SUNI ART

Working in the studio

2012-02-13T11:10:00.000-05:00

Transferred the studies to the near life size canvas. It's work time!

Colors, colors, colors

2012-02-07T21:42:00.000-05:00

The Sitting Nude

Oil on Shellac Primed Fabiano Paper

Odd Nurdrum Granted New Trail

2012-02-05T22:38:00.001-05:00

Artist Odd Nerdrum has been recently granted a new trial in the Norwegian court. According to source familiar to the case, the Norwegian government indeed granted him a re-trail as the result of the effort of his appeal to the two year sentence. We can't predict the outcome yet but we hope to see him freed and moving on from the disruptions soon.

Some inspiring paintings by Nerdrum. I often look at them as reference to my own work, they are just inspiring, on both subject matter and the application of techniques.

3 Minute Gusture Drawings

2012-02-03T20:23:00.000-05:00

Big part of the fun of figure drawing is capturing the rhythm of the movement-- whatever the pose is, there is a sense of rhythm beneath that structure. To capture the rhythm, is to over look the details and focus on the BIG MOVEMENT. I was a bit rusty to begin with, but after 3 or 4 or them it was just pure joyfulness.

My favorite one of the day!

Thesis Phase 2, in the studio.

2012-02-01T21:43:00.005-05:00

Two studies from the final thesis project. The paintings will be life size and hopefully completed by May15th. It is definitely crushing to have to complete something-anything life size with in 14 weeks, but I'm doing it. Like many things in life, I'm doing it! /:)
School has been great, since the semester started, everyone is onto something. I'm also applying for jobs, part time or full time teaching jobs. My husband and I are working in the same studio, where we share the same model and space. Pretty soon we would do that more often as I will not longer have my studio at school (due to construction, no summer studios will be offered). This would be my 8th year in art schools, i think it's time to really graduate and use the Master's to find some jobs. It's tough out there but there are always jobs.

Thesis Project "The Dancer"

Oil on paper

When I have a little more time I'd like to write more about my own method and theory of figure painting (or painting, in general). Here's a summery of my process:
1. Have an idea, usually something that makes me feel, happy, anger, confusion,sad,agonizing, sympathy or regret. Anything to get your brain juice going.
2. Compose small thumbnails on sketch book. This is actually vital, before anything is actualized, thumbnails can gave you some very good visual comparison in terms of compositions.
3. Hire models, you can choose between life or photography. I always prefer life over photography, but sometimes (like this time) it is impossible to engage the models for such composition.

...to be continued

The 2nd study in progress

An ordinary Tuesday

2012-01-31T23:45:00.000-05:00

Been experimenting color lately. I think I'm onto something interesting here...

Here's my piece at Cupping Room

2012-01-27T20:30:00.002-05:00

The Dancers (DRAFT)

2012-01-22T21:50:00.000-05:00

Thesis Project 2011-2012

2012-01-19T22:48:00.004-05:00

My Thesis Project 2011-2012

If you would like to see a transcript of my thesis critique by the NYAA critics, please email suniartblog@gmail.com

* The kids on the right are currently on display at "Cupping room"

My holiday "likes" and "dis-likes"

2012-01-18T12:38:00.000-05:00

BACK IN ACTION!

2012-01-17T20:11:00.000-05:00

Folks, sorry about the absent month, the break went amazing and things are back in normal :) Will be posting stuff regularly from now on!

Recent drawings/sketches

2011-12-23T16:45:00.000-05:00

After Caravaggio

2011-12-12T11:16:00.001-05:00

A grisaille after Caravaggio, special thanks to DM.

Will be taking a break from posting for a while, see ya soon

Recipe for Disaster

2011-12-07T22:04:00.000-05:00

Plenty reference here to the Greek economical down turn...

2011-12-06T00:21:00.001-05:00

"Dina"

4"x4"

The Choire (in progress)

2011-12-04T10:58:00.000-05:00

This is one of my thesis pieces! /:)

Study of a male nude

2011-12-03T11:19:00.000-05:00

More sketches

2011-12-01T23:16:00.003-05:00

SWAP!!

2011-11-29T19:30:00.002-05:00

Studio work swap is something artists often do where exchanging art works becomes a way of bonding and showing admiration :) I received a "Bunny of sublime" painting in exchange of one of my "Subway Dance" paintings, good swap!

From feeding a three yr old to... "some things never change"

2011-11-27T23:03:00.005-05:00

December is right around the corner already? Wow time flies! Hope we get a really snowy Xmas this winter! Had a great Thanksgiving... sitting around the fireplace roasting marshmallows for s'mores, drinking hot chocolate and hiking in the snow, making our own fresh wild rose hip tea..great times! /:D

Caricature of People Seeing A Caricature Exhibition

2011-11-22T00:38:00.001-05:00

Infinite Jest: Caricature and Satire from Leonardo to Levine

Met up with a friend over the weekend for some good food and saw the caricature show at the Met. It was also fun making caricatures of the audience at the caricature show, watch behind your back or you might end up on my book, ha! >:D

THANKSGIVING Prep Talk!

