Amalia's Artful Tales and Drawings

Playtime

2012-01-26T04:50:00.001+07:00

Remember that wonderful era when paper dolls were so much more fun than Barbie dolls? Well, I finally found some time to work with my scissors and glue the other day...

It was so refreshing to make these little girls, I think I might even make more and expand the family! Doesn't it feel good to relive your childhood memories? What kind of toys did you play with as a child?

Amalia, oxx

Thumbelina

2012-01-23T00:17:00.001+07:00

Thumbelina, mixed mediums, 8x10 inches

Thinking of purple skies, blue lagoons and pink butterflies....
Must be something in the air...could February be fast approaching?

I hope you find a teeny Thumbelina romance today.

Amalia, oxx

A Dash of Blue

2012-01-20T14:40:00.001+07:00

Sometimes BLUE is the perfect HUE when you're feeling....well....BLUE.

Thanks to these lovely finds, I now have a smile on my face. (^_^)

1 - Art print by Michele Maule
2 - Notebook by sparrownestscript
3 - Greeting card by poosac
4 - Mug by Shebbo Design
5 - Cotton tape by lillalotta
6 - Brooch by tiger & hare

Amalia, oxx

Picture Perfect

2012-01-15T06:00:00.002+07:00

When I was little, one of my favorite games was to play house. Not a day would pass by for me without building the perfect home under my mom's precious lacy curtains, surrounded by an array of dining chairs as my sturdy walls. Of course, I had my own family too. An old teddy bear as Daddy, a rag doll as my darling baby, and myself as Mommy. Oh, we were just the most perfect family there ever was.

Take Flight, mixed mediums on paper

What I didn't learn as a child, was that building a family is also work, work, work. That image in my head of a picture perfect household became a mental goal to pursue and some days proved to be a lot harder than the rest. In fact, I think I remember feeling so tired and disappointed at some point that I wonder how on earth I could ever be so gullible to carry on that perfect image too far into my adulthood. Well, serves me right for living behind rose tinted glasses most of my live.

But don't worry, I have not broken down and about to give up on that pretty image. I think as an artist, I am truly blessed to have the ability to render any picture I have in my head and turn it into something more vivid and real for myself. I have learned to trim all excess frills and ribbons that once decorated my frame, and carry on with my journey with an image that suits me for who I am.

So to those of you about to tie the knot and head into the wilds of marriage and family life, please try to keep in mind that not everyday will be a carnival ride with cotton candy and colorful balloons. But when it is, be thankful and savor each moment that lasts. Just a little advice, from one student to another. :)

Hugs,

Amalia, oxx

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I have 24 unopened mails in my inbox and some I know are from my lovely blogger friends. I'm sorry for being too quiet lately and not replying to any of them. You are truly some of the sweetest people I have ever came across and thank you for being so kind to check up on me. More hugs to you! oxx

Shining under the Clouds

2012-01-05T07:09:00.002+07:00

So it's 2012. Twelve long years after all the "millennium" buzz and fuss...and where are we at now? Hmm. I'm still asking myself the same question every year, and most likely for the years ahead too. Like anyone working in the creative fields, it's probably best for me to think about where my art is heading this year. A couple of friends had already asked me why my work seems to be changing into a different direction these days...what's with all the sudden "cuteness"? And all I could do was laugh.

Call for Rain, mixed mediums, 2011

To be honest, I have been undergoing self therapy for some time now. A going-mad-prevention kind of therapy, to be exact (^_^). I must admit the last few months of 2011 had been immensely hard for my fragile soul and tapping too deep into my inner thoughts was a huge no-no at the time. Hence the "cute" drawings, as my friends had kindly put it. Sometimes it's best to think only of happy thoughts and put aside the heavy stuff for days with bluer skies.

I can only hope this new year will bring us more wonderful moments to cherish and plenty of time to reflect, no matter how hard life gets.

Best wishes to all,

Amalia, oxx

The Messenger

2011-12-24T06:00:00.002+07:00

The Messenger, mixed mediums

my dear sweet golden bird,

fly for me into the sky

and tell the world of my woes and wishes

spread your wings and soar

while the moon hides behind the shadows

and the stars shy away from your eyes

I love you, my sweet golden bird

you sing my tales

and cast away my burdens

with you I will keep on singing

until dawn rises and shadows disappear

~A.K~

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Thank you all my wonderful friends for staying with me all through the year
and letting me share with you pieces of my mind and my heart.
I hope the next year will be another blessed one.

May all your nights be filled with stars above.

Amalia, oxx

'Tis the Season to be Knitting

2011-12-20T07:58:00.003+07:00

I must admit that knitting fascinates me. Besides the fact that it's harder than it looks and I failed miserably at my only attempt years ago, I also find it incredible how so many ideas are born and people are able to transform these ideas just by knitting them. It's amazing how I could type in the word "knit" on Etsy alone and end up with thousands of options, from sweaters to art, from scarves to toys, even socks to knitted beards. Now, how on earth would we ever survive without knitted beards? :)

Kitty Knitting, pencils on paper, 6x8 inches

Well, here are some gorgeous items I found on Etsy under the word "knit"....

1 - Little Bear Hat by SaraLagace
2 - Yes to Yarn by TrishaBrinkDesign
3 - Knit Stitch Knitting by pspress
4 - Marine Neckwarmer by Stylishknitting
5 - Mohair Fingerless Gloves by LoveandKnit
6 - Ecru Knit Bag - by Nzlbags
7 - Knitty, knitty by ashleyg
8 - Blue Knitted Pillow by MissWool

So if the weather is cold where you are and now the festive season is just around the corner...maybe it's time put on the fire and knit your dreams away! :)

Amalia, oxx

Drawing Away

2011-12-13T23:24:00.001+07:00

Hello Yoyo, colored pencils on paper, 5x7 inches

Sleep Tight My Bear, colored pencils on paper, 6x8 inches

Fly Home Birdie, colored pencils on paper, 6x8 inches

Hello lovelies! Is December flowing smoothly for you? As you can see, I've gotten carried away making these mini drawings with my pencils... It's so meditative, especially because I can start one in the morning and have it done after sundown. Somehow I feel happier knowing that I've accomplished something for the day. I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm also enjoying these simple childish theme...everything is just uncomplicated and straightforward, unlike life in general. Wouldn't you agree? :)

And on an even much happier note...guess what the postman brought me the other day!

...Yes, yes, Oona is here!! If you remember, I won a giveaway from Jess Quinn not long ago and I'm so excited now that it's finally here. Thanks again, Jess, for this wonderful gift. She will be treasured always.

Okay, back to my drawings... a lovely December to you all!

Amalia, oxx

Dear Anne

2011-12-10T05:01:00.001+07:00

Cloud Dancing, colored pencils on paper, 2010

My dearAnne,

Thisis a special note for you… I’m so terribly sad to learn about your news, and itmakes me mad to think that this horrible disease has entered the life of somany of my friends and beloved ones. But I know that you will fight it with allyour might because you are without a doubt, one of the strongest people I know witha huge passion for life.

Pleasekeep in your mind and in your heart that your friends will always be there tohold your hands, whether near or far. Never lose faith because I know you haveplenty and even so much more to share as you have been doing all this time.

Justkeep dancing, my friend, even when the clouds hover above your head.

Hugsand kisses,

Amaliaoxox

A Small Reunion

2011-12-05T02:38:00.005+07:00

In case you're wondering... No, I haven't disappeared into thin air. Just got a little lost inside the woods and had some struggle coming back. I must admit that I felt like I was racing round and round in a circle for the last few weeks and all I wanted was to find a way out of the cycle just so I could take a long deep breath. Well I did. With the help of some very, very old and loyal friends I have put aside inside the cupboard for too long... My colored pencils.

For those of you who have been following my blog since the beginning, you might remember that I started off as a pencil artist and in time I got weary of how time consuming working with pencils seemed to be. So regretfully, I ventured off to explore other mediums and my pencils were neglected. What really strikes me is that now I actually have found a way to slow down with these old friends. Somehow time seems to walk in slow motion when I draw, and each layer of color proves to be therapeutic. It's wonderful how I can comeback to my drawing table in between the chaos and sneak in a few minutes each time while the drawing just waits there patiently. :)

So yes. I'm still exhausted, overwhelmed sometimes. But now I have a little time capsule that shuts out all the noise and craziness outside.

Five minutes at a time is good enough for me. For now. :)

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After thinking through many sunsets and cups of coffee , I've finally decided that my blog needs a new name. So as you can see at the top, my header will tell you just that. Hopefully it will bring me many more happy moments with all of you. Thank you for being such great company and sticking around all this time.

Love you guys!

OXOX

I Read Blogs - Jess Quinn (Making, My Way)

2011-11-22T23:26:00.001+07:00

Do you believe in serendipity? Isn't it just sweet when you have a special encounter and be lucky enough to receive a hug, a kiss, and in my case a gorgeous gift? Well, that's exactly what happened to me. You see, I have been a great admirer of Jess Quinn's art ever since I found her on Etsy. There's just a deliciously fun quirky way in every single one of her creations and I fell in love instantly the minute I saw them.

Of course, finding her blog was the next cool thing. I love watching the way she works magic with her incredibly strange yet lovable characters. Not to mention that I'm lucky enough to win one in her recent giveaway! What's even more cool is that I received an e-mail from her about winning it just as I was writing a post about her blog. Now, wouldn't you call that serendipity with extra icing on top??? (^_^)

Fantastic art, don't you think? Well, if you like these adorable faces, you will love seeing a lot more on Jess Quinn's blog. And maybe take a little peek into her life as she manages her role as an artist and a mother of three lovely children (something I could definitely learn from her!).

Happy blog hopping!

Amalia, oxx

PS: Sorry for being a little bit on the down side these days and thank you for all the wonderful supportive comments you left me. I'm still working hard to cope with everything and hopefully I'll get my act together soon. (The gift sure made my day, so thanks, Jess!)

In My Island

2011-11-20T23:01:00.002+07:00

In My Island, pencils and digital mediums

Hello darlings, how are you today? It's been a long one for me and I'm just exhausted. Sorry for not picking a more cheery note to start this post, but I guess I'm really writing to myself this time. If that makes sense at all.

Do you ever feel like days go by like a blink of an eye? As if you've just gotten used to sunrise when suddenly the sun already sets outside? Daylight, nightfall. Daylight, and nightfall again. My brain is telling me to pick up the pace while my body is growing sluggish every minute. And my heart? Well, it won't answer when I asked. Probably still trying to figure out what's all the commotion my brain is shouting out. Am I sounding more pathetic now?

