A Girl's Life

.December.

2011-12-09T10:58:00.001-08:00

Hello December...

Mom's Birthday

2011-11-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

IF: Mysterious

2011-09-08T01:19:00.000-07:00

Here's my submission for this week's IF challenge; it's one of my older works. Sadly these days I'm struggling with what they call it "artist's block". It's a mess alright. I'm trying to pull myself out of it by drawing as much as I can but still it seems am stuck at the bottom of some dark well looking for ANYTHING to grab hold of...

Wish me luck! :)

I'm 30!

2011-08-25T17:52:00.001-07:00

Wow! It's such a strange feeling...three zero! :)

The Influence Map

2011-07-28T23:29:00.001-07:00

Using Fox Orian's Influence map template, I made mine. Though I couldn't put in ALL the artists that has influenced me so far, it's still good to see some of them together like this!
It was a nice experience on the whole! :)

Red Riding Hood

2011-07-28T05:02:00.001-07:00

Among all Grimm's fairy tales, the one that I feel the most connected to is "Red Riding Hood". No idea why but it's the one story that I can't get off my mind no matter how hard I try! So I decided to surrender and embrace this weird feeling!

Here goes my depiction of the Red Riding Hood!

Cheers :)

The Matter of Life and Death

2011-07-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

"Mina" couldn't get over her goldfish death so she looked at the whole picture differently:

You ain't dead!
You are just "Less-alive"!

IF: Shadows

2011-06-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

.His Favorite Corner.

At *St. Mary's orphanage, there was this one corner where Tom had two shadows; hand in hand and smiling! That was his favorite corner. "Oh how lucky one can be!" Tom wondered aloud "there are kids in this world who don't even have a favorite corner!"

Do you have a favorite corner?

---
*It's a fictional place! Can be defined as my head!

Drawing Day

2011-06-04T01:46:00.000-07:00

So here's my entry for the Drawing Day.

The actual size of the drawing is about 8.5 by 5.5 inches and it's done in watercolor and colored pencil. There's no need to mention that the slightest nudity is involved so be ware!

Have a great Drawing Day! :)

The Rabbician

2011-05-29T18:33:00.001-07:00

Inspired by Pixar's Presto and the movie The Prestige, I felt like creating something about Magic. This time I painted the whole thing in watercolor though in the end I had to add more than few digital touches to make it read better.

Have a magical day! :)

For my mom

2011-05-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

Momma,

We Love you.

Forever and always...

Fire & Water

2011-04-22T20:18:00.000-07:00

Burning and yet plunged into cool water...stifling the passion inside...

IF: Journey

2011-04-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

To go on a journey with your best imaginary friend is an adventure like no others!

Cheers :)

IF: Bottled

2011-04-14T11:38:00.001-07:00

Happily bottled...submerged into unknown...sure to find the journey as exciting as where it ends...if not more!

For this week's IF; not being so active lately which is a shame since I've missed so many great topics... :(

Cheers anyways :)

Nowrouz 1390

2011-03-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Nowrouz everyone! Wish you all the best

IF: Warning

2011-03-09T05:30:00.001-08:00

Warning!

Freshly Painted Heart!

A Plea for the Sun

2011-03-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

Developing a new style and trying to introduce some background to my work! Suddenly I remember my art classes back when I was 8 (considering my overly simple take on the whole thing)!

A Plea for the Sun:

"Please set here!

Will you?!"

The Black Swan

2011-03-04T04:03:00.000-08:00

I've been kept busy with my finals for the past few weeks and just found some free time to draw something for me!

I watched the movie, The Black Swan, a week back and drew a sketch that very night. Yesterday I decided on painting it. Not exactly what you call it a fan art but still it shows how I feel about the movie itself. Great performance by Natalie Portman by the way and a well-deserved Oscar in the end!

V Day

2011-02-13T07:48:00.000-08:00

A lil' something for all the lovers out there...

Bonne Saint Valentin!

Mine to Forget

2011-01-03T20:09:00.000-08:00

My Pain is mine to forget.

Christmas It Is!

