(May 24th) Voyaging in Luminous Space: One Man Show by Pancho Piano

May 16, 2016May 16, 2016 / Jennifer Bichara / 1 Comment

Passions Art Gallery presents Voyaging in Luminous Space, the new solo exhibition by renowned Global Filipino artist and Bicol’s pride, “Pancho Piano” opening on May 24th 2016.

The exhibition will run from May 24^th to June 5^th 2016. Opening reception starts at 6:00pm.

(Address: 4th Level 407 Sm MegaMall Building A, EDSA, corner J. Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong City, 1552, Metro Manila)

Pancho Piano will be available for press interviews during the exhibit from May 24th; interested journalists please contact Pancho at panchopiano22@yahoo.com and +639175343238 to make an appointment.

In all these cosmic voyages, there appear certain references to landmarks and architectural structures, such as imposing city gates or church spires, along with symbolic elements. They are viewed as though from a distance or from the eagle’s eye view of the world. ~Alice Guillermo

Multifaceted award winning artist Pancho Piano creates art in variety of styles: stained glass art, abstraction and mural painting. Pancho creates energy and movement successfully interweaving modern and traditional styles. A faithful son of “Kabikulan,” he has paid homage, in his numerous paintings in oil and acrylic, to the myths, legends and traditions of Bicol, its indigenous deities such as “Haliya,” the moon goddess of abundance and fertility with her multiple breast, and “Daragang Magayon” in the folktale of ill-starred lovers, as well as mythologies of Albay province and gives special homage to the Bicolano devotion to the Lady Peñafrancia. Aside from his liturgical art, Pancho M. Piano is also a poet of Bicol Southern Tagalog Region.

Pancho M. Piano completed Bachelor’s Degree in Economics at the University of Nueva Caceres (1978) who also took a degree in Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines Diliman as a Jose Joya Scholar (1984-1987).

Pancho is the first Filipino artist to showcase Leather Art in the Philippines. He has conducted 30+ solo exhibitions, over 50+ group exhibitions, and participated in international exhibitions in Japan, Saipan, and the United States of America, France, Austria, the Federal Republic of Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland.

He has traveled extensively to the United States and Europe voyages opening for him new perspectives of space and the universe.

Pancho has won over numerous major national competitions in the Philippines, including Finalist at the 1997 “AFP Centennial Mural Painting Competition,” and the 1998 “AAP Centennial Painting Competition.” Pancho was awarded “Artist of the Year Awards” for the total of twelve times by various Bicol institutions. He was bestowed as “Most Outstanding Bicolano Artist” in 2009, “My City My SM Award” in 2010 and “Orgullo Kan Award for Visual Arts” in 2011. Pancho Piano was also featured in television networks such as ABS-CBN, and in 10 coffee table book publications.

Pancho will be exhibiting in London this coming July 2016. His subjects will be Philippines celebrations in abstract and figurative styles. Feel free to contact Pancho for more information.

Metamorphosis by Nelson Castillo – macuha-artgallery.com

April 3, 2016 / Jennifer Bichara / Leave a comment

Metamorphosis Art by Nelson Castillo in Macuha Art Gallery which aims to promote the Philippine Contemporary Arts and the Filipino Artists.

Source: Metamorphosis by Nelson Castillo – macuha-artgallery.com

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Written by me – Jennifer Bichara

Sepia Nude Watercolour by Rafael Cusi – macuha-artgallery.com

March 17, 2016 / Jennifer Bichara / Leave a comment

A new blog post “Sepia Nude Watercolour” by Rafael Cusi in Macuha Art Gallery which aims to promote Philippine Contemporary Arts & Filipino Artists.

Source: Sepia Nude Watercolour by Rafael Cusi – macuha-artgallery.com

Please Like and Share Macuha Art Gallery‘s pages @ Facebook, Twitter, Google+,Pinterest, Instagram & Foursquare.

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Written by me – Jennifer Bichara

MASTERPIECES: 3rd Solo Exhibition by Jensen Moreno

March 13, 2016April 25, 2016 / Jennifer Bichara / Leave a comment

When I paint, I use 110% of my brain to direct my hand to perform a thing called Masterpiece. ~ Jensen Moreno 2008

Dos Pueblos Art Gallery presents MASTERPIECES, the new solo exhibition by renowned Global Filipino artist, Jensen Moreno opening on April 1st 2016. Masterpieces marks Jensen’s third solo exhibition in Manila.

Jensen Moreno was born in Bataan, Philippines and is currently based in Beijing, China. She is at present a visual art teacher at Beijing International Bilingual Academy. She received her Masters and Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts majored in Painting from University of Santo Tomas.