Well, I was thinking about this and I realize that I'm probably in some kind of mental shock. Not just from taking care of the baby and getting used to the new chaos I have to face each day, but especially from losing a heap amount of time for myself. Mind you, "my time" is the only thing that keep me sane through everything. I sure wish there was a secret switch somewhere in the closet that I can push so I could travel from home to another place and back again in a flash. Yah. Wouldn't that be swell?

Of course, I hope you understand that this is just a little whisper to myself, so I could make a mental note that after this I will have to take a deep breath and start again with a smile on my face. So go and have a wonderful day out today. Meanwhile, I think I'll go look for that special switch in the closet. :)

Hugs and more hugs,

Amalia, oxx

Angels in Winter

2011-11-15T05:42:00.001+07:00

When I was thirteen years old, I saw snow for the first time. Growing up in a place where the sun blazed almost everyday half through the year and rain poured consistently the rest of the months, seeing snow was definitely one of the most wonderful moments for me. I still remember the first scent, the first touch, even the first smack of snowball behind my neck..they're all safely planted in my memory even until now. Well, I guess it's true. Winter is magical. I know that the only chance of seeing snow for me now is probably by watching Jack Frost with the kids (for the zillionth times), but that shouldn't stop me from daydreaming, right? :)

Anyway, these are my Snow Angels, lively and bright to add some color to a cold white winter season. Of course, you're probably wondering how on earth did I manage to make them while I have a baby who cries every half an hour and two little kids who seem to need something every time I finally have the chance to take a break. :) Well, to be honest, it took me over a week to make these...and it was sheer torture each time I walked passed my desk and glanced at them, wishing I could get my hands all dirty with paint and glue so I could finish them! I'm sure many of you recognize that kind of torture. Haha!

So here's to a white magical winter to you! Even if you don't get to see snow, at least you can daydream...like I do. :))

Amalia, oxx

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A little shop update

Throughout November and December, all shipping for purchase of $50 and over will be automatically upgraded to Express Mail for fast delivery with no added cost!! If you plan on buying a gift from my shop for the holiday season, best to do it soon so your orders will arrive right in time.

Missing the Parade

2011-11-12T05:29:00.003+07:00

It's early here. 4:15 am to be exact and I've just put the baby to sleep (for the third time!). Funny, it just dawned on me that days go by so quickly after I've had the baby and now I don't greet Saturday as happily as I used to. Why? Because then I'd realize that my half done drawing for Illustration Friday is still sitting nicely on my desk, probably collecting dust as I write this.

Ah well, maybe next week... (^_^)

Anyway, at least now I get to do something I've been wanting to do for a long time! You see, the first time I took part in IF, the first thing I thought was...What? Only one winner?? But there's so many good ones to see! And such teeny weeny thumbnails to do them justice!! Well, grumble no more because at least some of them will be available to see here for all of us to ooh and aah over. Here are a few of my favorite submissions for the past topic, "Stripes"...

Nelleke Verhoeff

Tanya Maiboroda

Azadeh Tajvidi

Aren't they all fabulous? I just love how each illustrator brought up their idea in such different ways. I wonder what they'll come up with for the next topic... And as for me? Well, lets just say that I'm learning new ways of stealing time. :)

Ciao!

Amalia, oxx

Stolen Minutes

2011-11-09T18:27:00.002+07:00

Psst. The baby is asleep. Big Sister is still at school and Big Brother is outside playing. Quick! I have only 20 to 25 minutes tops to post this before the chaos starts again (^_^). Just a little update of what I have been doing in those stolen minutes during the day.

A couple of original hand painted nursery art available in the shop, inspired by my youngest bundle of joy...

And a little update of my Etsy shop. Some recent items have been added, some older ones are still waiting for a new home...

But most importantly, there's a 25% OFF SALE on all items in honor of Baby Rayyan that will end on 15th November (coupon code CELEBRATIONSALE).

Well, I best be going now. I think I hear someone stirring in the nursery... :)

Amalia, oxx

Monster Abduction (Scary!!!)

2011-11-02T16:30:00.008+07:00

Now who would post about Halloween on the 2nd of November? Hmm, I don't know... maybe a cranky, sleep deprived mommy who had planned on doing it before the actual Hallow's Eve, but got abducted by the diaper monster right before she did? Hehe. Yeah, she would be it (make that me!). I'm sure the sight of the beautiful dark circles around my eyes alone would scare the bejiggers out of everyone, but I'll spare you just this once. :)

So instead I'll show you this drawing I made while the diaper monster wasn't looking...

Beastlings, graphite on paper

...which was something I thoroughly enjoyed! Especially because I haven't been drawing cute characters for a while now. It's always fun to play, isn't it? In fact, I think it would be a good therapy for me, considering the load I'm taking right now. Believe me, it's serious business to raise children, and so far the best advice I've been giving myself is to stop, inhale, exhale, count to five, then carry on.... well, it works for me. Most of the time, anyway. The Beastlings itself is inspired by my three kids, of course. Salma the calm and self reserved, Kinaya the bubbly easy going boy, and Rayyan...who is still too tiny and in need of protection from big brother and sister.

And speaking of Halloween, here are some of the cutest spooky themed treasures I found on Etsy...

1 - Original art by moonandlion

2 - ACEO print by DanitaArt
3 - Skull decoration garland by RawBone Studio

4 - Art print by atpalicis

So anyway, how was your Hallow's Eve? Was your party a huge success? Well, I hope you all had monstrous fun and came home with your bags full of treats!

A BIG hug from the monster's lair,

Amalia, oxx

I Read Blogs - Mir Dinara

2011-10-27T16:27:00.001+07:00

Well yes, I do. And quite ravenously too, if I may say so myself. I even have a long (make that super long) list of blogs that have remained my favorites over the time. Some about art, photography, craft, and literature... some about home living, motherhood, fashion, food and travel. Not to mention the interestingly different angles and perspectives taken on each of these subjects. Somehow I find blog reading to be a pleasure I don't think I could ever be deprived of! To me, blogs are more open and honest, many times to the level of being personal that some are able to reach far deeper within than others. It's like reading someone's thoughts and feelings that are generously given for others to see. Now tell me, how lucky are we, eh? :)

Anyway... one of my favorites is a lively fun blog run by an equally lively lady named Dinara Mirtalipova. As a wonderful illustrator and loving young mom, I always find her blog, Mir Dinara, to be a refreshing place to be. I love seeing her fantastic work there, her fun doodles and the delightful way she shares her daily life with her readers.

So if you're looking for a refreshing start of the day, make sure you visit her fantastic blog and I have no doubt you'll fall right in love as I did! :)

Have a lively day, my sweets!

Amalia, oxx

Tending to the Tangled Yarn

2011-10-20T21:59:00.001+07:00

Hello my lovelies, how are you? I hope life is kind and pretty dreams are filling your slumber at night. First, let me just thank everyone who had been so wonderful and generous with their best wishes for me and my newborn. It's so good to come back blogging and find that you can always find great friends here. :)

Life, I must say, is a huge different book for me now. Nothing is the same. Seriously, my mom wasn't kidding when she said that I'd have a big amount of tangled yarn to tend to once the baby comes and having three children to take care of. Yep, I've had good days and not so good ones too...but I'm hanging in there, trying to take one step at a time, even when the last one I took left a huge mess to clean up after.

Off She Flew, pencils and digital mediums

Despite all that, I've been trying to sneak a few minutes of drawing here and there just to keep my hand (and head) from getting rusty. Funny how these moments mean so much now, especially in between diaper changing! Haha! I suppose things will work out better once I've mastered the new rhythm. :)

Anyway, I've also promised myself that having a new baby won't keep me away from blogging and running my online shops. So here are a few updates I'd like to share with you...

New prints at The Wish Forest... (including Off She Flew above)

A special promotion still running...

...and a few discounted items for everyone. All available at my shop!

Well I'm off to tend to my tangled yarn. Hopefully I'll be able to have everything flowing smoothly very soon.

So wish me luck! (I know I'll need it).

Hugs to you,

Amalia, oxx

A New Prince

2011-10-14T05:09:00.006+07:00

Meet my little miracle. Weighing only 2.6 kg the day he was born, this tiny prince battled long hours of a difficult delivery with me a few days ago and made me see that life is even more precious than I've ever seen it before. We named him Rayyan, after the gate of heaven, as a prayer that one day he would grow up spreading beauty and hope to those around him.

I cannot be more thankful than I am today.

Sunshine kisses to all of you,

Amalia, oxx

Alice and the White Rabbit

2011-09-29T01:57:00.000+07:00

Dear Alice was in for a remarkable adventure, the minute Curiosity twinkled in her spine...

Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sisteron the bank, and of having nothing to do: once or twice she hadpeeped into the book her sister was reading, but it had nopictures or conversations in it, `and what is the use of a book,'thought Alice `without pictures or conversation?'

So she was considering in her own mind (as well as she could,for the hot day made her feel very sleepy and stupid), whetherthe pleasure of making a daisy-chain would be worth the troubleof getting up and picking the daisies, when suddenly a WhiteRabbit with pink eyes ran close by her.

There was nothing so very remarkable in that; nor did Alicethink it so very much out of the way to hear the Rabbit say toitself, `Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be late!' (when she thoughtit over afterwards, it occurred to her that she ought to havewondered at this, but at the time it all seemed quite natural).

But when the Rabbit actually took a watch out of its waistcoat-pocket, and looked at it, and then hurried on, Alice started toher feet, for it flashed across her mind that she had neverbefore seen a rabbit with either a waistcoat-pocket, or a watch totake out of it, and burning with curiosity, she ran across thefield after it, and fortunately was just in time to see it popdown a large rabbit-hole under the hedge.

~ Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter I ~

Well, as you can probably see, I have been revisiting one of my very favorite books lately and getting all sorts of urge to spill the characters back into life. This duo is actually something I created on a very, very hot and boring day (ask Alice how excruciating that is!). But instead of just drawing them on paper, I decided that it would be more interesting to make miniature paper dolls to play theater with! So here they are, and now already happy frolicking in The Wish Forest, going down the rabbit hole and into Wonderland.

Have you read anything inspiring lately? Do tell! :)

Amalia, oxx

The Queen of Hearts (IF - Ferocious)

2011-09-26T12:11:00.002+07:00

"Sentence first, verdict afterwards!"

~The Queen of Hearts~

The Queen of Hearts, pencils and digital mediums

Although depicted in a calmer and more silent mood here, this Queen of Hearts can be as ferocious as a lioness! (trust me, you don't want to mess with her...)

Here's to a fine week ahead, everyone!

Amalia, oxx

***The Queen of Hearts is now available as cards and fine art prints in my RedBubble shop.***

Mesmerizing (IF)

2011-09-19T11:28:00.003+07:00

Mesmerizing. Such a beautiful word, isn't it? Makes me think of the buoyant sweeping wind, the gentle lullaby at night and the soothing words to comfort the soul. Some people even have this mesmerizing qualities, enough to draw your attention and hold it in their presence alone. Have you ever met anyone like that? I'm sure we all have very different experiences when it comes to that, but I've had the privilege to learn more and expand my horizon while doing my last commissioned project.