2010-12-24T04:14:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone! :)

Bittersweet

2010-12-16T02:14:00.001-08:00

I've done this illustration ages ago based on one of Tim Burton's poems. Reading also made me write yet another silly rhyme as I've been calling them! Well my Voodoo Girl is quiet different from Burton's own sketch. Here it goes:

Bittersweet

You must have heard of the Voodoo Girl,

Her heart full of pins and her skin as white as pearl,

Though she was scared of all kinda “hugs”,

She couldn’t help but love that little “Clause”

He had cancer, see

No hair, no brows, unlike you ‘n me

They bounded pretty quick, him ‘n her

He liked her eyes ‘n she his bald shiny head!

On the last day of his life,

When the pain ran through him like a knife,

The Voodoo Girl gave him one last “hug”

Suddenly the room was filled with a strange thick fog

After hours they slowly fell apart

“Clause” smiling and she had a big red stain on her “heart”!

PS - For all the lonely kids with cancer...

Flying Fish

2010-11-18T22:35:00.000-08:00

You probably have had enough of my winged creatures by now; whether it's a baby, a bear or in this case, a giant fish! But seriously, it shows how desperate I am to just fly away! I need a change...

Hopefully I'll come back with some new and different pieces in near future. Right now it's just me struggling with this so-called artist's block thingy!

Cheers :)

Flight

2010-11-14T04:48:00.000-08:00

No Comment really...

Loneliness

2010-10-13T20:58:00.000-07:00

Here's my welcome back piece! Forgive the sadness and despair oozing out of it! :)

An Announcement

2010-08-22T02:32:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

You may have been wondering how come I vanished from the face of the earth (or have you?!). Well...due to unpredictable circumstances which are either technical or economical or political or global(!), am unable to upload any images. So I'm updating my recent works on CGHUB.com which hopefully will stay available...

I don't know whether this situation is temporary or permanent but at the meantime, I'd be more than glad to have you visit my new place at: HERE

Wings Need Not

2010-07-15T04:50:00.000-07:00

Daddy

2010-07-01T03:56:00.000-07:00

This one I've done for my dad...actually for all daddies out there!

Love you always :)

The FLOWER

2010-06-21T21:16:00.001-07:00

Just a practice...

PS - Background wallpaper from Yoshihiro Moritake's Sketchbook.

The Very Last Tea Party

2010-06-02T03:59:00.000-07:00

Here's yet another Red Riding Hood story scene! I wanted it to be both quirky and fun to look at. I don't know why am thinking about Red Riding Hood story all of a sudden but the idea was presenting itself at times when I least expected it!

Cheers :)

Single-Horned Closet Monster

2010-05-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

So I was thinking about "closet monsters" today; not that am particularly scared of them. On the contrary, I think of them as cute creatures with glistening skin and bright eyes! Harmless!

This particular closet monster, had an unfortunate accident; he broke a horn when coming out of Mary's closet. Well, so far Mary hasn't decided whether to get scared or just help the poor fellow!

PS - here's my very first attempt on fully drawing and painting a so-called "monster". I'm quiet disappointed comparing my "cute" version to those that can be found on the web.

I Have Never Been Here

2010-05-13T05:49:00.000-07:00

Here's my piece for the Children's Illustrator Club monthly topic.

"I have never been here", said the little angel to himself. "ain't angels suppose to fly in the sky?! I must have misread the map or I wouldn't be here floating on the back of this huge jellyfish!"

Unlike the well known phrase "Been there, done that"; I must say I have NEVER been "there"(ref. to under the ocean) and I have NEVER done "that"(ref. to me drawing jellyfish and all!)

PS - And here is a little announcement I'm going to make: I've just won the second place in Cathy's art contest, It's Magic, and will be receiving her book as a prize in coming weeks! Isn't it AWESOME!

IF: Fearless

2010-05-09T03:37:00.000-07:00

"King Fearless"

"King Fearless" was brave 'n bold
Wrapped 'round him a blood red shawl!
Though his sword was made of tin,
It didn't make it less keen and clean!
All monsters he could easily take
Even "Nessie" from Loch Ness Lake!