2011-11-20T14:16:00.001-05:00

Found this on the net thought I'd better share it :)

HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING Y'ALL! :)

2011-11-17T01:03:00.006-05:00

The Apotheosis of Shame (IN PROGRESS)

20'' x 30''

Oil on canvas

"The Apotheosis of Shame" is an ongoing project of experience with how people often relate nudity with instant shame. People who reject nudity often are insecure with their own bodies, in which they see themselves in the work and imminently feel appalled. I'm not saying that everyone should become nudists, although that would save us a lot of money on clothing; without nudity, there would not be figurative art, or the inspiration of certain other art derived from it, instead, we will all be wrapped in fabrics trying to forget the fact that we are born naked from the womb and we are naked when we die.

Cloudy day

2011-11-16T11:01:00.001-05:00

My fabulous friend + model + fashion designer = great cloudy day drawing project

In this drawing, I am not chasing after the "aesthetic rendering", I am instead more interested in capturing the model's energy, the couture of her clothing vs. the negative space...etc. One can render a drawing to death and the result might be beautiful, however a truly successful drawing will have both the structure and the energy of the objects, it should never stop giving you information.

More subway dance!

2011-11-15T21:40:00.003-05:00

Deck the wall!

2011-11-12T10:27:00.002-05:00

Putting a few theses little guys in for Deck The Walls this year!

Interiorscape

6'' x6''

Oil on board

IN PROGRESS

2011-11-11T15:57:00.002-05:00

As the weather is getting colder, the city seems to be moving faster every day <:D

Recent sketches

2011-11-09T22:52:00.001-05:00

Ongoing lessons

2011-11-08T17:19:00.000-05:00

A painter can spend up to 10 years on a painting. I have learned a lot in doing this painting in just a few months, although it's not finished. In order to see the true depth of color, one must observe from life, and not from photographs. Thank god to Google, we can almost always get references. However, a flat random photo can never fully justify a set up, an object, or a action. I would totally recommend not to be dependent on photo references.

Mid Term den-den-den--!!

2011-11-02T23:01:00.001-04:00

Just survived the midterm of the midterm! The real Midterm is at the end of this semester. The critics are a bless to the artists- despite getting over loaded with too much feedback can short the fuse a bit...anyway. The critics went fine!

I haven't figure out a name for this painting yet, but it has everything to do with "private nudity"and "public nudity". I am not a nudist, and doubt that I would ever be one, but I am essentially nude, as we all are behind clothing. I think it's ironic to somehow condemn nudity in public but is fine behind doors. When I modeled for painters, I modeled for 20 or 30 artists, I loved it. The entire academic painting is based on life models, are these models "shameless" to have helped to created figurative art? Actually, this was still an issue in the early 1900's at places as civil as Philadelphia, where Thomas Eakins once taught.

This is life model and made up back ground. Also not sure what to name it.

The Day After

2011-10-30T11:42:00.004-04:00

I can't believe we had snow yesterday! Too soon! I was getting ready to cancel the "Dumpling Party", but everyone somehow managed to show up:) A wonderful time we had after all...making food, sharing food and wine, listening to the fire place cracking while watching a movie that doesn't require much braining...and we put Halloween stickers on each other so no element of the celebration was missing. It was sure cold outside but the inside was nice and warm:) Next time let's try Fondu shall we?

"Room Green" and "Tangled" are both selected to be part of the NASAD exhibition this year, very cool!

Subway Dance!

2011-10-28T10:55:00.004-04:00

I've been trying to have something new on the blog every other day, so far it's working out great:)

Color experiment-

2011-10-26T23:04:00.000-04:00

In this piece I am experimenting with warm, cool, light and shadow. One of my heroes is Edward Hopper, I really admire his ability to make decisions in a composition where everything is intertwined.
Hopper cared about the contrast, the direction of light and the simple warm and cool of the plains. To make a successful painting, composition is vital. As painters we need not be afraid to make changes, if there is something that doesn't look right, it needs to be fixed, or it will remain "incorrect" and mislead everything.

"Room Green"

30'' x 40''

Oil on canvas

Artinfo: The best brush cleaner

2011-10-25T22:06:00.001-04:00

The best oil brush cleaner I have used so far, is definitely Jack's Linseed Studio Soap. I've tried just about everything to keep my brushes perky and clean. My husband doesn't wash his brushes and he keeps them soaked in linseed oil between sessions -- does not work for me, I need my tools to be squeegee clean. Murphy's oil soap is good but the order is unbearable. "The Masters" Brush Cleaner is ok, not remarkable. Regular soap does the job but leaves brushes terribly dry...