Here are a few artworks I created for the project, based on a well known Indian guru and spiritual leader, Sathya Sai Baba. It was a chance to step out of the box, beyond my comfort zone, and I was actually quite pleased with them...

These images are all available as fine at prints at a special website, www.purnaavatar.com where you can also see other artworks of artists from all around the world portraying the Guru.

Well, I hope you have the chance to cross path with inspirations everyday. Many of us are fortunate enough to see them wherever they look, and be truly mesmerized. :)

Amalia, oxx

Blissful Slumber

2011-09-13T12:02:00.000+07:00

Watch me float into air

while the shimmery clouds touch my senses

and the moonbeam kisses my face

as I gently close my eyes

surrendering to a blissful slumber

Blissful Slumber is available now at The Wish Forest

Peace and love to all,

Amalia, oxx

The Lost Soul

2011-09-09T19:48:00.004+07:00

When I was little, I lived in a haunted house. It wasn't the kind you see in horror movies where you enter a huge gate that leads to a spooky decadent mansion. It was just a relatively large, two levels house in a normal urban area, looking very similar to its neighboring houses. The only difference was that behind our house, there was an empty plot of land with a massive odd looking banyan tree that had stood even long before I moved in as a toddler.

The house itself was always very quiet, and I remember how still it seemed to be during the day. With my parents at work, my much older siblings minding their own business in their rooms, I was left to entertain myself doing whatever I could think of. Strangely enough, even in that very spacious house, I never felt lonely. It was as if someone was always there to keep me company. Not that I ever saw anything, but my family told me that I could spend hours in the most creepy parts of the house, talking to myself (or someone?) and never once looked scared or bothered.

The Lost Soul, pencils and digital mediums

I lived in that house for over ten years, and as I grew up, I started to notice things that didn't really agree with my common sense. Like a chill behind my neck even if there was no breeze, a tick-tocking sound that seemed to come from a large clock, which we didn't have. Even a presence that continued to linger wherever I went. But again, none of these ever bothered me because I was already a permanent part of the house and it was also a part of me.

It wasn't until the day we left for England that I felt a very strange feeling whenever I thought of the house. After we left, I started to have the same dream where I would seem to float on air, roaming about the empty house, from one room to another, as if looking for something I'd lost. What's even more bizarre, the dream carried on well throughout my teenage years and suddenly stopped the day I came back to Indonesia, a few years later. It turned out that the house was sold a few months after we had left, but stayed empty for years because for some reasons the new inhabitants just didn't quite fit in.

I guess the dream explained everything.

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A note:

I'm sorry I haven't been the best of blogger lately. I have missed visiting your blogs and leaving a few words. But seeing that I'm going through an excessive nesting period at the moment, I find it hard to stay too long in front of the computer while my home seems to be begging for some tidying up (no matter how many times I tell myself how tidy it already is!). I hope you're all having wonderful lovely days and maybe I'll have more time visiting after the baby comes. :)

Hugs,

Amalia, oxx

PS: The Lost Soul is already haunting my shop right here.

The Vampiress (IF - Mysterious)

2011-09-03T20:28:00.002+07:00

Beware

Her kiss may not be for the faint of heart

Or even the bravest of minds

The Vampiress

Now gracing the walls of The Wish Forest

Amalia, oxx

Bewitching Influence

2011-08-27T02:37:00.000+07:00

Do you remember the times when witches looked like this?

I don't know about you, but growing up, I always thought of witches as ugly, evil beings who locked up children and stuffed them with food before throwing them into a giant cauldron for supper. Even the crooked nose and screeching laughter came with the package. And although I didn't know much about their history in real life, this whole impression of witches stuck with me like glue through my childhood years.

So you can imagine my bewilderment when suddenly witches started to grace the big screens and television looking like them...

Quite a change from yucky green skin and huge ugly nose, don't you think? :) I guess it's no surprise that witches started to become some kind of a trend among the very best of us. Suddenly they are beautiful, cool, and many times play the beloved heroines in our favorite stories. I mean, who wouldn't want to be drop dead gorgeous and powerful at the same time, right? It's even a well known phenomenon that witches are becoming more popular in the world of art. Like many art lovers and creators out there, I am too bewitched by this new impression of witches. Although of course, each of us visualize and interpret it in our own way.

The Witch of Salem, pencils and digital mediums

The Sisters of Salem #1 & #2, Mounted ACEO/ATC, pencils and acrylics

If you're a fan of witches, witchcraft and an overall sucker for magical witchery, then I'm sure you're eagerly anticipating the coming of Halloween that is just around the corner. Well, get that cauldron polished, your broom free of cobwebs and your best black frock ready, because before you know it the crow might come calling and the next full moon already shining above your smoking chimney. :)

Have a bewitching weekend, everyone!

Amalia, oxx

Note: All of my witches are available for purchase at the shop, right here.

Warming Up for Halloween

2011-08-23T04:11:00.000+07:00

It's just coming near to September and already Halloween is making its magical spooky entry everywhere. If you're an eager devotee of this particular holiday, here's a little something from me to get you warmed up for the coming event...

Signs Wallpaper

Feel free to download this desktop wallpaper for your personal use through this link. I hope she brings a little eerie chill every time you turn on the computer. :)

Amalia, oxx

Today's the Day!

2011-08-20T20:40:00.000+07:00

Yes! The day is finally here for me to reveal the lucky winners of my giveaway! But first of all, let me just thank you again for the wonderful response you've given me... I've loved seeing so many familiar and new faces entering my humble event. So, instead of using the random generator (which I think is absolutely no fun!), I went ahead and drew the names the old fashioned way...

So there we have it!!! Here are the lovely lucky winners...

The vintage t-shirt winner

Manon Doyle

(The Blog of Manon Doyle)

The two $15 shopping vouchers winners to use at The Wish Forest

Linda Fine

Julia Christie

(Serendipity - A Mother's Tale)

Congratulations to all the winners! I'll personally let you know on how to claim your prizes...and meanwhile, have a great weekend! See you all soon...

Amalia, oxx

Old Faces, Brand New Look

2011-08-13T02:45:00.002+07:00

I have been playing "make over" with a few animal friends....

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Sometimes...(once in a blue moon), I like to go through my old work and compare them with my latest ones. Unfortunately, I often get itchy fingers (nasty thing!) and start to believe that some of them are begging for a change. So of course, being a good friend that I am to them, there's really nothing else I could do but to make them happy, right? (^_^) How about you? Do you like revamping your old work?

Anyway, I must thank all of you for the wonderful response you've given me on my giveaway. It makes me so happy to know that many of you appreciate my work and have taken the time to participate. Just want to remind you that the giveaway is still on and you can join right here.

Wishing you a blessed weekend!

Amalia, oxx

PS: All these animal friends are available as prints on Etsy and RedBubble.

A New Collection and a Giveaway!!

2011-08-05T20:47:00.005+07:00

Hello my lovelies... The time has come, for us to talk of many things! (so the Walrus said...). First of all, I have something brand new, something I've been keeping in my head for a while now and have anxiously waited for the day to finally make it happen. Yep, as of today, I am launching my very own illustrated clothing collection! Here's a little peek for you....

The collection itself mainly features a number of my past illustrations which I have selected and gathered into one single concept. The designs you see here are only a few of them, and you can see the full collection at my shop. I'm just so excited because this project gave me so much freedom and I had a blast creating it!

To make things even merrier, I'm giving away...

ONE illustrated t-shirt for ONE lucky winner

and

TWO $15 vouchers for TWO lucky winners to use at The Wish Forest

!!!!!

To win the giveaway, all you have to do is...

♥ Follow my blog and leave a comment stating which design you would like to win

(View the full collection by clicking this link and choose whichever you like best!)

For a bigger chance of winning, you could also...

♥ "Like" my Facebook Page and leave a comment there

♥ Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway

I'll be drawing the winners on the 20th August 2011 and announce them on this blog! So make sure you circle that date and meet me back right here.

Until then, have a wonderful weekend ahead...wishing you all lots of fun and happy times!

Amalia, oxx

What the Heart Wants (IF - Obsession)

2011-08-01T06:45:00.004+07:00

What the Heart Wants, pencils and digital mediums

Obsessions are the pinnacle of my dreams...

Amalia, oxx

***To purchase prints of this work, please click here***

Not So Technique-Driven Techniques

2011-07-29T12:15:00.004+07:00

It hasn't rained here in a while, and being a "cloudy-rainy day" person, I always feel a little bit off and forlorn waiting for the droplets to fall from the sky. It's amazing how the weather can really affect you...it's like some people are built for certain climates, don't you think? So while I anxiously eye the sky every now and then, I've also been keeping myself busy with some deadlines and playing away with Photoshop. Now, for many people who know me well, they'll tell you that I'm not a very technique driven person. I don't do too well with manuals and tutorials, hopeless with gadgets (which drives my husband crazy!), and prefer to use the only reliable tool I have in me. My feelings. :)

You can pretty much see my point by following the way I work with Photoshop to transform this painting into a new form of life...

For a start, I picked three templates to help me create the depth and textures I want for the piece. Many times I would go crazy and paint my own templates, but sometimes I just scan real pages and then alter them into something more to my likings.

Of course as anyone who are familiar with working digitally, most artists and designers usually have their own tricks and techniques of "layer effects" that they use to achieve the right characteristics needed for the work. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them. Why? Probably because I usually change the layer effects so many times that I lose track of what I've done so far. Haha! Like I said, I rely on my feelings....

Other than the layers, I also like to play around with the brightness-contrast tool, and especially balancing the colors. With this particular painting, I wanted the old antique feel to it but still show some brilliance of the colors. So I added some sheer blue and pink to the robe and the lady's cheeks for a richer look, then painted a little yellow light across her hair for a vivid glow.

Lastly, I added some crackling effects by using the crackle-texture template to the overall piece, and there you have it...a new form of painting created using my very, very simple steps and techniques.

The Guardian, watercolor, pencils and digital mediums

I wish I could show you one of my more complex pieces that involves dozens of layers, but that would probably just drive us all insane! :) Well, I think I'll go back to my sky watching now. Thought I saw a little grey cloud hovering above the trees somewhere....

Hugs,

Amalia, oxx

**The original painting of The Guardian is available at my Etsy shop, and fine art prints (of the rendered piece) is available over at RedBubble**

Little Star

2011-07-25T21:30:00.000+07:00

Little Star, watercolor, pencils & digital mediums

A painting inspired by one of my all time favorite songs, Little Star by Stina Nordenstam...

