The Hood

Arrow/The Hood/The Hood Guy (Done on the Note II LTE and finished on the Note 10.1)

Inspired by Oliver Queen/Arrow from The CW's hit series, Arrow, developed by Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg.

If you're expecting spoilers, you're not getting any. All I'm saying is that if you watch the show, this is what Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell, who has an awesome physique and is just brilliant), says at the start of the show: "My name is Oliver Queen. For 5 years I was stranded on an island with only one goal - Survive! Now I must fulfill my father's dying wish, to use the list of names he left me and bring down those who are poisoning my city. To do that I must become someone else. I must become something else."

Decided to draw Oliver quite a while ago, when I first got the Note II last November, to be precise. But I never managed to do it right because I would never be able to get his eyes properly drawn. Finally managed to do it right this time, albeit with some help and positive criticism. And of course, it sure helps to have the bigger screen estate of the Note 10.1 to complete the sketch.

I love how they've approached the series as a whole, following quite closely to the footsteps of Christopher Nolan and his triumphant Dark Knight trilogy. It's refreshing to see a TV series interpretation of a superhero which is realistic. It helps the audience feel for him emotionally. Because don't forget, like Bruce Wayne (and unlike those with super powers), Oliver Queen is human after all.

A huge warning to all though, you'd better make sure you're not on Arrow's list or he'll hunt you down with a green arrow pointed towards you saying in a deep voice, "You have failed this city!!!"

Never Stop Running!

The Runner (Completed on the Note II LTE)

Inspired by Avatar Korra from Nickelodeon's The Legend of Korra.

This is the sketch that was meant for after "Mummy Android 18" until the Pink Rose Piano took its place. Made up my mind to work on this sometime after I got started on the Android 18 sketch. Avatar Korra is a independent young girl with a very strong personality. But beneath that tough exterior, she's extremely loyal to her friends and has admirable compassion.

Drew this for a friend who celebrated her birthday on 11th April. Like Korra, she's an independent young girl too. The strong personality, loyalty and compassion are also shared personality traits. Her loyalty goes one level higher though, because her loyalty lies with God. It's admirable that she makes time for God, even when there seems to be little. That's not something many people do, because if there's something they give up, it's always time with God they give up.

Given that she enjoys running so much because it means some alone time and time with Him, I decided to picture a runner in Korra's shoes for this sketch. So this sketch is the product of that imagination.

In the aftermath of the Boston bombings, I'd also like to shout out to all running enthusiasts, "Never Stop Running!" This senseless act should never deter anyone from continuing to participate in marathons. Dory would say "Just Keep Swimming! Just Keep Swimming! Just Keep Swimming!", all the way until she got herself a sequel. For the lack of creativity, I'd say to all runners "Just Keep Running!"

As for the bombings, it is important to remember that we should not hate on the bombers. We can never stop evil because we've all been corrupted by sin. But what we can do is to share the love and concern for people around us. Appreciate them and love them just as Jesus would love them, every one of them. Jesus came not to die for Christians only, He came to die for everyone. It is our job to learn from His example, however hard it may be.

Completed on: 11th April 2013

Pink Rose Piano

The Pink Rose Piano (Completed on the Note II LTE)

Inspired by the Pink and Blue "Get Well Soon" flowers drawn for Mummy by my Angel (on a Galaxy Note 1).

Decided to do a Pink-Blue Rose hybrid together with a Piano because Roses and the Black/White Keys on a Piano are a perfect match for each other.

Incidentally, this sketch wasn't what I mentioned as the one that was "coming soon" after "Mummy Android 18". Only got inspired to do this after my Angel drew a lovely bunch of Pink and Blue flowers with a nice "Get Well Soon" message to Mummy, who was warded last week due to diverticulitis. Thank God, Mummy's better now, although she complains every once in a while that she's still in pain while recuperating at home.

Probably not the nicest sketch you'll see, but considering how I was hoping to rush it out last Sunday, when I only started on it the evening before, I guess it's still alright. It's quite evident though that after a long while devoid of inspiration and S Pen practice, the sketching isn't that well done.

Still glad I managed finish it on time and got to use it as a little birthday surprise sent via Android Beam ;-)

Completed on: 7th April 2013

"Mummy Android 18"

Android 18 from the recently released Dragon Ball Z (2013) movie (Completed on the Note II LTE)

Realized that 18 had a very motherly appearance when I was doing an exact copy of the official character put on the official website: http://www.dragonball2013.com/

I did remember catching a glimpse of a promotional trailer and 18 was standing beside her daughter Marron. She was totally looking an anime version of a strict Singaporean mum!

Did this for a friend who's a huge fan of Android 18 and also celebrating her birthday today. Decided to make some slight changes to her colour scheme to make this different from the actual (and not seem like a wholesale copy). The movie's already out in Japan since 30th March 2013. Wonder when it's going to come to Singapore though...

It's been quite a while since I did a sketch. Down to a couple of things. First, the fact that I've been super busy with a mix of Information Systems, Legal and (Taxing) Tax stuff (Yes, pun totally intended!). Second, the lack of inspiration to work on anything concrete.

Glad I'm back sketching again though. There's another one coming soon that's almost done too =)

And I'm so looking forward to the end of this brain-draining term!