I found only Jack's linseed studio soap keeps my brushes nice and moistened, and takes out oil residue just like that :) You can find it both ASW and Jerry's Artarama.

Just for fun-- Just Breath

2011-10-24T11:27:00.000-04:00

Just Breath

Oil on paper

6'' x 8''

Hey- How is that new Lawsuit working out for ya...?

2011-10-23T12:54:00.003-04:00

Christie's, Sotheby, Ebay sued over royalty

Chuck Close and other artists are suing Sotheby's, Christie's and eBay, contending the auctioneers willfully violated a California law requiring royalty payments on sales of their works.

The three federal suits filed Tuesday seek class-action status to represent many other artists and demand unspecified royalties and damages – which could total hundreds of thousands of dollars given current art prices...

Christie's -- "Although Christie's has yet to be served with the complaint, it views the California Resale Royalties Act as subject to serious legal challenges. Christie's looks forward to addressing these issues in court," the company said in a statement.

Sotheby's --"We believe that we have meaningful defenses to the claims asserted and they will be vigorously defended," Sotheby's said in a statement Thursday.

Ebay -- An email seeking comment from eBay was not immediately.

My understanding of the suit so far is that CA passed a law in order to support their own artists,it requires any sale occurred in state would have to pay royalty to the artists. Chuck Close is not a CA resident so I am not so sure as to what ground he is using to sue? Or is he be merely trying to open up a case discussion, to broaden the law so non-resident like himself could collect royalty as well? Will stay tuned and see what comes next!

CELEBRATION

2011-10-23T09:08:00.003-04:00

Folks, it's that time of the year again :) We have hosted two dumpling parties in the past and they were all great fun. This year we have several things to celebrate, the coming of the Fall and Winter season, the blog being 6 years young, the departing of our friend Maltese...oh, and how about the upcoming holidays and our anniversary? So much to celebrate! So let's continue the tradition to eat, drink and be merry <<:D

*I will instruct the doorman to sent you right up, just say you are coming for the party!

Figure drawing- Nude Male Back

2011-10-21T14:34:00.000-04:00

Nude Male Back

20'' x 26''

Red conte on Reeves BFK

Thesis Project Phase 1

2011-10-19T23:48:00.006-04:00

Thesis Project phase 1

"Pig Slaughtering"

40' 'x 20''

Oil on canvas

2011

So this is my phase 1 thesis project. Since I am dealing with reconstructing memories and experiences that I have had, I've decided to start with the pig slaughtering scene. I remember being very scared because although the pig was bound and held tight by the helpers, it was terrified of what was coming to it. I still remember the piercing scream it made once it was stabbed in the heart (or roughly that area ). I could not stand watching it being slowly butchered to death, so I ran away... Still can't comprehend til this day.

Open studio

2011-10-19T21:13:00.003-04:00

In this still life I am dealing with warm and coll local colors. Pretty sure my eyes are going color blinded after staring at it for so long:(

The Ongoing Portrait

2011-10-15T14:25:00.000-04:00

Still working on the portrait, figuring out how to construct form with both warm and cool tones... Planning our Thanksgiving vacation,this year we will be spending our first holiday with friends in a mountain cabin, how cool is that?? All the fresh air and the wild bears!

Recent stuff

2011-10-12T13:18:00.000-04:00

Some class works. I used an old canvas to do the first painting. Then I put it aside and started the second painting..

2nd attempt, where you can see I have changed my position and started a new composition. By cropping both figures, I intend to explore the relationships between the two figures and the spacial quality of the surroundings. People seem to enjoy this composition more that the previous one, my guess is that the latter provides more room for imagination?

My first gold leafing experience, so far I'm clueless.

JUICE BOX!

2011-10-07T19:34:00.007-04:00

This is the cartoon that I had been long planning on finishing since the summer! The story is about Stephanie and her sister Gene. Stephanie, previously introduced in my blog (I have a whole comic strip based just on her :) An extremely talented actor, compassionate friend of ours who we shared so much joyous moments with, told the CUTEST story of her niece -Eizze (for Elizabeth), and I just can't let it go! :D

I guess we just can't stop babies from picking up vocabularies!

Here's link to Stephanie's Youtube profile:http://youtu.be/2tL9guQAGBg

Let's support our actors!

--------------------------------------

That's it everyone! We miss you Steph! Let's have tea at the Tea Cup again!

Just for Fun Series

2011-10-06T15:26:00.004-04:00

"Sisterhood"

4''x 9''

Oil on linen board

♥♥ This blog is almost 6 years old ♥♥

I'd like to offer my sincere appreciation to those of you who have been following my blog. Suni Art now has its own search category on Google, all thanks to your support!!