PS - Reference for Loch Ness Monster

Lonely Angel

2010-04-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

Even playing with stars can get boring...
...when you are all alone...

I've been feeling quiet sniffy all day long and it seems that the weather outside is miming me; it's a cloudy day...been raining on and off...

Nadim

2010-04-15T20:26:00.001-07:00

Inspiration can strike you in some strange places:
Three days back when me and my sister were sitting in Iranshahr park, a kid approached us and begged us to buy 3 packs of pocket tissues for 1 $. We bought from him and asked him what his name is; "Nadim". Then I asked him for something priceless; a drawing! There he sat on the grass and drew me the picture above. That I think is Nadim's life; an empty park, trees and clouds and the Sun. Simple and yet so full.
When I got back home I drew something inspired by Nadim's drawing...not as rich as his of course...

A Banner

2010-04-02T20:05:00.001-07:00

So I celebrated the end of this two weeks Nowruz holiday by making a banner! An odd way to celebrate but I should have done it anyways since it's for a group that I've been recently accepted in. Well...hope you enjoy it!

Cheers :)

It's Magic

2010-03-17T09:29:00.001-07:00

A quick piece I did for a little contest on DA. There were three themes; "It's Magic", "Sun, Moon & Stars" and "Friendship". Since I've done many pieces with the second theme, I was trying to do something different...however I don't think I was that successful! Well what can I say...it's ma style!

It's Magic

To go on a wild ride

With your best friend ever

Cheers :)

PRE - Happy Nowruz

2010-03-15T04:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Nowruz everyone! I know there are still five days till the start of our Persian new year but I thought how nice it would be to post a PRE - Nowruz well-wishing! So this goes to Iranians along with all the people in this wide world:

May this year

be a merrier

year for us all!

Cheers :)

Wonderful Night

2010-03-11T22:54:00.001-08:00

"Wonderful Night"

The moon is shining

The stars are bright

Is it a dream or am lying on a cloud?!

Pinch me harder

"OUCH!"

It's for real!

OH-HO! What a wonderful night!

Cheers :)

IF: Perspective

2010-03-01T01:09:00.000-08:00

For this week's IF I decided to upload a page from my final children's book illustration project. It was a short rhyme I found on Kids' Space. The words are by a 7 year old named Quinn and it goes like this:

"The Missing Toy"

I fell into a big black hole while looking for my toy,

I walked into a bear's cave and man! Oh boy!

The bear saw me,

The bear ate me,

Then I found my toy!

I instantly fell in love with it! Love at the first sight! Hope you enjoy it too...

PS - I may upload other pages of this little book project...

The Blind Boy and the Blue Ball

2010-02-22T10:11:00.001-08:00

Am Back!

2010-02-21T06:58:00.001-08:00

Remember me?! Well I must apologize for my long absence from the blogging world...not that anyone has missed me much!!!! Anyways...I need to explain that this disappearance is due to the fact that I've been on the move from U.A.E to Iran. I should have taken sometimes off from the living itself...the point is am back now and I hope to be more active in future...

I drew this rainy girl yesterday and here's the accompanying text:

"Today was a beautiful rainy day,
Well...maybe not so beautiful for those with no umbrellas!
It's cold and yet not chilly...
Am sitting in the House of Artists' coffee shop, drinking a cup of Italian cappuccino and listening to the rain...
Beauty...red noses..."

Xmas Bookmark

2009-12-11T03:31:00.000-08:00

I wanted to make a new blog header but ended up with a bookmark! I've always had it in my mind to make a personalized bookmark and I was thrilled that it turned out to be fun and utterly satisfying! Merry Christmas everyone! :)

IF: Crunchy

2009-12-05T21:14:00.001-08:00

"CRUNCHY Mornin'"

I had a slice of toasted bread,
But I'd ran out of marmalade,
"I CAN'T eat this dry and plain!
I think I need some "CRUNCH" today!”
Sweet 'n salty it smells like home,
No it's not the honeycomb!
It's CRUNCHY peanut butter my friend!
And am sure it will never end!

It's been ages since my last post...been busy with assignments. I wrote this poem half sleeping last night!

