January, February, lately

January moved along at a snail's pace. Things were happy and pleasant for the most part, then—just as soon as people were getting back to their workdesks—we had another long vacation, thanks to Pope Francis' Philippine visit, which also came right before a scheduled family trip. Not complaining there, but it definitely slowed things down. I had some time to evaluate myself, and I struggled, coming from a period of very little work activity from December all the way to the end of January.

musings, personal, sketches, work in progressArlene SyFebruary 5, 2015canson, fashion, flowers, illustration, sakura koi, watercolorComment

Carissa and Ryan's best day ever!

I had the chance to travel to Cebu early in July, to take part in and capture a beautiful moment in Carissa and Ryan's wedding weekend! It was a couple of firsts for me--finally seeing Cebu with my own eyes, and doing live event painting.

Denise Veronica

I worked on a watercolor portrait last week. It's been a while since I got commissioned for one. Portraits are still one of my most favorite things to do. I'm usually open for these commissions, and I truly, wholeheartedly enjoy doing them! Denise emailed me a couple of weeks ago (thanks to Alexis of Ink Scribbler for the referral!). She was going to celebrate her 18th birthday soon and wanted an invitation with a portrait on the main card.

people, work in progressArlene SyJune 23, 2014painting, pencil, portraits, prang, watercolorComment

WIP

I mentioned about working on a brand illustration project a while back. The work is for a beauty brand, and their brief was to create a watercolor illustration of a room filled with beauty products, to be applied on one of their packaging. After coming up with a solid concept and sketches, my client and I agreed on the final execution, and I proceeded with the colors (always my favorite part of any watercolor illustration project!). After working out some kinks, I was able to finish the full, painted illustration last week.

collaborations, work in progressArlene SyMay 31, 2014beauty, brand, canson, illustration, interiors, packaging, prang, watercolorComment

February wrap-up

What a month it's been! And just like that, we're coming into March. I spent most of February making illustrations for an upcoming book. (Well, sort-of book.) I'm very excited about it, because it's my first fully illustrated project, from cover to cover! As it happens I cannot reveal anything more, but the publication will be launching this summer. Oh, all right, let me throw in one more tidbit--if you're still in school, this was made with you in mind!

updates, work in progressArlene SyFebruary 28, 2014illustration, paperie, watercolorComment

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