I hope you like it too! :)

Amalia, oxx

Fine art prints of this painting is available in my RedBubble shop, and the original art is available at Etsy.

To be Something or Everything?

2011-07-22T21:24:00.003+07:00

I often wonder about my profession and what it is that I do. Most of the time I just 'label' myself as an illustrator, you know, a commercial artist or someone who illustrates... as the dictionary puts it. But then what kind of illustrator am I? I mean, does it even matter? Apparently when you've plunged in and currently swirling in the pool of the so-called professionals, it does. And professionals being...? Well, basically those working specifically in the field, making money out of it and rubbing elbows with the others to get to a certain level of recognition (...which just adds to the things I need to ponder on). To be honest, at first all I wanted to do was to become a children's book illustrator, earning a proper income from making children happy.

...my much, much, earlier work in the old days...

But surely enough as humans do evolve, my interests shifted little by little and suddenly I found myself creating work that selfishly revolves more around myself, mainly as a medium to translate all those scattered little pennies of my thoughts. So what sort of illustrator exactly am I? I now ask myself, especially after this nice gentleman laid down the same question the other day (as if there should be a specific genre where I prefer to map myself...)

...attempting what used to be the unknown (digital mediums)...

Am I...
A children's book illustrator?
Novel covers enthusiast?
A digital illustrator?
Perhaps a traditional one?
Or maybe none and all of the above because I do a lot and also very little of them, depending on my moods and needs. It's funny isn't it when sometimes you are forced to present yourself as a specific type of 'something' when your heart tells you that you can be just about 'everything' you want.

...a new found love of mixed media art...

Andromeda the Stars Keeper, pencils, watercolor and digital medium

...my latest work, which I created solely from watching a Nat Geo's program on galaxies (^_^)...

One thing I know for sure. Creating art, whatever the form, makes me feel alive and happy. I have absolutely no idea what's the next agenda for me... would I find myself facing a giant blank wall to paint a mural? Getting tangled in threads attempting my first piece of embroidered work? Or maybe even carving a statue out of wood? Illustrator, artist, art maker, whatever the label people or myself might pin on me, I think I would be happiest thinking of myself as a student. Preferable one that never graduates! :))

Happy weekend, my lovelies!

Amalia, oxx

PS: Original work of Andromeda The Stars Keeper is available at The Wish Forest, prints available at RedBubble

The Muse - A Glimpse of Red

2011-07-16T09:56:00.003+07:00

I was sorting out my portfolio folder the other day and I noticed something quite significant about my work...the fact that I have repeatedly drawn or painted redheads as the main object in many of them. Now I don't really know why I do this, but I admit that I've always had a fascination with red hair. Being Asian born, as a child I had gotten used to the idea that normal people had very dark hair (except maybe some ladies with "yellow hair" that I had seen on TV. :)). So you can imagine how stunned I was the first time I saw a redhead in person. There was a mystical magical glow about it, and I was instantly bewitched.

The Muse #1, watercolor & pencils on paper

(Original artwork available at The Wish Forest)

Some of my "redheads" over the years...

You may already noticed, but did you know that many famous artists of the past were in fact fixated by redheads? Some well known painters such as Gustav Klimt himself repeatedly used women with red hair as the main object of his masterpieces, and I just admire how beautifully he had captured the exoticism and mystique of his muses. These are some of my favorites...

Mother and Child

Danae

Another painter I hugely admire in this case is Henri de Toulouse Lautrec. Although very different in style and imagination from Klimt, he always managed to show his redhead fascination in a very subtle yet obvious way. He was even known to have a certain fixation on one of his lady friends, Jane Avril, who appeared in so many of his paintings.

At the Moulin de la Galette

La Toilette

At the Moulin Rouge

So I suppose there are many ways an artist is inspired, whether through experience, objects, desires, people, literature or perhaps music? Whether they have lived the golden years or still climbing the steps like so many of us... Either way, inspiration thrives whichever way you look, and even the simplest things can help you create the most incredible piece of art.

What kind of inspiration have you had? Do you share my passion for red headed muses ? :)

Amalia, oxx

A Peaceful Day for Mommy

2011-07-11T21:42:00.003+07:00

Hello everyone, I hope the sun is shining brightly and bringing smiles to your face. Today, the school holiday officially ends and I woke up early in the morning hustling bustling away to get my kids ready for school (it's my little boy's first day in kindergarten and I was fussing over everything like mad!). But after everyone's left, I had a sudden feeling like I was in another world. It was so quiet, that it actually took me a few minutes to recover from the shock! Haha! Well, after over two weeks of constant loud noises and the bickering every now and then between the little people, my ears had gotten used to the havoc. So I'm happy to say that overall, this day has been a lovely peaceful one for mommy at home. :)

Speaking of lovely, do you remember the giveaway I won from Kaspian Shore? I was so excited when a package arrived from Germany a few days ago and I just love, love, LOVE what I had found inside! It was a print of his original illustration, Stellar Dreams, which I think fits in with the title so beautifully. Thank you again, Kaspian, for the wonderful gift.

And what better way to celebrate these little joys than giving away something in return? As you can see, I have recreated my Wishes artwork into a desktop wallpaper design and you can download it for FREE, for your very own personal use through this special link.

Enjoy! I hope you like it...

Lots of hugs, Amalia, oxx

Yearning for the Night Sky

2011-07-05T06:45:00.004+07:00

Last week had been a long exhausting week for me and I don't think I've felt this tired for quite some time. What's funny, I wasn't even overloaded with work, but really just playing the "Mother". Well, you know what they say, there's no tougher job than being one... especially during the holiday season! Yep, kids can be more than a handful, and as my mom keeps saying these days, "Remember, there will be three of them soon..." Yeah, no need reminding me there, Mom! :D

Well, with very little time for myself, I have been thinking a lot about the past and missing all the nights I used to spend with my old friends back in college. Nope, we weren't the sort who went out constantly to clubs and shook our booties till dawn. We just loved going out for meals and then spent time together outside to chat, savoring some fresh air and the night sky. Times like those really bring people closer together, believe me. I even fell in love with a friend once...whom I married years later. :)

Here are some beautiful and inspiring images that have accompanied me in my thoughts while reminiscing the past...

Altitude by Robert Cadloff

Dandelions by Anne Solfud

Beauty of the Stars by Esra of Sunshine Art Design

Twilight Garden by Anna of My Little Pixels

Night Sky by Erin Reynolds

So inspiring to me in fact, that I then decided to recreate my old ACEOs as new artworks and they are now both available as fine art prints and greeting cards at my RedBubble shop.

Rose in Dreams, acrylics & digital painting

Lily at Midnight, acrylics & digital painting

So anyway, I have no doubt that this week will be another exhausting one for me, and I would have to steal away some alone time for a breather now and then...at least until school starts again. :))

Here's wishing you plenty of peace and serenity...

Amalia, oxx

Garden in the Forest (IF-MIdsummers's Night)

2011-06-27T17:53:00.002+07:00

I found a Garden in The Forest

where I often sit and linger

to get lost in my own thoughts...

Garden in the Forest #1-3, acrylics and colored pencils on board

Hi all. I have been enjoying painting these days, making more "crafty" art and finding it to be quite a relaxing thing. I suppose not working for deadlines plays a major role in this... as some of you may agree, yes? Well, I think I'm just lucky to have the kind of occupation that gives me plenty of freedom and space to keep things flowing according to my own needs. And of course, these girls are now available for adoption in my shop, so please feel free to pop in. :)

Now talking about luck, I have had plenty lately too. First of all, a dear blog friend (and a terrific artist!), Sara Lynn, has passed me The Versatile Blogger Award and I'm excited to pass it along to a few friends who I think deserve it:

Tammie Lee of Beauty Flows
Theresa of Welcome to My World with Faerie Moon Creations
Cris of Mommy's Midwest Mountain Folk Art
Lauren of Fair Rosamund Art
Maria-Thérèse of Afiori

On top of the award, I was also very very fortunate to have won a giveaway from Kaspian Shore!!! Have you ever seen his art? Well, I was blown away the first time I saw it, and have remained an admirer ever since. Here's a little peek of his work, but I really recommend you to visit his blog and find yourself lost in the serene melancholy that he captures in each of his paintings.

So, it's been a good beginning to the week for me so far... I hope you'll have plenty of luck and happy moments in your days too!

Amalia, oxx

Come Out, Come Out and Play

2011-06-22T07:23:00.002+07:00

I heard soft knockings and whisperings from inside my wooden chest the other day.... and when I opened it, I saw three girls with a pout on their faces. As it turned out, they were bored and a little sulky because I had forgotten to let them play here on my little blog... :))

A Golden Web by Barbara Quick

Indonesian translation

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit

Indonesian translation

Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda

Indonesian translation

A warm thank you to Penerbit Atria for letting my girls to grace the covers of their marvelous books.

Amalia, oxx

Reversed Moods and a New Experiment on the Table

2011-06-19T14:21:00.008+07:00

I have had very fierce cravings these days. No, not for bizarre meals or even shiny jewelry, but to make art. Loads and loads of it. Do you think it's possible that the dead creativity moods I had during my early pregnancy has finally taken a reverse? I just have these ideas swirling in my head all day, and there seems to be a huge magnet that keeps pulling me towards my drawing table. Now I can sit there doodling, drawing, painting, with the baby kicking and nudging nonstop inside my tummy. Even the cramps seem more bearable, or at least I've found a way to try and ignore them. :)

Here is the last project I did, while trying new things into my usual work by putting a good use to a lot of craft materials that's been sitting away collecting dust. You see, I get all excited sometimes when I go to craft stores and almost never strong enough to escape the craft demon that lures you in to buy stuff... which all usually stay unused inside a box under the table. :)

And this is the star of the project. Meet the girl in blue with her sleeping fox friend. I painted her on a thick recycled paper board and added glossy varnish just to keep her safe from nasty grubby hands. I then made two adjacent little holes on the top corners, and worked a satin ribbon into them, tying a double knot on each end. Of course, you can be more creative and use other things like lace or beaded strings.

Then finally (finally!) I used my favorite little trinkets, that the demon had seduced me into buying, to make a line of charms, which I also combined with the same satin ribbon to add more accent. I attached them to one corner of the painting, giving the girl in blue a whole different look compared to the other girls I've done before...

Quite a change, isn't she? Well, to be honest I was happy with the end result... she really cheered me up for the day. So I'm naming her "Gwyneth", which by the the way means "happiness", and she's now available in The Wish Forest, in case you'd like to give her a little visit.