Cheers :)

Marble-ous!

2009-11-07T09:38:00.001-08:00

A Warm Birthday

The story goes that one cold and gloomy day, Salim went out for a walk thinking that the day couldn’t get any worse when it started to snow. “Ahhh…just what I needed! SNOW!” Shivering and grumbling, he continued his walk along the street. Suddenly something hard hit him on the head. “Ouch! What the…!” He looked down angrily for the thing that caused him such an unexpected pain when something else hit the top of his head…and another…and another…and another…and another…and another! Furious and with one hand shielding his throbbing head, he looked down again only to find seven highly polished and yet oddly-shaped purple marbles. They had two tiny eyes blinking cutely up at him and one smiling mouth. “MARBLE-OUS!” they exclaimed aloud. “Here’s our birthday boy!” It was then that Salim remembered it was his birthday. “Who are you?!” He asked stunned. “We…” squeaked the tiniest one, “…are Marble-ians and we pour down on lonely birthday boys ONLY!”

That night back home, Salim had a warm birthday party; one of the marble-ians baked a HUGE marble cup cake and lit one very bright candle on top of it. They all sang the birthday song and gave him tiny kisses on his cheeks. Hugging all seven Marble-ians, Salim had the warmest birthday party a lonely birthday boy can have!

.The End.

PS- Happy B'day our dearest Salim! Wish you all the best our Precious! :-)

Empty

2009-10-28T09:48:00.001-07:00

It's been like ages since the last time I updated my blog and this post can't make up for it at all but what to do; I've been really busy recently and barely had time to do anything else. I don't want to admit it but sometimes even drawing and creating ain't fun no more! Anyways...it's just a practice with watercolor and color pencils. Am learning everyday...

Listen!

2009-09-28T05:46:00.001-07:00

Children Book's Illustration assignment - Illustrating a text

'Nother Year, 'Nother Birthday

2009-08-25T12:07:00.001-07:00

Tonight it was a whole new experience...to be born again! For one thing there were only 4 attendees; me, my sister, my mom and my dad. The cake wasn't coated with cream but with honey and only one candle was there to be blown! Though it may sound depressing but we still had fun! About a week back I bought myself a great gift; "The art of Howl's moving castle"!

Well...happy birthday to me I think!

I have this prickling sensation; I guess am getting wiser each year! :-)

IF: Wrapped

2009-08-15T10:39:00.001-07:00

Newly Hatched Baby Gurl!

2009-08-04T01:50:00.000-07:00

Last Friday my sister's friends threw her a PRE-B'day party! Wow! Though I was way busy with my assignments, I decided to join them and just have fun with a younger crowd! It was awesome!
I made a card for my sis which was all I could do really!
Happy B'day Salma! Wish you all da best! :)

O'Dear God

2009-07-15T09:13:00.000-07:00

O'Dear God,
Bless my doll's soul,

Yours truly,

Maryam

Bobby The Baker

2009-06-16T20:44:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time, in a land far far away, lived "Bobby The Baker". He wasn't like you and me; he was a "baker". Bobby had three hands and one of them was an oven glove. He had two legs and one of them was a sack of flour so he would always have some flour handy! No one cared for his bizarre appearance; Bobby baked the best cookies, cakes and pies in the whole world!

Bling Bling

2009-06-13T06:59:00.001-07:00

It was Iran's BIG presidential election yesterday so my dad's birthday went by rather quietly. Still I found some times to make him a silly card! I came up with the words in the shower so I apologize if their meanings are a bit "washed out"!

Bling Bling,
What's that thing?
That's a butterfly with burning wings,

Bling Bling,
What's that thing?
That's an orange baby who can NOT sing!

Bling Bling,
What's that thing?
That's a long white bright string,

Bling Bling,
Pull the string,
Why are you waiting?
LET THE PARTY BEGIN!