Odd Nerdrum New Book in English

2011-10-01T14:36:00.007-04:00

"Warm and cool"

portrait in progress

(click on the painting for details)

The portrait is coming along just fine, I've been consistent with it. My goal is to learn how to organize tones and recognize warm and cool temperature. A successful portrait is a one that makes the viewers feel the environment and its temperature, it has to be poetic, otherwise it would be like a piece of dry toast stuck on a canvas. Through the master painters we see and learn from, it's essential to learn their technique, the mentality of the motif, however a good painter always finds his/her own language and never attempt to intimate.

Our Odd Nerdrum book finally arrived :) There are more new paintings added to this book. You would be able to see the transitioning of style, as well as the differences in atmospheric portrayal.

You can get this book from Amazon and Barns & Noble. Enjoy the book and work hard!

For Pros only, am I breaking the 180 rule of thumb?

2011-09-29T17:28:00.007-04:00

My alum, friend and paintball fanatic Jessica. T is teaching a cartooning class. My "expertise" was call upon helping her with one of the assignments she is planning. The big question was about "180 Degree" rule, commonly associated with continuity issues in filming, as well as story boarding. After getting the script I roughly sketched out this story board and sent it on this way. It's been a long time since I last worked on any story boarding, it actually felt great !! :)
The script :

THREE PEOPLE STAND IN A MASSIVE GRAVEYARD, A MAUSOLEUM, AT SUNSET—A BUILT MAN, ABOUT AGE 30, AN OLD, BALDING PREACHER, AND A YOUNG WOMAN, STANDING IN AN ADVENTUROUS POSE.

THE THREE OF THEM LOOK LEFT IN SYNC AT ROWS AND ROWS OF ASSORTED GRAVESTONES, THEN LOOK RIGHT—MORE ROWS OF GRAVESTONES, OF ALL SORTS OF ASSORTED SHAPES (TOMBSTONES, STATUES OF ANGELS, COLUMNS, AND LARGE CROSSES.

THE THREE LOOK BACKWARDS AT THE SETTING SUN AND WATCH AS IT DISAPPEARS OVER THE HORZON, CREATING A SILHOUETTED LANDSCAPE CROWNED BY THREE FIGURES AND DOTTED BY HUNDREDS OF TOMBSTONES.

SUDDENLY, HANDS BEGIN TO ERUPT FROM THE GRAVES SURROUNDING THEM—ZOMBIES! THE MAN READIES HIS FISTS TO FIGHT, THE WOMAN LIFTS HER LEG IN A KICKING POSE, AND THE PREACHER RAISES HIS CROSS AND BIBLE ABOVE HIS HEAD.

Recent Work Continues!

2011-09-27T14:09:00.000-04:00

Self Portrait (Partial in progress)

Oil on canvas

4' x 9'

Egg Tempera w/#2 Brush

Class work in progress

Works

2011-09-15T16:50:00.003-04:00

School is going well, it's good have a great studio space next to great friends:) All girls and NO secrets! For Lisa's class we are doing a study and a still life. My set up in the studio is not as ambitious as the class set up (no green frogs or plastic snakes).

Still life set up in my studio

Monochromatic study of the still life
To simplify the tone and shape, a fast study is to establish compositions that when move to the full color we would know how it is going to be framed (compositionally).

My pigments

These are the pigments I am using for the full color still life, as to the study, I'm only using Mars Black, Zinc White & Earth Red.

Portrait in progress
This is my own project, the goal is to maintain the vibrancy of tone.

My pallet

Someday, something, somewhere, ...

2011-09-12T23:55:00.006-04:00

A Monochromatic Study of A Still Life

Margaret Bowland's Class

A video introduction/interview of NYAA, it was played for the orientation this year. I thought it's kind of neat. The interviews of the second years (now graduated) just brought some much good memories!

Drawing, drawing, drawing...painting!

2011-09-09T19:33:00.001-04:00

Just came back from the mixer, got to see works by the first years. Really. Impressed. Gotta have to work extra hard to be able to put out a good graduation!

A sketch study of multiple casts in Lisa Bartolozzi's "Technique of Painting" class. Love Lisa, love UD! (Deer park rocks!)

Portrait of Ellen wearing red helmet in progress-- life is constantly in progress isn't it?

Studies

2011-09-07T01:00:00.003-04:00

Doing a study on a new painting. The model came, sat and put on a pair of flashy red aviation helmet goggle. The image was there, in the matter of seconds, a composition emerged.

Study

Graphite on Canvas (not recommended)

I plan to put a layer of transparent green on the graphite first and paint on top of that. It will be interesting, we'll see.