Now, I wonder where this new mood is taking me next... :))

Amalia, oxx

Living a Dream (IF - Swept)

2011-06-14T06:12:00.003+07:00

When I was about six, I decided that there was nothing more I wanted in the world than to become a pilot. After watching a local acrobatic air show along with hundreds of other people, I suddenly saw flying in loops up in the sky as the most miraculous thing that human had ever invented (next to roller skates and talking dolls, of course). Somehow the idea of being able to be one with the clouds, swept away by the winds, just put aside all other childhood dreams and cleared out a whole new space to make way for this new one.

Balloon Ride, mixed mediums

Strangely enough, the dream stayed with me for a good number of years, only it became less logical and ridiculous. At first I started imagining myself flying in an airplane, then using wing-like contraptions, rockets under my arms, balloons, fairy wings and eventually just nothing on me. I guess all I wanted to do was to fly and the "pilot" thing was just the most logical package my human mind could find. The good thing of having drawing as a favorite past time, I was able to pour down all these ideas out of my head and prove to myself that anything is possible. At least up in my head. :)

The original of this piece is now available in my shop.

I hope you're having lots of fun in your days and keeping the dream alive. You'll never know, it might come true.

Amalia, oxx

Nothing Beats a Quiet Day

2011-06-13T13:25:00.008+07:00

A few poetic finds for you... Heart in Poetry

helmitarha $97.00	DeLaCruz $20.00	saysthetree $28.00	irenesuchocki $30.00
MaisonPaulette $42.00	DreamsandJewel... $155.00	Brookish $11.00	Ketzelphotogra... $40.00
5gardenias $58.00	staroftheeast $74.00	tushtush $20.00	wholeport $7.59
DebrasDivineDe... $22.00	TheGreatBear $52.00	lovemaude $32.00	astridanatural... $3.95

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

A few little faces added to my free gift collection at the shop...

Now I am happy and content..... it's time for a nap. :)

Amalia, oxx

Magic Comes in Small Forms

2011-06-10T07:20:00.004+07:00

Hello my fellow woodland creatures...how are things sprouting in your neck of the woods? I for one have been busy rearranging things in the home, thanks to this crazy "nesting" period I'm going through. It's a good thing I'm not a collector of heavy old furniture, otherwise I'd be driving everyone silly (and out of breath) pushing them around the house.

Between tidying and cleaning up, I've been treating myself to making more art in small sizes. If you remembered how rarely I make ACEOs, it's strange how I've been finding peace in creating them recently. Maybe because I'm not expected to spend too much time on the drawing table with this growing belly in front of me... :))

Here is how my typical working session goes...

I start with the black and white sketches...

...and start painting, just a soft blush across the faces.

Coloring the hair... definitely my favorite part!

Adding more colors... I like how they seem to become alive as I do this.

And just a bit of shading and accents with colored pencils to create more details and depth.

...and voila! These girls are done (minus cramps on my tummy!) :)

If you like any of these faces, I'm actually giving each away for every purchase in my shop. Of course you can choose whichever you like, just let me know your pick. And don't forget, I have a surprise set of free goodies for the first 20 buyers too!

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!

Amalia, oxx

A Hidden Secret No More

2011-06-03T21:52:00.005+07:00

Oncethere was a girl who had a million wishes.

Shekept them safe within a place where no one has ever been...

Nowthe gate has finally opened

Andshe welcomes you inside to meet

TheSecret Society of the Wish Forest

Irena

Moira

Helene

They are only few of the hundreds lingering inside the gate of the forest.

Among the shadows you will also find thousands of tiny lights

creating wishes and dreams for all...

Upon Waiting

Sunset Rendezvous

To find your dreams and wishes, follow the tiny lights and enter the gate

Special note:

Thank you for taking time to see my little show and tell. I have been slowly and patiently working on these for quite some time and I can't tell you how happy I am to share them with you now. It's a wonderful feeling to finally open my new shop, and although I'm still pushing myself to list more art, you're welcome to visit and linger. Just to show how much I love all of you, I'm giving away a surprise free bonus of original ACEO with each purchase...AND... a set of surprise goodies for the first 20 buyers who purchase my art!

You'll notice that I only have original art available in the shop, but you can still purchase prints of my previous work over at RedBubble.

I hope you enjoyed this little show as much as I did making them.

Amalia, oxx

For You

2011-06-01T16:10:00.000+07:00

A little surprise just for you.

Hope to see you then!

Amalia, oxx

She's Arrived

2011-05-27T07:28:00.001+07:00

Jatuh Dari Cinta, short stories by Benny Arnas

Thank you to everyone at Grafindo for the wonderful opportunity.

Amalia, oxx

The Enchanting Art of Nicoletta Ceccoli

2011-05-22T08:31:00.003+07:00

Have you ever been so mesmerized by someone's art that it takes your breath away completely? Now I know that I have been shocked and stunned by so many in my life, but only a few could actually send my heart a flutter and bewitch me entirely speechless. Nicoletta Ceccoli's art is without a doubt among one of them.

Fishing Room

Bloody Mary

Olympia

When I first saw her work, I must admit that I just couldn't stop staring. Somehow they all looked so surreal yet so vivid that I was convinced she must really live in all of her dream like images. In a way, her art seems to go beyond all human fantasy and I'm always in awe at how perfectly she captures her flawless imagination.

Tower

Lollipop Land

Evidently Goldfish

As an award winning illustrator, Nicoletta Ceccoli has illustrated over 30 books since the year 1995, among many of them actually published by some of the most well known publishers throughout the world. Not a surprising fact, considering she's one of the most accomplished illustrators of this era. Other than that, she also creates and exhibits her fine art pieces across the globe which have been beautifully published in a book. To me personally, she's simply a celebrity artist of her own kind.

Well? Are you as mesmerized as I am? :)

If you're curious to see more of her work, here are a couple of links where you can see them:

Website

Facebook Page

And believe me, they are just as bewitching as the snippets you have seen in this post...

Have an inspiring week ahead, everyone!

Amalia, oxx

Words and Inspirations

2011-05-18T06:17:00.001+07:00

Dust of wishes

Sprinkled across a moonlit sky

{link}

With the sound of hoof beats

That follow my every breath

{link}

I fall slowly into a dreamless slumber

where nymphs with petals and feathers linger

{link}

In the land where stars have fallen

and dreams live on under the butterfly's wings

{link}

Dust of wishes, wishes of dreams

I will rise and keep you safe in the breaking dawn

{link}

~ words by yours truly ~

Please click each link to see more about these beautiful inspirations.

Amalia, oxx

In my Dreams

2011-05-10T05:05:00.003+07:00

I have had very similar dreams for the past week. Everything looked so vivid yet surreal, and I had awakened from each one feeling like it had been real. Have you ever had dreams like these? Ones that give you flashbacks throughout the day and make you wonder if they mean anything?

To be honest, I have never been the obsessive type when it comes to interpreting dreams, and anything that lies within or even beyond the realm of human mystique for that matter. To me personally, the fascination simply goes as far as pouring it down onto a piece of paper, and keeping the curiosity as a reminder of greater secrets kept safe in the universe. I'm just thankful that at least I have a way of streaming out the curiosity into something that gives me peace of mind.

Jatuh Berkeping-keping, 2011, mixed mediums

This particular illustration is in fact a perfect example, and it was also created for Benny Arnas' book cover that I had worked on. So in a way, some of my work are actually glimpses of my own personal 'mystique'. Not a bad way to compete with Albus Dumbledore's Pensieve, eh? :))

Well, maybe I'll find a way to sneak some of these new dreams out of my head and onto paper very soon. Meanwhile, I hope you're having plenty of play times with your imagination.

Amalia, oxx

Simplifying Things

2011-05-02T11:21:00.013+07:00

Never take more than you can handle, I always say. Well, so I keep telling myself whenever I'd misplace my wisdom and absentmindedly take on a project simply because it interests me. Obviously, Curiosity prefers to ignore that small voice in my head and I usually end up with work piling on top of my table. :)

As you all know, I have a second blog where I often post about things that inspire me, and mostly art that leaves me green with envy. Unfortunately, given the "condition" I'm in right now, I find it hard to manage two blogs and at the same time finish all the projects that I'm stuck with, thanks to Mr. Curiosity. So for the time being, I will be posting them right here along with my other ramblings. Hope you're still game!

Meanwhile, here is another piece for Benny Arnas' book...

Sesungguhnya Dia Sangat Cemas, 2011, mixed mediums

Also, I have a little free gift for all of you, something to help you keep your book collection from wandering away and disappearing into someone else' library.

If you're interested, just download the file directly through this link. All you have to do is print it and fill in the blank with your name. Of course, you're welcome to spread the love and give the file to friends and family, as long as it stays free. :)

Enjoy!

Amalia, oxx

2011-04-28T16:33:00.001+07:00

Hello again, everyone! Just letting you know that I'm in the process of opening a brand new shop over at Etsy. com. New concept, new look, and definitely new work by yours truly. Right now I'm having a Clearance Sale with huge discounts on all available items, which will commence until April 30th. So, chop chop, there's not much time left and limited stock won't last forever, yes? :)

Hope to see you there soon!!

Amalia, oxx

Click here to go to my shop

Getting Ahead of Time

2011-04-27T07:59:00.011+07:00

Ok, I'm cheating now.

Due to the fact that my creativity juice level is stubbornly standing on 'low', I'm afraid I have no choice but to post whatever I have up my sleeve... just to soothe my shaky self-esteem and convince myself that I still have it in me. (^___^)

Anak-anak yang Kembali, 2011, mixed mediums

This one is another illustration I did for a book by Benny Arnas. As you can probably tell, I've been using more digital mediums in my work lately. Well, other than giving myself full liberty to stay connected to technology (knowing how much of a cave woman I am), it is also a great way to keep time from getting ahead of me. So, thank God for technology! At least an ill feeling pregnant illustrator could still find comfort to know that she can finish her work. Eventually.

Now, I must share with you a lovely award that was given by my beautiful friend, Ana Márquez. If you visit her blog, you'll see that her creativity juice level is constantly marking the top spot, both in art and in writing. So thank you for the award, Ana. You are so very sweet.

To spread the love, I'm passing this award to all my bloggy friends and those who follow my blog. I only hope to give you a teeny bit of sunshine to accompany your day. Much love to all of you! ♥

Amalia, oxx

Oh Lazy days...

2011-04-20T15:47:00.001+07:00

Wow. I'm officially amazed. Never thought there would ever be a time when I'd spend my days doing absolutely nothing. Well, when just getting out of bed in the morning becomes a major task of the day, then you can imagine what it's like for me now to do the house chores or let alone work. Seriously, I get headaches when I go near my drawing table and the computer seems to have fangs on most parts of the day. Pathetic, isn't it?And they say that this would stop at the end of the first trimester. No such luck so far.

But as pitiful as I may sound right now, I am still trying to finish up some work, regretfully at intense snail speed. And I have proof to show it too! This piece below is one of the illustrations I did for a book by a young, talented Indonesian writer, Benny Arnas.