Happy Birthday Dad! Wish you all the best! :-)

IF: Craving

2009-06-08T07:47:00.000-07:00

Tiny Billy

Billy was always small. All his friends called him “Tiny Billy”. He was famous when it came to hide and seek; no one could find Tiny Billy unless he wanted to be found!
Every birthday, Tiny Billy would wear his red stripped paper hat and sit on top of the cake. Kids would cheer and clap hardly when they saw him. After the candles were blown for him, because he had very tiny lungs and couldn’t blow them himself, he would grab his tiny plate and tiny fork and attack the best part of the cake!

Drawing Day 2009

2009-06-06T21:10:00.000-07:00

A quick sketch I've done for Drawing Day...

Moonlit Ride

2009-05-31T05:10:00.001-07:00

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I know it's another M00n-Baby scene! I love this subject and apparently I can't get enough of it! Well, hope you like this cheery version anyways! :-)

PS - Background texture from Hibbary.

For Mikka

2009-05-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

A week back I received a message from Ksenia that really touched my heart. She has recently lost her husband, Mikka, in a tragic accident and is making a book in his memory for their little daughter. The book's name is "Mishkina knizhka" which has a double meaning in Russian – The little bear’s book and Misha's book (that is Mikka's real name)
I decided to take part in this beautiful project. May God bless his soul…

Sketch Your Feelings Out

2009-05-13T09:24:00.001-07:00

So I decided that whenever am over-busy to upload drawings from my sketchbook. I was sitting inside the Borders bookstore listening to this soft music and I just drew my feelings I think!

Night Again

2009-05-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

Oh dear! I've been absent for a while! Am back again...hopefully! So it's just a start! I mean my brain is quiet dusty at the moment and it needs a bit time to get back on the creativity track!

My Dream Family

2009-04-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

Sleeping On The Moon

2009-04-14T19:28:00.001-07:00

Happy Nowruz! :-)

2009-03-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Nowruz! Wish you all the best! :-)

Brushed Out

2009-03-01T08:11:00.000-08:00

Practicing with watercolor...am learning!

Cheers :-)

Can you heal my doll?

2009-02-22T03:51:00.000-08:00

For my brother, Salim. Miss you so much... :-(

Bake-O-Therapy!

2009-02-18T08:03:00.000-08:00

So after three weeks of continious work on my university assignments, I thought a bit of baking may do me some good! I'm also going to share my all time favorite Chocolate Chunk Cookie recipe and the label I designed for them. Nutrition facts have been derived from Nutrition Data

Choco Chunk Cookies (Makes 24)

125gr butter (or margarine), softened

125gr white sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract

200gr all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

Pinch of salt

100gr dark chocolate, chopped roughly

Direction - Lightly grease several baking trays. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add vanilla extract and beaten egg, beating well after each addition. Sieve the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt into the creamed mixture and blend well. Stir in chocolate chunks.

Place heaped teaspoons of the mixture on to the prepared baking trays. Bake in a preheated oven, 190C/375F, for about 10-12 minutes or until just golden brown. Leave to cool before serving.

Lost

2009-02-12T01:34:00.000-08:00

I've had mixed feelings when drawing and painting this piece. I'm learning new techniques in watercolor so I thought of using some of them in this picture. Anyways...I was mainly inspired by two things, Audrey Kawasaki's amazing artworks and Marina Bychkova's beautiful dolls.

Cheers :-)

Alive

2009-02-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

I sewed a heart to my doll

Now she can love

She is alive...

.Amy Again.

2009-01-23T08:07:00.000-08:00

Yet 'nother dedication. N'joy! :-)

I WON!

2009-01-21T19:28:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone! Am in a very good mood right now! Just three hours ago, I received a great news! I won Monday Artday Weekly Challenge, "Disaster"!! Wow! Am so lucky! Thanks a million to Mike for his kindness!

I want to dedicate this award to Gaza children, who suffered silently in this unfair war, and to my mom and dad who have always believed in me...

Cheers :-)

Lilly: The living doll

2009-01-20T04:58:00.001-08:00

Yey! My third silly story! Well I kinda like them cause sometimes when life gets too complicated, you crave for simpler things! Here goes the story:

Lilly: The living doll

When Lilly was just a doll, she asked God to turn her into a REAL girl. Lord granted her wish warning her that life as a human isn't as easy as it's cracked to be. Lilly didn't care!

