good spot with shade to paint or sketch. Eventually, I just sat down and drew some people around me. — During my exploration, I couldn't find a good shaded spot for painting or sketching, so I settled for sitting down and drawing the people around me.

Thankful to have great friends from College in Hong Kong. Hung out with Queenie and her family

Sophie posed for me and I did a fast sketch of her.

So far, my life in Hong Kong has been good. Contrary to warnings about judgmental cultures, the locals have been friendlier than I anticipated. While I can't control others' perceptions, I choose to focus on bringing my jovial best to my time here.