Seperti Natnitnole, 2011, mixed mediums

It really was quite an interesting project for me because the book is mainly about the bittersweet taste of love, and you all know how much of a sucker I am for love and romance. Bitter, or sweet it may be.

So while I carry on with my 'long break' ahead, I hope you're all having more fun and action in your days!

Amalia, oxx

To Innocence

2011-04-02T22:23:00.000+07:00

To Innocence, mixed mediums

Hello beautiful people. :)

As much as I hated to be away from blogging these past few weeks, I must admit that it was simply inevitable. Everything has kept me distant from work and leisure. Other than coping with the old, I've been adjusting to the new. Such as a constant drowsiness throughout the day, unpredictable mood swings and the need to just indulge myself with sleep. Not to mention a few days of being confined to bed from lack of rest. (Yes, Ces, you guessed right that time) I am, once again, expecting. And being over 30 makes the previous two seem like pony rides compared to being on this roller coaster.

But what can I say? This little guest has made it into my life unannounced and after three months, I can honestly say that it's probably one of the biggest surprises I've ever had in my life. No matter how perfectly you try to plan life, something eventually happens to remind you that you never have total control. C'est la vie. :)

So I hope life has been treating you kind during my absence. I have missed so many of you, and maybe I'd be able to steal some time to visit you soon. That is, if the hormones ever decided to give me a little break. :)

Amalia, oxx

Something for Japan and Something for Me

2011-03-19T05:51:00.004+07:00

A few days ago, my daughter asked me about earthquakes and why they're happening everywhere around the world. She asked me if the earth is mad at us for not taking care of it and what would happen if the whole world is shaken. Would we all die? Wow, the things that burden the mind of a seven year old today just blow me away. Unlike the old days when all I thought about was what games I was going to play after school and waited for the evening to come so I could watch the next episode of Scooby Doo. Such irony never really settles. Like bad indigestion.

So for the people of Japan, I pray for their safety and speedy return to their normal way of life. As people always say every little bit counts, I'm donating a portion of each sale from these prints in my Etsy shop.

{Dancing Child}

{Dusk at Dawn}

{Omens and Endurance}

{In the Midst of Intricacy}

You can also help donate for Japan by purchasing items from the shops of Etsy ARTIST AID team. And despite of some people showing bad opinions of this disaster online because of events in the past, it's just good to know that so many of us still care. Honestly, people. A grudge can bring out something a lot worse than bad indigestion.

Well anyway, a little happy talk now. I don't think I'll ever tire myself from saying how kind blogging has been to me. So many great people to meet and lovely friends to have. One of them, I met over a year ago by chance. A fantastic writer with so many interesting stories to tell, Leah Marie Brown, at her fantastic blog, On Life, Love & Accidental Adventures. Her passion and extensive knowledge of Marie Antoinette and the life that evolved around her in the 18th century were the things that brought me to a halt at her blog. And that she shares her fascinating experiences from her travelings around the world makes it even easier for me to keep coming back. As it happens, she has been very generous to include a little snippet of myself and my work on her blog. It was like having a chat over a hot cup of coffee and delicious pastries, which apparently we both seem to go weak for. Thank you Leah, for the wonderful chat and the chance to reveal a little bit of myself on your blog. :)

I hope you are all having great days and keeping love in your heart.

Amalia, oxx

The Cycle

2011-03-16T21:54:00.004+07:00

The Cycle, mixed mediums

Grow, tiny light

Cast upon me your magic spell

Caress my soul with your warmth, and

soothe my aching heart with your love

You are the seeker of truth

Intoxicated by the scent of life

Bewitched by the motion

that comes to a complete circle

Thank you, tiny light

For bringing light upon darkness

For showing hope above fear, and

igniting fire in the cold

You are a gift I bear in my hands

To love and to care

Today and the days after

Sleep tight, my love

I shall wait for the day we meet

A kiss for now. Until then.

~A.K~

Hidden in the Night

2011-03-12T16:13:00.005+07:00

Blackbird Calling, mixed mediums

The night is whispering. It's singing to me, of a million tiny secrets.

Some about the past, some about the present and little about the life after.

Do you hear it too?

Do you find comfort in the night as I do?

When hints of light sparkle across the black sky,

and silence engulf the air surrounding you?

It's true. The night is my solitude.

It is my freedom. My sanctuary.

When Time slows down in my mind,

and showers me with rays of dreams.

At least before I stir and awaken.

~A.K~

The Expedition, mixed mediums

The Garden Tamer (IF - Swarm)

2011-03-03T08:52:00.015+07:00

The Garden Tamer, mixed mediums

A little piece of mind to all fellow artists, whether accepting or in denial...

Art is a universe.

We can grow and thrive in it
or simply stand still and fade away
Whichever you choose, it's your decision alone

You may shine and claim your prize
Accept all the attentions
and bask under the lime light

Suddenly,
you become untouchable,
distinct,
one of a kind

But are you, really?

After all, you are nothing but human
and humans roam this art universe in millions
swarming it like a flood of hungry souls
Sometimes thinking in similar ways
Feeling similar emotions
Expressing them in similar meanings.

So artists, can you claim inspirations?

Just because you love fairy tale, doesn't mean you have exclusive rights.
Just because you're romantic, doesn't mean others can't be.
Just because you admire certain artists, doesn't mean others won't.
Just because you master poetry, doesn't mean you're entitled to it alone.

You simply are not.

Other artists may boldly or secretly follow your steps.
But many, will always stick to their own.
Similar or not to yours.
It doesn't make them followers, especially if assumption is all you have.

So please, be perceptive.
Stay humble.
Stay true.

After all, if you really are one of a kind, why worry?

Good thoughts to all, Amalia, oxx

Midnight Travel

2011-02-26T05:55:00.007+07:00

Midnight Travel, mixed mediums

Take me away with you.

Anywhere.

Just anywhere but here.

Where hope still shines and faith lives on.

~A.K~

The Signs Will Come...

2011-02-20T14:51:00.004+07:00

Signs, mixed mediums

If time ever stood still, will you hold my hand?

**********

Dearest friends,

I can't thank you enough for the warmth you've given me through your kind messages in this especially hard time. It gives me great joy to know that I've been so fortunate to have met many wonderful souls out there who are truly generous in comforting others. I hope I will have more time to visit each and everyone of you soon. Bless you! :)

Hugs, Amalia, oxox

My Daddy's Girl

2011-02-15T18:26:00.002+07:00

My Daddy's Girl, mixed mediums

I am my daddy's girl

a fraction of his face

gracing my very own

the eyes and lips

that speak the same image

the airs and mimics

that mime the same meaning

So I am, my daddy's girl

a portion of his soul

living in a pool of my own

through minds

through dreams

though hopes

by heart

Yes, I am my daddy's girl

a fragment of the moon

shining the same light as his own.

I love you, Dad.

Always.

~A.K.~

*********

Hello dear friends.

I'm sorry I have been very silent these days. I have so much on my plate and time is not being very generous for me to do everything all at once. Other than life in general, my Dad has been ill and I haven't been able to think about other things because of the situation. Thank you for all the kind considerate e-mails and messages many of you have sent me, I am deeply touched.

I hope to visit your blogs whenever I get the chance. I miss you all so much.

Many hugs, Amalia, oxox

Come Home to February (IF - Surrender)

2011-02-03T12:08:00.012+07:00

February is a special month for me. So many moments to celebrate and enjoy... my son's birthday, my own and many loved ones. To me personally, the arrival of February is like coming home, a domain of time where I feel most at ease as I enter another year in life.

When I was younger, I had a fascination with zodiac signs and not a day went by for me without checking the daily horoscope on magazines and newspapers. What does the forecast say today? Will I meet a tall dark stranger and find true love? Will I finally stumble upon a huge fortune or fame? Well, I was young, and obviously knew very little about real life or how the accuracy of horoscope reading is more or less like probing around in the dark with a candle in your hand. But what I loved most about zodiac signs is how you are able to get to know yourself and your characteristics better. If you choose to believe it.

Pisces, digital painting

Pisces, for example, is symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions as the internal struggle of the soul within them. They are said to be extremely creative, sensitive, and artistic, with the tendency to be melancholic and imaginative. It is one of the most adaptive signs in the Zodiac. They are very intuitive, which as a result can be flexible and prosper in many different situations. Rather than taking an analytical approach to life, Pisces react to the feelings of others and can be very influential when they choose to be. They are very common as inventors, writers, musicians, painters, and dancers.

There. a whole paragraph that supposedly describes myself as a person. The only question is, should I believe it?

Pisces postcards and hang tags set on Etsy

Well, between that period of time of my fascination with zodiac signs and my present life now, I have learned that life can only be as abstract and unpredictable as Jackson Pollock's dribbles of paint. No turn is certain, no change is definite. Like the weather, it chooses to display patterns and inconsistencies at the same time. With this in mind, I have chosen to see horoscope forecasts and zodiac signs simply as complimentary. Because no human is identical and no fortune is carved in stone.

So I surrender. To life and to the natural course of fate.

I hope February turns out to be sweet and magical to all of you. And since it's my favorite month of the year, I'll be giving 30% discount for every 3 purchases of art prints over at my shop!

God bless, Amalia, oxox

Giving Myself Some Good Advice #5: Focus, Focus, Focus

2011-01-29T07:30:00.003+07:00

Well, I must admit that I have been acting like a famished octopus for the past week, trying to savor everything I held in each persistent tentacle. And what do I get at the end from doing that? Feeling like an absolute fool, because nothing got done and eventually the only thing I ended up doing was to slow down and tend to them one by one. Yeah, serves me right, I say.

I realize that one of the snags of working in the creative field is when you come to the moments when multiple ideas burst altogether, trying to get your attention while you are, as usual, very short on time. The trouble is, if you tried to get one thing done, the others start screaming and begging for you to work on them. So what is a girl to do? Well, maybe next time I'll wear earplugs. (^_^)

Anyway, this was supposed to be my submission for Illustration Friday's Dusty. Late, I know, but better than never, right?

Dusty The Chimney Sweep, acrylics on paper

Meet Dusty. He's a poor and humble little chimney sweep who is about to embark on a new adventure in a world he's never seen before. Dusty here, is part of a new project I'm kicking myself to focus on and while the other ideas are still screaming on top of their lungs, I'm trying my best to focus on this little man. So wish me loads of luck with this one!

Have a good weekend, Amalia, oxox

Luna The Long Forgotten Witch

2011-01-23T20:00:00.003+07:00

So it's Sunday here. Time to grab the broom and duster for a little house clean up. I heard the boxes under the stairways whispering my name, so I had no choice but to roll up my sleeves and dive in. As I opened up the first box, I stumbled across a book. It was a book I made for a studio assignment during my second or third year in college a million years ago, and I couldn't help but smile as I read the title, Luna Si Penyihir Kecil, which in English means Luna the Little Witch. Written and illustrated by yours truly!