When she woke up the next morning, Lilly wasn't a doll no more. She was so excited that she couldn't stop bouncing around! Suddenly, she tripped and broke her REAL leg. Crying, she turned to God, "What is it that makes my eyes water?" God smiled and said gently, "It's called PAIN my dear!"

IF: Pale

2009-01-17T00:39:00.001-08:00

It's been a loooooooong time since my last IF submission. I'm experimenting with this new style these days and I thought to give it a try with this subject. I know that may look a bit irrelevant but it was what came in my mind thinking about "Pale"...Cherry Pale!

Cheers :-)

.A Tea Party.

2009-01-13T21:16:00.000-08:00

Well here it goes: a dedication to a good friend of mine, David McDonald and his adorable family; Elena, Kierra and D'Arcy!

The picture shows D'Arcy (The Princess) and Kierra (The Karate Queen) having a tea party with their dolls. I hope they like it.

Cheers :-)

Mr & Mrs Doll

2009-01-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

This is my second silly story! It goes like this:

Mr & Mrs Doll were living in a bottom-less tower. They were living behind the top most window. Mr. Doll chose this spot because of its spectacular view and so no man could reach them. Mr & Mrs Doll had a new born child named...doll! Mr. Doll, Mrs. Doll and baby Doll lived together happily ever after!

.The End.

There you have it! Now don't think I've gone mad or anything; it's just what came in my mind when I was drawing them!

Cheers :-)

..For Gaza Children..

2009-01-05T11:38:00.000-08:00

Red Riding Hood: A Happy Girl

2009-01-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

A funny twist to an old story:

Red Riding Hood: A Happy Girl

It's not another red riding hood story. This story starts with a girl who had a red traveling cloak.

The girl's name was Sally. Sally had a grandma who was living deep in the forest.

One day Sally's mom baked her famous buns and put some neatly in a basket for Sally to take to her grandma.

Sally arrived with the buns still warm at her grandma's. They sank into a big cosy sofa, chewing on two soft buns and gulping down hot chocolate. There was no wolf, just Sally and her grandma talking and laughing!

.The End.

Pretty silly! Anyways...it's a little something to cheer myself up!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T21:21:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Imaginary

2008-12-14T21:13:00.000-08:00

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me

So for Celebrity Spot Illustration project, I decided to take a leaf out of Audrey Kawasaki's book and go with what I like to call innocent beauty. My subject matter of course is Amy Lee put into Tim Burton's Corpse Bride scenery.

Anyways...I was trying to make a change and I was feeling exceptionally down at the time...it was more like a therapy session to me, the whole drawing process.

...A Message - Am sorry...

..Inspired By Me..

2008-11-24T00:46:00.000-08:00

No comment!

Amy

2008-11-10T21:59:00.000-08:00

My 99th post is a lil' something for a dear friend, Omar Abdullah! It took me 5 hours to finish this piece. I tried to make some changes for it to be more impressive!

Hope you like it Omar and all Amy Lee's fans out there!

Cheers :-)

.Salim's Absentee Birthday Party.

2008-11-08T01:48:00.000-08:00

No Comment!

Coraline-ic Inspiration!

2008-11-04T08:09:00.001-08:00

So I didn't have "the best" week. I've heard "No"s from people I like, my own brain had stopped working...well...such things happen sometimes and we just should hope for them to pass us by. It certainly is getting better; my mood and everything. I'm learning to accept that I can't have everything in my life and am to be grateful for all that I already have. Am talking way too serious!!

Anyways...listening to the audio book, Coraline by Neil Gaiman, I decided to draw at least something! Though the cat looks under-fed (!) I think it turned out OK!

Cheers :-)

IF: Vacant

2008-11-02T04:33:00.001-08:00

I know this illustration looks somehow irrelevant to this week's subject, "Vacant", but it was the only thing that came into my mind when I thought about the word...

.Cheers.

PS - Am a bit depressed these days. Forgive the gloomy mood of my artwork. :(

May

2008-10-15T03:56:00.000-07:00

Meet "May"; my sister's imaginary daughter! She's been asking me again 'n again for it but I've been busy with so many assignments lately. Last night, at last I squeezed it in my schedule and finished it in about an hour and half I think.