Pencil on paper w/ model sitting on sofa

"WWW" & "He who lives with her"

2011-09-01T03:05:00.009-04:00

An Ongoing Work Shop- How to draw a head

2011-08-26T10:59:00.005-04:00

A friend is posing for this Work Shop in Philadelphia, this is the poster for the class. A very effective teaching plan! HA!

In addition, here's the Claes Oldenburg sculpture, Paint Torch, a 51 ft. high paintbrush. It really doesn't look like an oil brush, rather it reminisces a water color brush... Så lenge venner~!

A few Sketches

2011-08-25T11:08:00.009-04:00

Sorry folks, the past few weeks have been packed with family functions and affairs that I had only had time for a few stiff sketches (yes, I am disgusted, too). I should really be kicking myself to draw more at this point, one year from getting a Master's in "ART"... In another note, I feel so fortunate to be able to complete my degree next year, because the federal government is cutting off the Fed-Sub-interest privilege for the graduate students, but it won't go in effect until next year. As far as the student loans go, I will be working and paying off the loan for the rest of my life, for sure. A few days ago in PMA, I ran into a teacher from my old college, that was nice. In fact I would be happy to teach there, where I once studied and taught as an adjunct. I am beginning to look for a real job, that includes adjunct,pt time, full time...basically anything to make myself useful and finally be able to apply the years of schooling into income...

*Friends and families - We will be away for a few weeks until mid-September. Here's the link to the wedding photos. Drop me an email (suniartblog@gmail.com) for password if you don't already have it, I will get it to you as soon as I can(:-D (The album is intended for our friends and family only, thanks)

Artist Odd Nerdrum sentenced to jail

2011-08-17T12:12:00.009-04:00

First, let me express my disbelief and disappointment over the ruling of Odd Nerdrum VS. the Norwegian Government. Odd Nerdrum is to be sentenced to two years in prison, however the case is subject to appeal. <see source>
However, after reading many comment from supporter of Odd, I grew very concerned over some of the comments...the Norwegian government is very likely to read and document comments from Nerdrum's family and friends, particularly if it provides new information for the prosecution. Please, Stop giving NUMBERS, ANALYSIS and unsubstantiated speculative information. Let the lawyers do their job. If you want to help, focus your efforts on a petition for leniency without the other hyperbole.
(Photo source http://gal5.piclab.us/key/odd%20nerdrum%20themes)

The Rise of The Planet of Geeks!!

2011-08-16T10:24:00.005-04:00

Since the stop motion puppetry was created and used to created awesomeness in films like "King Kong' and "Jason and the Argonauts", science fiction productions have really leaped afar in decades. "The rise of the planet of apes" was spectacular, in the sense of motion capture and character building. In the old days (80's or 90's) digital makers would model raw characters, place them on a separate layer, and manually animate them with other elements of the film. Each movement of the character had to be modeled in detail, every hair, every related muscle movement...huge and painstaking work! Today, the work load is still insane, although the paying aspect is great. With greater paycheck comes a few glitches- 45% of the CGI geeks aren't married or are in short term relationships because of the demanding schedule, plus a over all lack of social skills outside of the tribes of geeks... having to spend days and nights hanging out in the lab is not something family friendly...Give or take, they are the true heroes behind these epics! Without their perfection seeking tenacious mind, we would never be able to see the complex characteristic quality of a crying ape. CGI geek, I salute you!

Portrait in Progress

2011-08-10T16:46:00.012-04:00

This portrait really came a long way, now we're half way done! I scraped the surface quite a bit today to take off extra layers of paint.(ergo the "knife marks") I have been working with the same model for almost 3 years, yet I still can't seem to figure out how to paint her..!

A montage of the past and current progress

Reclining Female

2011-08-05T12:14:00.002-04:00

Oil on canvas

in progress

2011

Under painting...

2011-08-02T12:32:00.001-04:00

A quick under painting, nothing too dramatic. Lately I have been catching up some projects that were left unfinished. The truth is, nothing really gets finished in Art Schools, you always move on to the next thing very quickly...

B-Day card

2011-08-01T12:41:00.002-04:00

"Happy birthday bro"-- Says the shark!

Since when do we all wish happy birthdays in emails and via Facebook? If it weren't for FB's birthday reminder function, I would probably not remember anyone's birthday (except for the month of February, March, October and December...) Still, thank god for FB, everyday is a birthday somehow!

New recording

2011-07-31T19:55:00.002-04:00

A week later

2011-07-29T11:08:00.002-04:00

A week after the the Norwegian massacre, the victims can finally rest in peace... When we lose someone, a piece of ourselves dies. Life has to go on, people will be forever different.

