Yesterday, I bought this huge book, some sort of encyclopedia book of natural organism on earth. I love painting birds, flowers, butterflies, and I want to know what I paint; name, species, breed, and their natural habitat. And while finding this book brought thrill and excitement to me, there is one section of this book that I want to get rid of… for good. The reptiles section, that is. Oh God knows how scared I am of those things, so I asked hubby to glue all the pages that has snakes and worms picture in it, and poor hubby, he had to go through all six hundred over pages to filter out those haha.
This is a yellow-bellied prunia bird, found in South East Asia. I adore the yellow-bellied with a contrast darker shade on its head and back.

In late 2012, me and hubby got a chance to visit Amsterdam. It left a strong impression on me with its many canals and adorable red brick houses. I heard about those canal houses before and seen the picture, but I never thought I'd fall in love with it. Seeing Amsterdam first hand really made a difference, huh? Maybe it's a fact that Amsterdam was the first European city I ever set foot or the city itself is indeed beautiful, either way, I heart Amsterdam and the way it inspired me.

Alright, my first attempt in painting bird. A little bit intimidated when doing its wing, but overall satisfied with the result :D

Hey, does the birdie looks like a pregger birdie to you? haha I only realized it after finished painting.

I love this day, it's a reminder that I've received the most wonderful gift, a Son of God, that is.

Yay, tonight we'll be flying to Europe and thus begin the 19-days trip. Did this one below with watercolor mixed with gouache.

I bought this book "London, you're beautiful" by David Gentleman. In one of many of his beautiful sketches, I saw this particular sketch of a building in 33-35 Eastcheap, London. I was intrigued by the architectural design and decided to sketch the same building. So I searched the internet and found one reference photo, taken at the same angle as what David G. sketched. So, here's my version of 33-35 Eastcheap.

From a reference photo I took during Summer 2008 in Japan. Mom and Dad visited us in Tokyo and so we planned a trip to Osaka, Kyoto and Hakone. Hoping to do more sketches of Hakone. Ahh finding the right pic will be tough tho, took tons of photos from the trip :p

I've been to Disney Sea Japan quite a number of times before and below are the sketches from the reference photos I took from various visits.

~ A lighthouse ~

Ah it's this time of the year again. On August, many events are held in Japan, celebrating the summer. It's called Natsu matsuri, a summer festival.

I love going to these events, always filled with people, a huge selection of street snacks and of course, beer. Nothing compared to drinking a chilled beer in a hot, summer season.

This sketch below is from a photo I took on August, 2008, at Ueno park.

.: 17 - 20 May 2012 :.

We went to Phuket in 2010, and definitely loved the beaches there. Crystal clear blue water, white sandy beach, brightly colored beach umbrellas… perfect.

Lately, I've been obsessed with balcony design. If you're living in an apartment without a backyard, that little outdoor space is definitely a private oasis for some fresh air.

Since our flat isn't ready yet, we still have almost a year to figure out how we're gonna design it. Hmm I'm thinking… lots and lots of fairy lights haha and it's gonna end up looking like an all-year-round Christmas day :p Aah but one thing for sure, I want our balcony to be decorated with flowers.

Another part of the house I really like (other than balcony) is window sill. You can place flower pots on it, or candles, and it will look gorgeous.

~ One of my favorite, lily of the valley ~

The last time I visited Lombok was in November 2004, when I was still in college. From the photos, I just couldn't believe the 'me' back then. I was posing in a beach, wearing jeans and some kind of blazer… in a beach!! I mean, what was I thinking? 

Mum and Dad came to visit me and my brother in Summer 2008 and we went to Enoshima, an island connected to the main island of Japan by bridge. A beautiful island with a lovely beach that become crowded in Summer.

The main attraction of this island is of course its many shrines known simply as Enoshima Shrine. Other than shrine, you can visit aquarium in Enoshima, I like the jelly fish section :D

~ August 13, 2008 ~

~ 4 February 2009 ~

Many cute florists in Japan, didn't matter whether I was in a hurry or not, I always stopped by and just looked at all those fresh, lovely flowers.

~ 8 August 2008 ~

~ 19 October 2008 ~

:: Aoyama Flower Market ::

In Golden Week 2008, we went to Nikkou for the first time. Nikkou is famous for its onsen and mountain view. Should go there in Autumn.

:: June 2008 ::