Cheers :-)

Falln' Out

2008-10-14T08:54:00.001-07:00

I thought to myself that a change of mood can do me some good! "Where to start?" I ask myself; "Your artworks ofcourse!" I answered myself!
So here is me changing mood! I mean at least I've tried...by adding some bright colors!

Cheers :-)

Bubble Gurl

2008-10-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

Last night was our dearest Simin's 24th birthday! There were only six of us but still we had loads of fun! Hmmm...sweet memories!
And now the card's story (Bubble Gurl):

From God it all began

Once upon a time, there was a girl living in a bubble robot. People called her "bubble gurl" and were always wondering where she'd land as they all knew she would eventually. There was a legend that she'd bring health and happiness to whichever house she'd land in...

It's been 24 years now from the day she arrived on our earth. There are no bubble robots no more and bubble girls no longer exist but the great family who took her in are blessed with health 'n happiness ever since.

Happy Birthday Simin dear! Wish you the best always!

Cheers :-)

PS - InspirationS for the card : Laputa Robot, Jessie Willcox Smith illustrations for "The water babies" (Charles Kingsley)

Bewildered

2008-10-08T00:12:00.000-07:00

Again am in this gloomy mood...don't know why! There are many things going on around me; some of which I like and most of which I don't. Well, I think life is supposed to be that way!

Nothing more to say...

Cheers :-)

IF : Sugary

2008-10-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hmmm...I had many ideas for this week's IF but for some reason couldn't work on them. The result is a bit bitter rather than sweet! "It's just a practice" as I always am telling myself!

Cheers :-)

Unfinished BizNiz!

2008-10-03T03:51:00.000-07:00

I was working on this portrait of Keira Knightly yesterday when suddenly I felt like I'd had enough! Don't know what exactly got into me but whatever it was, made me wrap it up then and there. I'm not sure if I'll ever go back to it but for now...it's not THAT bad! Is it?!

Cheers :-)

Meeyow!

2008-09-30T20:26:00.001-07:00

It's funny how when you have loads of works to do, your mind drift around so easily and find any number of excuses not to concentrate on the main subject! Am going through the same thing; not that it's the first time! I have to finish a painful inking assignment and still found enough time to finish this!

I've done it for a dear friend of mine, Mehand or The Cat Owner!

Cheers :-)

Eggplant Story

2008-09-26T08:11:00.001-07:00

Here is some sketches I did for the Illustration class. However, my instructor has sweetly rejected them for that particular project! Anyways, I wanted to see it in color so there you have it !

Cheers :-)

My Unusual Friend!

2008-09-17T12:13:00.001-07:00

Inspired by a great illustrator with an interesting style, Heliana, I drew a quick sketch and took it to the next level using both PainterIX and Photoshop.

Hope you like it!

Cheers :-)

IF : Island

2008-09-13T17:19:00.001-07:00

So it's been a long while since my last post for IF. I barely had time to come up with anything new; I must admit that it's a bit unusual if you "call" yourself an art student. But anyways...am learning lessons everyday. The most important thing I should learn however is to be more creative as my instructor C.B. Canga has kindly mentioned it in his comments.

O.K back to this weeks' IF...I was thinking about my happy place the other day; where I'd find peace 'n peculiar happiness! I think it would something like this island with its cute welcoming inhabitants!

Cheers :-)

Why So Serious?

2008-08-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

You know, madness is a lot like gravity… sometimes all you need is a little push.

.R.I.P Heath Ledger.

Gliding Into This World

2008-08-25T11:31:00.001-07:00

And so it begins. It's how I want to see it this year; me gliding happily into this world! Though there haven't been no candles, no cakes and no presents yet, I want to celebrate it all the same! Today, I went to the post office and collected my very first presents which I bought for myself! Two great books which looking at them makes me drool; The Fantasy Illustrator's Technique Book and John Howe's Fantasy Art Workshop. You must have guessed what I want to work on, exactly what is missing in my life, a bit of "Fantasy"! And it's about time now; I need some fresh ideas and more creativity!