A week after the Chinese high speed train derailment, the little girl "伊伊"（Yee Yee) whose parents died in the incident is still being monitored in the hospital. Hopefully, she is able to move on and enjoy her life, the very thing that her parents would wanted for her. As far as the government's response, it is the same "one blaming another" game. 47 people died of something that should not have happened the way it did, something that should have been entirely prevented. What can I do but sigh for the lost of these innocent souls?? There may never be an answer.

This could have been my daughter, your daughter; or someone you love...It can be so easy to forget, how lucky you are.

Portrait In Progress

2011-07-27T11:45:00.002-04:00

"Gazing Karina"
(in progress)

Oil on canvas

12" x 16"

I don't know what to say...

2011-07-22T21:29:00.002-04:00

Does bombing and killing innocent people solve

any problem??

Absolutely terrifying...We were just going to visit friends in Oslo next month..Now this. Shocking. I guess it's too naive to ask:"What kind of difference would drive a person to stage and murder innocent bystanders so deliberately?"

Anna

2011-07-22T16:33:00.001-04:00

Anna (Session #1)

Charcoal on BFK

R.I.P Lucian Freud

2011-07-21T19:29:00.000-04:00

Lucian Freud

(8 December 1922 – 20 July 2011)

Our Married Life - WWS!

2011-07-20T16:02:00.001-04:00

Unfortunately, what we thought was "live broadcasting" turned out to be the taped game, which had already happened 3 hours ago...Japan was already having the "victory dinner" while we were still cheering for the US girls...@@ Congrats to the Japanese ladies, they played hard and smart and they earned it!!

Studio Work

2011-07-15T18:45:00.003-04:00

"Tangled"
(In progress)

Charcoal on Cansson

5' x 7'

2011

2011-07-12T23:48:00.001-04:00

Mid Afternoon Still life

Oil Sketch on 5"x5" board

New recordings

2011-07-09T22:52:00.002-04:00

"Caro mio ben" Giuseppe Giordani

"Voi che sapete" Cherubino --"Le nozze di Figaro"

Stop-Motion Video Made With Chocolate

2011-07-08T08:54:00.004-04:00

'Chocolate'

Jesse & Joy- "Chocolate" from Carlos Lopez Estrada on Vimeo.

And here is the "behind the scene" video!

Behind the Scenes of "Chocolate" from Carlos Lopez Estrada on Vimeo.

The Iron Lady

2011-07-07T12:23:00.002-04:00

Finally, Ms. Thatcher gets her big shot Hollywood treatment. I had known this movie was in production a few years ago, but I didn't know who was going to play the role of Margret Thatcher. Meryl Streep seems to really fit the role, and I'm sure she won't disappoint the audiences. (Still get get over the teeth!!)

To watch more, visit tag

Pixar's new film!

2011-06-27T13:12:00.003-04:00

It's comforting to know I get to watch this film when I am graduating next year:)

Father's Day Funny Tweets on Jimmy Fellon

2011-06-16T11:17:00.003-04:00

Was trying to find something for this Father's Day coming up. There are so much materials on Mother's Day (well deserved) but fewer things you can look for on Father's Day. So I found this--an unlikely source:

Dads do things we couldn't comprehend or make us angry sometimes. If my father was still alive, I'd have told him that I miss him and I wanted him to be part of our lives. For those of you who are lucky enough to still have a father , you do not want to know how I feel on the days like Father's Day. Never take your fathers for granted!

Master Thesis Work

2011-06-14T23:06:00.001-04:00

Like many other of my peers, while enjoying the summer, I've already kick started the thesis works. My final work will be a series of social commentary (surprise,no?) based on my views of the society, social phenomenon and momentum of life.

Summer vacation begins~!

2011-06-08T14:15:00.007-04:00

Folks, I will not be posting much for a while due to our summer vacation. I thought we wouldn't be able to go but everything all turned out absolutely perfectly~ Summer, here we come! Hope you all have a great summer and enjoy yourself!

Last portrait session before the flight~Still struggling with the Dead palette..

August Wedding Web Address For Guests Only-New And Improved

2011-06-04T23:52:00.008-04:00

I took the wedding site off while some decisions were being made. We have finally decided on how to handle the wedding gift issue. This site is specifically created for friends, families and invited guests, so if you are one of the above, you may click here to see the site. To jump to the "Wedding Gift" section, click here.

Studio work: In The Mood For Progress

2011-06-04T01:06:00.001-04:00

I brushed on some varnish to seal the drawing, although it is not the most ideal way to treat a surface...Leaving it to dry out and will return to it.

"Street Scene" ink pen on Chinese Paper

2011-06-02T10:01:00.005-04:00

Carried a huge book of old Chinese paper back from Tibet, haven't had much luck using it.

