Merry Christmas 2013

The 7 Christmas Hats!

I pray that God’s blessings be upon you & your family  this Christmas and that He will guide you in all you do in the coming year ahead! :)

Christmas Hat #1

<The Christmas Bat>

Inspired by Chris Nolan's Dark Knight and HISHE's animated version of it.

Batman is often in the shadows, intimidating the bad people. But it's Christmas. So he can afford to crack a smile.

Batman is seen as a symbol of Hope. Just as the little baby boy, born in a manger in Bethlehem more than 2000 years ago. And on Christmas, we celebrate the greatest gift there ever was!

Christmas Hat #2

<The Christmas Wizard>

Inspired by J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and from a DeviantArtist: http://fav.me/d1me5lv

We all know Harry is a wizard. When "he who must not be named" struck down his parents, baby Harry was spared because of his mother's love while "you know who" was disembodied.

According to Trelawney's 1st prophecy, Harry Potter would be the one with the power to vanquish Voldemort. And the Promise that "Harry Potter" brought was a "world without evil".

While it's probably not the best thing to compare Harry Potter with the sacred little boy born some two thousand years ago, little baby Jesus was the one who would fulfill the prophecies by God's prophets in the Old Testament. He would be the one who brings eternal life. The one who is "the way, the truth and the life!" He brings the promises of God to all of us!

Christmas Hat #3

<The Christmas Reindeer>

Inspired by anime's favourite reindeer, Chopper, from One Piece.

Drawn to pass off as Rudolph with his red nose. Speaking of Reindeers always reminds you of Old Saint Nick (a.k.a Santa Claus). And what do they remind you of? JOY, of course! When they're in town, you'd better be a good girl or boy, then you'll get a nice little present from Santa.

The Joy of giving during Christmas always makes it extra special. Rewinding all the way back to that little town of Bethlehem those many years ago, Angels were singing a message of Joy! "Gloria in excelsis Deo" In the town of David, was born, Christ the Lord!

Christmas Hat #4

<The Christmas Minion>

Inspired by Gru's Minions from the Despicable Me series.

These adorable little minions are so adorable. They may be mischievous, sneaky and noisy at times. But you can't deny that they're so very lovable. (Okay, maybe I've been playing too much Minion Rush with MeiBernice Lee).

For me, this Minion represents Love. Just as He loved us so much, He gave His only son. We may be undeserving of God's greatest gift, because we're mischievous and we always turn our back on Him. Yet, because of His unfailing LOVE, He sent His only son for all of us!

Christmas Hat #5

<Thankful>

Inspired and Adapted from Konami Entertainment Japan

This is my favourite sketch because it sums up all of 2013 for me.

2013 has been one of the toughest years for my family because of what Mummy has had to go through. When bad things happen, we tend to always point the finger at others and blame others. We blame everyone, and when we run out of people to blame, we blame God.

While I was sketching this, the word "thankful" kept popping up in my head. A contemplative smile and her sparkling eyes with the Christmas Star as the background. As I reflect on what's happened in 2013, I'm thankful that God is who He is. I'm thankful for what He's done, for what He's given me, although I deserve none of it.

Perhaps things can be better, but they are what they are now simply because my God has been a faithful God! And it's only when I'm thankful do I see how He is leading me. It's a difficult path, but it's always worth it because it's all in His plans.

There's so much to be Thankful for! It's whether we want to be ;)

Christmas Hat #6 and #7

<Christmas Carols>

Adapted from Disney's Winnie the Pooh

These 3 Disney are amongst my favourite Disney characters of all time. And to redraw this (with some little edits to the original Disney version) was a lot of fun. (Disclaimer: I had some help with the colouring.)

While it probably isn't likely for us to experience snow in Singapore during Christmas, Christmas wouldn't be the same without the carols. These carols don't just bring the Christmas cheer but also bring out the real reason we celebrate Christmas!

This sketch also brings out "Family". Christmas quite often brings the whole family together again. And my hope is that this sketch captures just that.

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Sketches completed on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and 10.1

Courtesy of The Walt Disney Company, Konami Entertainment Japan, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Toei Animation, Universal Studios and DC Comics.

Gru's Minions

Despicable Me 2 feat. Gru's Minions (Completed on the NoteII LTE)

Inspired by the Minions created by Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin for the Despicable Me franchise. I don't remember another animated film franchise that had such popular supporting characters, except maybe the penguins from Madagascar. The Minions are way more popular though! There are 2 of Gru's "cousins" here for obvious reasons, i.e. Despicable Me 2 is coming out tomorrow (4th July 2013).