Cheers :-)

...When You Air Away...

2008-08-06T05:41:00.001-07:00

Last night was a memorable one; we threw a lil' good-bye party for the youngest and liveliest member of our family. My lil' brother (as I like to call him!) is moving to Canada so to continue his education and pursue his heart desire. I'm both sad and happy at the same time; sad cause I'll miss him so much as we've been really close friends apart from being "just" brother and sister AND am happy cause I know it's what he wants and what will lead him to his upcoming success. Though am sure he'll survive (!) still whenever I think about "not" waking up with his loud voice, my eyes would fill with tears. O.K...let's not make it too hard!!
So lil' bro! Wherever you are and whatever you are up to (hopefully not anything dangerous or against law!) our hearts will always beat for you.

Cheers :-)

Color me : The Beginning!

2008-07-27T18:50:00.001-07:00

Well...it's been a long time since when I did something just for fun. Taking a summer course, I've been "working like a house-elf" (J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series!) and haven't found time to pick up my good ol' pencil! However, I was looking through my sketch book the other day and I realized I can take some of them to the next level. Though my sketch book is nothing like those of all artists I know, I decided to take a leaf out of their book (in this case, sketch book!) and color my drawings one by one. It will be a fun practice!
I'm learning digital painting on my own which means making mistakes first and then learning from them is inevitable. I know it's a long way but I prefer it to the high way!

Cheers :-)

Unbelievable!

2008-07-12T04:03:00.001-07:00

Something AMAZING has happened! You won't believe this...well...that's the way AMAZING stuffs should be; unexpected and hard-to-believe! I've received a surprise email couple of days back from a lovely friend, Caitlin Malone, informing me that she'd got a tattoo - here comes the AMAZING part - and it's the lil' mermaid sketch I posted way back in my blog. I've forgotten about it really and when I saw the picture of Caitlin's tattoo, my mouth just fell open!! Am grateful that she shared this news with me; it really made my day...thanks a million Caitlin!

Cheers :-)

PS - By the way, the tattoo artist who's done such a great job is Charlie White. Thanks Charlie! :-)

Lonesome Snow Globe

2008-06-28T02:22:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been feeling a bit sad and lonely. Well many may say it's the way I always am; non senes! Some days with no reason and many other days with enough reasons, am like this. :-(

This is my second snow globe-ish illustration; the first one won Monday Artday's weekly challenge, "Glass". Anyways...it shows how am feeling at the moment.

Hopefully I'll be cheerful once more!

My Hearty Apple Cake

2008-06-16T23:59:00.000-07:00

Here’s my favorite “Apple Cake” recipe that I’m going to share with you all! I’ve been baking and re-baking it; replacing ingredients, different measurements. It’s the best one so far, at least for me and my family! Recently I made one for my dearest dad to take it with him on his vacation.
Attention: Try to “imagine” what the lil’ girl is sitting on is an apple! It’s supposed to be but I don’t know why it looks like a rotten one!
And now the recipe itself:

~Apple Cake~

2 medium apples, peeled, cored and chopped
1 Tbs brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon powder
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup margarine or butter, softened
1 egg
¼ cup low-fat milk
1 cup chopped walnut (optional)

Direction: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Mix apples, 1 Tbs brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon powder in a bowl and set aside. Now sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon powder. Add chopped walnuts to the flour mixture. Mix together sugar, margarine and egg. Now add the wet ingredients to the dry ones (or the other way around!). Gradually add milk to this mixture so the dough would loosen up a bit. Finally mix in the apple mixture with a wooden spoon or a spatula. Pour the batter into a prepared 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes.

*You can serve it hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and some home-made caramel sauce! Yummmm!

Cheers :-)

Hanging In There

2008-06-13T22:18:00.001-07:00

Well...I've done this for a friend of mine who's feeling a bit awkward these days and wants to be left alone for a while. Since I've had the same moments in my life (who hasn't?!) when you feel like you're in the middle of no where and trying to find your way back...I sprinkle it over with the innocence of a baby so to paint a smile on his face...even if it's a bitter one!

Cheers :-)