Street scene from a friend's loft garden

The Summer Oil Sketch Series

2011-05-28T18:20:00.002-04:00

Finally! This long awaited summer arrives!! It's hard to be working in the studio while there is so much gorgeousness going on outside! Since school is out, we have been traveling, even though I know I should be working towards graduation...But how can I resist?? I do, however, work when I can...See evidence below---->

Now back to the subject. My plan for the summer project is to finish things that weren't completed in the spring semester, before jumping into anything new. I have ideas, a lots of them, but they will have to wait a bit. Meanwhile, I am working with a model to re-develop figures in a series of short oil sketches, not allowing enough time to elaborate any details. It works, although with a very dead pallet, the color relationships is a bit confusing.

Jenny Saville for class 2012

2011-05-27T12:17:00.001-04:00

Artist Jenny Saville giving the commencement speech at the New York Academy of Art class of 2011, wonder who it will be next?

Figure warm up

2011-05-23T15:22:00.002-04:00

Summer studio project "Seated female nude" (in progress)

Seated Final

2011-05-21T12:33:00.005-04:00

"Jenny"

16" x 18"

White charcoal & Conte on tone paper

Random Doodles...

2011-05-18T12:07:00.000-04:00

Our Married Life - The Proper Way To Oder Out

2011-05-17T00:00:00.002-04:00

Our Married Life - Spontaneous Cooking Training, Grassapahr!

2011-05-10T19:16:00.008-04:00

At last I have more time to devote to the blog! (BB, I'm sorry you haven't been able to do so lately, but don't worry, cuz the internet is not going anywhere anytime soon :)

About "Our Married Life" Series

Although there have been so much done on "married life" as subject already, I do think since each marriage is unique, the stories behind it are definitely different. I believe a long, strong, lasting marriage takes a lot, one of which is good sense of humor. The series is based on little drops of moments of our lives that may not seem significant,but will be remembered forever.

Tedra

2011-05-09T23:18:00.001-04:00

This is the last portrait from Assael's class, unfortunately I ran out of time :(

Turtle Pond Picnic

2011-05-07T20:24:00.008-04:00

GUYS, I LOVE POTATO SALAD, BUT WE ALREADY HAVE 4 PEOPLE MAKING IT, SO BRING SOMETHING...ELSE? AND, TRY NOT TO BRING ICE CREAM THIS TIME? :) CALL ME, OR FACEBOOK ME IF YOU GET LOST!

Also, our house warming party will take place in the following week. It is also to celebrate our anniversary (Not until July, Although). I will make a post next week with a specific date. We will be carrying on the good tradition of "make & cook your own dumplings" party!

CRITIQUE DAY!

2011-05-07T10:31:00.000-04:00

Just attended the second year final critiques, very informative! It was also great to see Scott Noel as a visiting critic. Scott was one of the teachers I had in PAFA, I learned a lot from him that is still in my process today. Over all the comments that the students received were more encouraging and supportive than I expected. However, I would say, the single most important thing is really to follow one's artistic instinct, and never stop learning. The Chinese say: 走自己的路，让别人说去吧（Walk your own way, let others gossip...)

Cat wiskers!

2011-05-06T00:53:00.001-04:00

I have been finding wiskers in the house lately, i wonder...

Portrait of A female

2011-05-02T22:30:00.002-04:00

My final portrait of a female, from Steven Assael's class. Next week the class will be visiting his studio, quite exciting o>

Jenny

2011-04-27T22:42:00.010-04:00

World is small, the art world is even smaller! I was just talking with a friend today, when it turned out he went to high school with a old friend of mine from undergrad, ha!

Several great things happening; First I am only one year away from completing my Master's and finding a job! (Watch out America!) Second, which I am very very proud to share with you all, that my mother totally beat me on getting her Master's degree! She has been accepted to a medical school and will be starting her first year as a med student in 3 months-- talking about AMBITION! Who says a woman can't have family and career for life? Who says a woman is destined to have kids and become a house pickle? Anyway, I'm happy to be a very, very proud daughter, you've done it, and we are damn proud! Thumb up to mom!

O cessate di piagarmi by Suni

2011-04-24T01:59:00.004-04:00

This is one of my favorite art songs. There will be more songs converted to the Tube so I can share with all my friends (yay)!

2011-04-18T11:44:00.002-04:00

"TANGLED IN PROGRESS"

5' X 7'
CHARCOAL ON CANSON

05.20.2011

2011-04-15T15:40:00.004-04:00

Save the date!!!!!!!

And also a video of pandas in REAL LIFE~

Monday Night Is A Portrait Night

2011-04-11T23:25:00.003-04:00

We had a very very bright & Sunny day today. It seemed like a nice summer is well on its way!
I'm doing this portrait for Steven Assael's class. There is another week left on the pose and i expect to get more depth out of it next week. One can not expect to learn of someone's secret within a few weeks, all "Masters" came with different strength, and they were smart enough to utilize the strength to create their own pieces. Some people copy other people's style, but that only can last so long. Only a style developed by yourself will stand solid.