Decided to do a sketch of these rambunctious little fellas because of the upcoming movie. Enjoyed the 1st film, although I didn't get to watch it 3D then. Hopefully this time will be different, although I most certainly will not rush to watch it within the next few days. Gru's minions are an impulsive bunch with little self-control. But they are a very friendly and fun-loving bunch too. They are fiercely loyal to Gru and will do anything to get the job done. While seemingly simple-minded, they are still very capable with sophisticated weapons and tools that are available in Gru's lab or when Gru requires assistance. Gru's minions are treated like family unlike most villains' henchmen who are treated like trash most of the time. Gru actually remembers their names and shows genuine concern for them. 

Having completed this sketch and re-watching the first movie, there are quite some things I've noticed about the minions that are quite inspiring and admirable. They may be simple-minded but they are more than capable with the very sophisticated weapons from Gru's lab. Their loyalty to Gru is truly amazing. They'll do whatever he says, sometimes using unorthodox means, to "adhere" to his requests.  Most importantly though, they're focused (most of the time =P) and will always get the job done! 

"Despicable Me 2" hits Singapore theatres 4th July 2013!

With the giant inflatable 2-storey tall Minion at The Cathay last Saturday (29th June)

Optimus Prime

Optimus Prime (Completed on the Note II LTE)

Inspired by the past and present versions of Optimus Prime, from the Transformers franchise. There's a lot that modern day leaders can learn from this leader of the Autobots who is brave, wise, dedicated and most of all compassionate. He addressed his Autobots before the final battle with this message (in the 2007 film), "It has been an honour serving with all of you." Leaders should not imagine themselves as those barking orders at the back, but those at the very forefront urging their fellow mates and pushing them past the finishing line together.

Promised Angel that I'd do an Optimus Prime sketch after I had completed Term 2, so it was just the right time for me to complete it on the weekend that she had to work because of the Galaxy S4 Launch. At least I knew I had a powerful friend to help in Angel's endless payment clearing at the launch. I'd consider this a not very complete sketch of him cos I rushed it out to ensure I'd get it done on the day itself. I suppose that would mean I owe my Angel another... Oh well, there's always time for another next time =P

I decided to draw 2 very different iterations of Optimus because he has evolved quite a bit from his days in the animated series. Michael Bay's Optimus was actually a very well-designed and well-built one. It's a real pity that the 1st movie was the best of all 3 so far (although the 3rd one was a good 3D film). Really hoping that Mark Wahlberg's inclusion into the 4th film will re-invigorate the franchise. June 27th 2014 awaits!

Completed on 27th April 2013

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!

Cherry Blossoms of ♥

Cherry Blossoms of ♥ (Completed with the Note10.1)

Inspired by the Cherry Blossoms of Spring and Valentine's Day ♥

Love isn't just about the happy and lovey-dovey times but also working together through the tough times, amidst the arguments and the storms.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude... Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never dies ♥

Date: 10th & 14th February 2013

Happy Year of the Snake!

祝大家新年蒙恩, 蛇年恩福满满! (Completed on the Note II LTE)

Wishing everyone a very happy, blessed and prosperous Year of the Snake ahead! ^^

After being hit by the cruel "corrupted S Note" saga, some of my past sketches were wiped out. My initial CNY sketch was wiped out along with it =((( Decided to start anew and do a Dragon-Snake hybrid since we're in the midst of the 龙年-蛇年 transition.

This Dragon-Snake hybrid was inspired by Dragonair from Pokémon, designed by Ken Sugimori. First appearing in Pokémon Red and Blue in 1995.

Part 1 of 2 CNY sketches that I've been working on the past 2 weeks =) Part 2 coming soon...

GOALS of 2013 (Part II)

Focus on the GOAL! (Completed on the Note II LTE)

Part 2 of 2 of the Goals of 2013 sketches.

Completed on: 1st January 2013

Blessed 2013: Attainable GOALS not resolutions this year =)

Take aim, practice and fire at goal! (Completed with the Note 10.1)

On the training ground, it's always practice, practice and more practice. You've got to take aim at the goal and have the desire to put the ball in. And it could take a thousand shots in training to score. Even when you do, nobody is going to care. People care only on the big stage. And to score on the big stage, you've got to do it over and over again in training. But when you do, you'll feel like you've reached the Promised Land!

It's not about the resolutions we have but the attainable GOALS we set and how we work towards them. Wishing everyone a blessed 2013!