It's about a young witch who wanted to give her mother a surprise birthday cake. But because she was still learning her magical skills, her noble intention turned into somewhat of a catastrophe.

Here are some pages from the book... Note how it was actually bound using ring binders. Of all things!!

Discovering this precious souvenir of my past, I realized that this was actually the last time I had drawn or painted a witch as an actual artwork. Would you believe it? I don't know why I haven't done so in years, but when I think of it, I suppose it's something I should look more into.

Anyway, with this thought in mind, you would think that it's best for me to just carry on with the cleaning? I thought that too, but noooooooooooo.... I had to rush to my drawing table and paint a witch! Naturally.

Luna The Long Forgotten Witch, acrylics on paper

What do you think? I'd like to think that she is Luna, my long forgotten little witch. Of course, these days she's more than capable to zap up a birthday cake all by herself! Probably good enough to cater her own annual witch bash too! :)

And what about my cleaning? You might wonder. Well, there's always another Sunday...

Happy Sunday, Amalia, oxox

PS: Luna is available as 6"x8" Open Edition Print at my shop. I hope you like her! And just a little information for you, all my Limited Edition Prints are ON SALE until the end of January...another week to go! :)

Giving Myself Some Good Advice #4: Originality is Golden Commodity (IF - Chicken)

2011-01-20T09:22:00.004+07:00

I don't know if you'd agree with me, but these days I see art as a vast market with diverse sellers and buyers. Who ever said first that artists are doomed to live in poverty is probably biting their fingernails up to their elbow now! I know that success is a relatively flexible term, but be honest with yourself, would you feel the same way about entering this field, say 10 to 15 years back? Where I come from, especially when I was young, artists were equivalent to street painters who only made very little income compared to other professions. The successful ones underwent the same phase and typically found their fame in later years. I myself had a hard time having my parents to agree putting me to college and study art. Their skepticism was bitter and it haunted me for many years to come.

So what do you do to excel in the new world of art? I've been asking myself that very question every single day and one thing that keeps staring me right in the face is "originality". It's definitely one tall tree to climb because with the open realm of internet, you can view artists' work from A to Z and back, allowing ideas to run free from one corner of the world to another. Hence, the "right-click", and saved for inspiration. Not that it's a crime to look for inspiration, but sometimes too many can muddle up your mind and lead your imagination astray to all sorts of direction. Often, making you to lose focus, like I've done so many times before.

If you're familiar with Illustration Friday, you'll understand my point exactly about the obstacles of trying to be original. Especially when the set theme is an unglamorous, ordinary and plain word such as "chicken" (yes, bockbockbwockkk!). So anyway, this is my attempt and the process of creating it. I don't know about being original, but I sure had fun imagining it!

Left - the black and white graphite drawing as a start

Right - the finished acrylic painting

The finished work after a little digital touch up. The Traveling Companion, mixed mediums

Well, I hope you enjoyed my rambling this time. Hopefully it gives all of us something to think about the next time we face that blank piece of paper!

Hugs, Amalia, oxox

Sweetly Fragranced, From Me to You

2011-01-18T05:21:00.005+07:00

If you remembered my last post on creating ACEOs, you'll know how much these little pieces of art have changed my perspectives completely. Of course, after that I now spend more time creating them because it turned out that it's a really good way of exercising my skills in refining details and compositions. Well, there's always room to grow and improve, don't you think?

These are my recent ACEOs. They're inspired mostly by the Inspiring Word of the month I'm using in my other blog.

Lily, 2.5"x3.5", acrylics on paper

Iris, 2.5"x3.5", acrylics on paper

Rose, 2.5"x3.5", acrylics on paper

Daisy, 2.5"x3.5", acrylics on paper

I'd like to think that each girl represents the characters of each flower...what do you think? Have I at least nudged it a little? :)

Well, I hope you like them. They're all available in my shop, spreading lovely fragrances among their fellow artworks!

Hugs, Amalia, oxox

Giving Myself Some Good Advice #3: Make Promises and Carry Them Out

2011-01-15T04:52:00.004+07:00

Hey there sweet people! How are you settling into 2011? Do you have promises still waiting to be carried out? Any requests you've agreed to that still stubbornly hide inside your pockets? Well, I have a few of those! Last year, I agreed to do a drawing for Jenny May from The Swede Records. Long overdue as it was, you can now see my drawing on her super delightful blog. If you've been there before, I'm sure you know the kind of fun loving thing she has going with her man. At least that's what I sensed when I visited her for the first time. It's always nice to step into a world where you feel so welcomed as with Jenny's. So many smiles and laughter in all her posts!

Partners in Love, 8x10, acrylics and tea stains

Well, as you can see, I'm still pretty much in the vintage mood. I now have this craving to smudge, stain, splatter, tear and wrinkle! I'm sure it's a pretty common thing with artists during the beginning of the year to adopt a new addiction? Yes? :)) As usual, this one just made it into my shop.

Anyway, back to promises... Want to know something I'm very lousy at? Passing on awards!! My deepest apologies, I just never seem to have the time. But that of course will have to change. At least I'll do my best. So huge thank yous to Yeevon and Sara Lynn for giving me the Stylish Blog Award!

Now to share 7 things about me...

I cherish my first sip of hot coffee in the wee hours of the morning. Usually around 3-4 am!
Breakfast menus are my favorite. I would have them 3 times a day if I had my way.
I can never keep a sketchbook. They either mysteriously disappear or make their way to my girl's desk for her own use.
I have watched The Sound of Music more than 50 times in my life. Gotta love those puppets they played!!
When I was little, I once adopted an old, mangy, tattered looking cat off the street and named him Timmy, whom I loved adoringly.
I'm very good with visual memories but very bad at remembering dates and year.
One place I'm fanatically dying to see is Santorini in Greece.

And to pass the awards to some deliciously stylish blogs:

Anne of El Milagro Studio: Little Miracles of Art
Rossichka of Out of the Shell
Heidi of Art Journal of Heidi Alamanda
Faerwillow of ~Serendipity~
Ann Marie of My Dog is a Pancake
Cecilia of doodle doodle dum dum
Katherine of Katherine Thomas Art
Yasmin of Mundo Mundaca

There. Promises carried out as intended. And it sure feels good! Well, I have the same award passed on to my other blog, and you're welcome to read about it there. Have an inspiring weekend, friends!

Hugs to you,
Amalia
oxox

Giving Myself Some Good Advice #2 : Memories Are Treasures Worth Saving

2011-01-13T06:34:00.007+07:00

I have been carrying on with life recently, just running and doing, that blogging became somewhat neglected. I suppose the beginning of the year is always a rush and work is already pulling me to scurry along. Do you ever feel that life seems to be moving a pace faster and you constantly look back, afraid that you might have missed something? Well, I have been feeling like that ever since my daughter first went to school in kindergarten. I don't know, maybe motherhood makes your biological clock ticks louder and you can hear it tick-tocking in the back of your head. Makes a pretty good reason to just slow down and watch my children create their memorable moments.

It just so happened that I came across this picture the other day. Yes, that little girl is me, stuffing myself with a very curious sort of snack. And the boy is my older brother, who was a friend and a foe back then, all in a loving sort of way. Take no notice of his unbuttoned shirt and opened fly! Makes you wonder about the kind of things he was up to those days... Well, this is one of the very rare tokens I have of my early childhood. Sadly, I don't think my parents were the photographing type, so most pictures I have as a child are the embarrassing ones my siblings took when we were older. Which I'm afraid will never grace the walls of this blog! (^_^)

Later on that day, I created these paintings, inspired by the two little birds in my life... and both are available in my Etsy shop.

The Philosopher, 4x6", acrylics and tea stains on paper

The Clown, 4x6", acrylics and tea stains on paper

So with all the flashbacks and memories flowing in, I realized that time can, in fact, stand still. All I have to do is slow down and just sit quietly as I watch every little thing marvels around me. After that, life will carry on as before, but I'll always have my chest full of treasured memories.

I'm sure your chest is as full as mine.

~Amalia~

oxox

Giving Myself Some Good Advice #1: Small is Often Bigger Than It Seems, So Look Closer

2011-01-03T14:42:00.012+07:00

Ten long years have passed since we entered the year 2000. Looking at it that way, I can't help but think about all the leaps and stumbles that have brought me where I am today. What kind of advice would I give myself this time, when I can still see repetitions in my long list of resolutions? Here I am again, reenacting my previous attempts to make myself a better and hopefully wiser person. So, good luck to me.

Well, one of my biggest flaws, I'm afraid, is the tendency to underestimate the tiny details in many things. I've always focused more on "the bigger picture" than I need to, especially in my own work. For instance, I've never quite understood why some artists dedicate their time to creating such small scale original art like ACEOs. Prints I can understand, but originals? Why bother? But then something tickled my curiosity when I saw the delicate pretty little cards my friend Lauren had created. So I set out on a quest...

After several unsuccessful attempts, a few crumpled papers and oodles of erasing, I watched these two sketches with blurry vision in amazement. How small they were compared to my other sketches and yet, it took me twice as much time to make just one!!

And now the next trick was to have them painted without losing my patience completely... or better yet, my sanity!!

...and I was, at the end, proven guilty as charged for my lack of appreciation in these small things. I realize now that size can be misleading, and it's good advice to always experience before passing out judgements. So here they are, the fruit of my labor, Ophelia and Marian. They will be reminders of a lesson learned.

Both are available in my Etsy shop.

Sunshine kisses to all of you!

~Amalia~

oxox

A Little Announcement and a Sweet Surprise

2010-12-31T15:34:00.011+07:00

Hello my lovelies! I hope you're having a gorgeous day, because I have a little announcement to make... I just spent all my morning and a great part of the day to set up my own personal galleries, where I now display some of my work that are available for purchase.

The galleries are located just under the header and as icons along the sidebar on the right. Good news for those with no Etsy account, yes? So from now on, you can freely browse away here or hop over to my Etsy shop to buy any art I have available for you! Hours well spent, don't you think?

And to top that off, I also want to share with you a sweet surprise that was delivered to my door yesterday morning from my dear lovely friend, Tammie Lee.

Just look at those cards with her beautiful photographs on them! And just the ones I would have picked out myself! Thank you so much, Tammie, you are such a darling!

I hope little sweet surprises are coming your way today too...

~Amalia~

Early Resolution

2010-12-29T06:45:00.014+07:00

Time is ticking and the end of year draws near. As with many years that have passed, the last week is always the crucial moment for me to pause and reflect. Not that I intentionally sit myself down and think about it, but thoughts just swim by every moment of the day and stops me at the littlest things I do. As if my mind tries to remind me of what's done and subtly leaves me space to ponder on.