Draft study for a project

Painting week2

2011-04-07T16:41:00.005-04:00

Something from class that I am actually really enjoying

My husband came up with the new atmospheric background idea, the set up in reality was pretty blend.

Still in progress

Self Portrait In Traditional Chinese Mandarin Gown

2011-04-06T00:49:00.005-04:00

I apologize for the color resolution, the actual painting has a lot more vibrancy. I don't think RGB or CMYK can quit handle the level of intense saturation of this traditional Mandarin gown... Speaking of this dress, and the reason I am doing this portrait, is because its characteristic representation. Red and purple are both royal colors, in the past only royal and riches wore it. Once in these dresses, your identity was replaced by your domestic duty. Today, a Chinese woman generally wears red on her wedding day. Chinese women in the past had basically no social status or stability, much like the western women before the 50's and the 60's, when they began to realize that women can work equally well as men, given the opportunity. They also realized domestic chores didn't have to be a woman's born destiny. Today, more and more Chinese women are standing up for themselves, they work as much as the men do, and share domestic responsibilities(better, if not). Still, in a society built on male chauvinism for thousands of years, old habit stays. Chinese women, among other Asian women are often taken as tame or submissive, because of our gentle natures and appearance. Some Chinese man still have the expectation that a Chinese woman should be able to cook, clean, reproduce,raise children,be obedient, all of it except an ambitious career of their own. In US, many women who have one or more children, often have to work full time. In my opinion, they may not be as strong as men physically (Unless you are a athlete, thumb up!) , but they do have to have stronger mind and determination. I feel gender is like a dress, yes, I was born a girl, however it doesn't define me, nor do I have to act in accordance to the expectations. Underneath the surface, is a passionate soul that is easy to content, and it is. No matter what I am wearing, I am me.

A Few Random Sketches

2011-04-02T18:41:00.002-04:00

(Tribeca-China Town) NYC
Unbeatable sense of fashion, counterfeit accessories, extreme make-up ...

2011-03-30T21:43:00.005-04:00

The shoe print made it a better drawing, I think.

A Portrait study of Ellen, A fabulous Dancer, who gave me my very first Ballet Lesson(did not break anything, thank god) , which was helpful for one of my upcoming painting project.

SUNI ART

Working in the studio

Colors, colors, colors

Odd Nurdrum Granted New Trail

3 Minute Gusture Drawings

Thesis Phase 2, in the studio.

An ordinary Tuesday

Here's my piece at Cupping Room

The Dancers (DRAFT)

Thesis Project 2011-2012

My holiday "likes" and "dis-likes"

BACK IN ACTION!

After Caravaggio

Recipe for Disaster

The Choire (in progress)

Study of a male nude

~~More sketches~~

SWAP!!

From feeding a three yr old to... "some things never change"

Caricature of People Seeing A Caricature Exhibition

Infinite Jest: Caricature and Satire from Leonardo to Levine

Met up with a friend over the weekend for some good food and saw the caricature show at the Met. It was also fun making caricatures of the audience at the caricature show, watch behind your back or you might end up on my book, ha! >:D

THANKSGIVING Prep Talk!

Cloudy day

More subway dance!

Deck the wall!

IN PROGRESS

Recent sketches

Ongoing lessons

Mid Term den-den-den--!!

The Day After

Subway Dance!

Color experiment-

Artinfo: The best brush cleaner

Just for fun-- Just Breath

Hey- How is that new Lawsuit working out for ya...?

CELEBRATION

Figure drawing- Nude Male Back

Thesis Project Phase 1

Open studio

The Ongoing Portrait

Recent stuff

JUICE BOX!

Just for Fun Series

Odd Nerdrum New Book in English

For Pros only, am I breaking the 180 rule of thumb?

Recent Work Continues!

Works

Someday, something, somewhere, ...

Drawing, drawing, drawing...painting!

Studies

"WWW" & "He who lives with her"

An Ongoing Work Shop- How to draw a head

A few Sketches

Artist Odd Nerdrum sentenced to jail

The Rise of The Planet of Geeks!!

Portrait in Progress

Reclining Female

Under painting...

B-Day card

New recording

A week later

Portrait In Progress

I don't know what to say...

Anna

R.I.P Lucian Freud

Our Married Life - WWS!

Studio Work

New recordings

Stop-Motion Video Made With Chocolate

The Iron Lady

Pixar's new film!

Father's Day Funny Tweets on Jimmy Fellon

Master Thesis Work

Summer vacation begins~!

August Wedding Web Address For Guests Only-New And Improved

Studio work: In The Mood For Progress

"Street Scene" ink pen on Chinese Paper

The Summer Oil Sketch Series

Jenny Saville for class 2012

More sketches