Well, today I thought about my journey. The beginning, the process and the end I have yet to meet. I realize now that I tend to get excited when things start and rush myself to the end, leaving the process merely as a leap to get me where I want to be. At the end the sweetness just lingers on briefly, while something feels missing out of the picture. So I decided that from now on, the process will have its own spotlight, starting right here.

This is the initial black and white drawing I did. While in the beginning I had the image of a girl drifting at sea, apparently my hand just had a mind of its own. So flying on a cloud, she goes...

I've been experimenting with watercolor and acrylic washes these days. Having spent the past 7 years or so focusing on colored pencils, I've been trying to get myself out of the box this year and had played around more with other techniques. It's just good to know that I now have more options on the shelf for each project I'm doing.

Well, this is she... just before the final touches. I love the antique vintage look on her and how the paper had turned into an old scroll like form. And it smells wonderful, because I like using a little bit of tea stains here and there. (Jasmine is my fave!)

Wishes, acrylics and tea stains on paper, 2010

And here she is... up high in the sky, off to reach out for the stars. Don't you just wish that was you? I do! (impossible it may seem). So I think I'll just post that image in my head for safe keeping, in case I ever felt like crawling under the bed...

I hope you get time to pause and reflect.

My best,
Amalia oxox

Another Ending... (IF - Mail)

2010-12-22T20:52:00.009+07:00

Fallen expectations, acrylics on paper

My dearest friends and loved ones,

I started this year with a long list of resolutions and expectations. Some came through, some didn't. Some ended in victory, and some remain as dreams to pursue. Either way, life proves to be as bitter and as just sweet as it always does. Never predictable nor easy, but thrilling and gratifying in the same time.

So thank you, life. For the love grown and friendships found, shared laughter and tears I shed, opened doors and sudden diversions. But most of all, thank you for leaving me the room to grow.

I hope this year was a good year for you. Hopefully the next will be even better.

Much love to you,
Amalia oxox

An Illusion in Between

2010-12-15T15:39:00.006+07:00

Gemma & Daisy, acrylics on paper

Nothing is really what it seems...

What do you see the first time you see this duet?

Can you picture their story?

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

Lazy Day, Crafty Hour

2010-12-13T05:35:00.004+07:00

One cold and rainy day...

...when lazying around and doing nothing was the greatest temptation...

...I reminded myself that it was yesterday's agenda...

...so I picked up the pencil, drew, painted...
...and proved to myself that I could still put a good use to scissors and glue.

It was wonderfully satisfying to do something different. I hope your weekend was great!

Many hugs,

Amalia oxox

Latest Blog Entry at Art Memoirs

2010-12-04T17:50:00.002+07:00

More than Just a Fanciful Twist

Featuring an artist with diverse talents and creativity...

Feast your eyes on her enchanting art over at Art Memoirs

Standing on Grounds (IF - Savor)

2010-12-01T17:59:00.009+07:00

Fourteen. That is exactly the number of times I have moved homes throughout my entire life. Starting as a baby, then as a child, a teenager, an adult, a wife and even now as a mother, I have had to deal with the constant changes of situations and surroundings that came with every move. I remember always having a new bedroom to unpack into, a new school to attend to, new friends to make, and eventually more friends to leave. So by the time I was a teenager, I had learned one very valuable lesson in life. That no matter where I am, learning to adjust and grow was the most important survival skill to have.

Standing on Grounds, watercolor & tea stains

Of course, as a child there was nothing I could do but to follow whichever course my parents took, but to my surprise, the pattern seems to stubbornly carry on until today. In fact, I am now typing this from a house which I have only called home since the very beginning of July. So what is it? A path? A process? A transition? Or is it simply a journey that hopefully leads to the very end of the rainbow? A flight that I wish would one day take me to the luscious green forest I could call "home sweet home" at last. Well, one can only hope.

But like many other unpredictable episodes in life, moving places has added plenty of colors to mine. Experience is always the best teacher, and believe me, I have more than just a handful of them. The downside? Other than having to constantly memorize a new address each time, I now have stacks of unpacked boxes scattered around the house, which will all stay unpacked in case I might have to move again soon. But until then, I'll soak up the sun and savor each moment for treasured memories in the future.

I hope life is sweet, wherever your home is.

**************************

A little reminder...

For those of you who remembered my donation posts for the Mentawai-Merapi victims in Indonesia, I'm delighted to say that I have gathered and transferred a total amount of US$150 (equivalent to IDR 1,320,000) to the PMI (Indonesian Red Cross) through purchases of my art on this blog and over at my shop. I know the amount may not seem much in US$, but in our currency the sum will be able to help many in need. Of course, those of you who would like to know more details on the donation book or see the transfer proof, you are welcome to contact me by e-mail and I will gladly give you the information.

I can't thank you enough for all the help, the prayers and the kind thoughts that you have given these people. I for one am deeply moved and thankful to have such generous friends as you.

My Best,
Amalia oxox

Silent Nurturing

2010-11-20T06:09:00.007+07:00

People say that being a mother is a God's given talent which every woman naturally possesses. The ability to endure physical and emotional changes for bearing and rearing children is unquestionably one thing only women are able to do. But why do some marvel from others? And how is it possible that many break down before their very own eyes? Is it because imperfection is in every human being? Or is it just a proof that like many other talents, being a good mother resides in some women but not in others?

I have been a mother myself for seven years. Seven minuscule years, colored with joy, excitement, hope, tiredness, weariness and self doubt. Not a day goes by in my life without wondering if I'm being a good mother to my children. Will I be able to cope when things go wrong? And most importantly, will I be able to shape them into good human beings for their future? Sadly, I don't think I'm very good at this so-called 'God's given talent'. I find myself struggling with each phase and episode, sometimes wishing I knew every answer to them. Answers which books and magazines don't seem to provide.

Silent Nurturing; graphite drawing with tea stains and watercolors

Recalling my own childhood, my mother was not the sort who showered her children with tender loving affection. Although I know how much she cares for her children, there were times as a child when I wondered if she loved us at all. She was always away during the day, trusted our care to nannies and even as we grew up shared no deep emotional connections with her children. And yet she provided all our needs, gave us things we wanted, made sure we went to the best schools, "pushed" us to be successful and well married. Were those her own way of being a good mother? Maybe this God's given talent comes in all shapes and sizes. That sometimes children are to learn about it by themselves?

With my childhood experience, I have vowed to provide my children with the one thing I craved as a child. My mother's presence. So I quit my job the day I held my daughter for the first time and never once looked back. I knew there would be sacrifices to make and I'm still learning to adapt every day even as I write this. No matter how big a doubt I have hovering above my head, being a mother is now my first priority and I'm in it for life, to endure and embrace. My only prayer is that one day my children would be able to see pass all my imperfections and understand how much they mean to me.

Special note: I have been lucky enough to have met women who seem to be blessed by this amazing talent. Some I met in person, and some through this blog. This is my dedication to them, and one that stands out in memory is this particularly lovely friend, who as I see it, blossoms each day with motherhood. Bless her heart. ♥

Faces and Reflection

2010-11-15T18:15:00.017+07:00

I have been drifting around the house doing nothing particularly productive for the past week. The same cycle goes on. I'd sit at the drawing table, pick up a pencil and pause. Draw a face and stop. Get up to the kitchen, make coffee and read a book. A pile of laundry to wash, kids to feed and TV programs that steal none of my interests. Then I'd come back to the drawing table, take a longer pause, draw another face and stop. Strangely enough, I haven't been able to go anywhere beyond faces, faces, and more faces. So after kicking and forcing myself to paint my last pieces, which as you already know were yet again faces, I decided to call it quits for a while. That is until a fellow artist asked me a question that really stopped my drifting completely. He wanted to know if those faces were me.

Good question, I thought to myself. I never have models posed for my work, and I always start a drawing anywhere I please on a paper without thinking or imagining. From one single line and finish with another. So why do these faces seem familiar? Maybe they are me, just tiny fractions of myself that accidentally slipped through. Or maybe inspirations that have sneaked into my mind while I read the abundant copies of books that have now taken up as much space as the growing spread of toys in my kids' room. Well, call me a bookworm, but they are my ultimate source of inspiration. With characters alive in my mind...imperfect, not without flaws. Enchanting, yet human to the core.

So here goes another face, and her name is Meghann.The beautiful "ashes of roses".

"...There is a legend, about a bird that sings just once in its life. From the moment it leaves its nest, it searches for a thorn tree and does not rest until it's found one. And then it sings more sweetly than any other creature on the face of the earth. And singing, it impales itself on the longest, sharpest thorn. But, as it dies, it rises above its own agony, to out-sing the lark and the nightingale. The thorn bird pays its life for just one song, but the whole world stills to listen, and God in his heaven smiles. For the best is only bought at the cost of great pain..."

Maybe you could guess which book she lingers in?

Afterwards

2010-11-10T16:01:00.006+07:00

After dark, comes light

After silence, voices speak

After grief, enters life

~A.K~

My dedication for the grieving victims of Mentawai - Merapi disasters.

Hope and faith, always.

All images are available at my shop, where you can still reach out and help donate for them.

Again, my warmest gratitude for all friends who have bought my original black and white drawings. Your generous donations are deeply appreciated.

My best,

Amalia oxox

Sow Your Light #5 & Donations with Every Art Print Purchase at My Shop!!!!

2010-11-06T20:34:00.008+07:00

I'm overjoyed by the amazing enthusiasm I get from my wonderful blogger friends for this donation! And some of you may wonder why I have decided to donate original drawings instead of prints, which obviously involves more work and definitely more time consuming. Well, the reason is simply because originals are unique and special. I feel personally involved while creating them and I believe people deserve something special in the exchange of their helping hand. Nevertheless, given the slow speed I'm taking to create these drawings, I've decided, in addition to the original drawings, to donate $5 off each art print sale over at my shop throughout this month, until further notice. It may not be much, but it's the best I can do for now, while more people would have the chance to reach out. So please, help spread the word.

Anyway, here is my fifth drawing for the donation...

Sow Your Light #5

Original drawing
Size: A4
US$25.00
( not including shipping cost)

***** SOLD to a dear friend *****

Sow Your Light #4

2010-11-06T07:38:00.004+07:00

This is my fourth drawing for the Mentawai-Merapi donation... I hope this girl brings you peace and opens your heart.

And thank you for all of you who have been kind and generous enough to purchase all my previous drawings for the donation. Bless you!

♥♥♥

Sow Your Light #4

Original drawing
Size: A4
US$25.00
( not including shipping cost)

***** SOLD to a dear friend *****