To learn more about the artist, please read my featured articles linked below:

She has exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions. The most recent ones are at Art Fair China Beijing International, ASEAN Ladies Circle Gathering by the Embassy of the Republic of Philippines, BIBA Art Expo 2015, “Thirty-One” solo exhibition in China and Taipei. Her works are housed in international public and private collections.

MASTERPIECES are a collection of the artist masterful portraits from the past to present. It includes “THE GOAL” which is one of the most important paintings at the ASEAN Ladies Circle event. Held in Philippine Embassy in Beijing, China. Portraits of some VIPs from Philippines, Vietnam and China will showcase at the exhibition.

The exhibition will run from 1 April to 10 April 2016. Opening reception starts at 6:30pm.

(Address: 3rd Level, Robinsons Magnolia, Aurora Blvd. Corner Hermady, New Manila, Philippines)

Jensen Moreno will be available for press interviews during the exhibit from April 1st; interested journalists, please contact Jensen Moreno at jhenz09mhike@yahoo.com.ph and jensenmartijn1221@gmail.com to make an appointment.

Jensen Moreno Fostering Creativity to Excellence:

Jensen Moreno’s notion of creativity is more than originality. It is about perfection and excellence which institutes developing improvement. It is a concept which is analogous to the implied theories of creativity. Jensen infers not only the source of origin. Her works are unrelenting production of the origin, that is, the creativity. She singles out originality and imagination as the key to creativity. Her execution is a special attribute that somehow makes the act itself enigmatic.

Creativity in arts is all about liberating the energy to the canvas. Her art is dynamic, diverse and distinct. It is imaginative, ingenious, innovative and inventive. She loves taking risks and challenging the convention. Her art lies in direct proportion to the existence of art. Her level of skill, creativity and emotion is perfection and effectiveness. That had its roots in the subconscious. And was the source of new masterful discoveries.

MASTERPIECES: 3rd solo exhibition by Jensen Moreno

“THE GOAL” Portrait of Martijn Horters, 4×7 Ft Oil on Canvas

Behind the ART: “I am thankful that I have learned from the best art professors. Who should take credit for stimulating my creativity and originality! Now I have developed a process where my painting will never be easily replicated.”

“SELF-PORTRAIT” Self-Portrait of Jensen Moreno 2016, 120x170cm Oil on Canvas

Painting has always been a means of self-expression for me. Therefore, I paint because I have to and need to, not necessarily because I want to. Subconsciously or not, the figures I paint are a reflection of myself and whatever mood I am in at the time, so every painting is in essence a self-portrait.

Lori Earley

The Masterful Process of a Portrait

Jensen Moreno gets thrilled to experience the moment a painting takes on a life of its own. One instant, there is a unification of colored silhouettes on the canvas. Surface and bang! With the addition of a single stroke it’s transformed into a larger than life creation of beauty.
She strives to merge the physical and spiritual individualities of each portrait. She creates into the most telling portrait possible. Conveying the essence of her subject is vital. All her portraits provide her the chance to create a work of art. That exhibits both beauty and timelessness.
She studies the portrait paintings. Always evaluating how she can best incorporate her observations into her own masterpiece. Many of her patrons tell her that through the course of having their portraits painted. They’ve developed a pristine indebtedness for art.
Her artwork is a product from direct observation. That also allows her the opportunity to observe. And incorporate more subtle nuances of form and color into her painting. The process of creating from life’s relationships is exhilarating.
To the artist, a great portrait painting is not just capturing a faithful likeness. The physical process of applying paint with only a palette knife creates a unique dynamic energy. That is impossible to replicate through any machine-driven process.
She gives herself unlimited chances to edit what she has observed. Whether it is from a live subject or from a photograph. She reimagines and reexamines the subject all over again. Allowing the artist to be a child all over again. While playing things down to create something wonderful. That goes far beyond the realms of imagination. She further reviews photos as a beginning reference. And decides to alter them to varying degree.
To meet a final masterful masterpiece portrait that best conveys her sense of completion. Where each element must be in perfect harmony with the entirety of compositions. She strives to reach the highest artistic plateaus to achieve her goal of excellence. And to help create portraits that will outshine all expectations.

“THE GIFT” Portrait of Artist Daughter, 120x170cm Oil on Canvas

To My Precious Gift,

“When the time you were born, you became my inspiration. I envision your beautiful face, the twinkle of your eyes. And the things you do that make me laugh. Our bond together from the womb and to the moment you were born is irreplaceable. That will never ever be torn away from us. I pray that God will give me strength and guidance for all the blessings he pours down from above. I am doing my best to be the best mother to you. I will always embrace you with all my motherly love. To me, you are the most precious gift. You are as exquisite as a flower and as sublime as a rose. You have been specially made by God to be my daughter. You are brighter than the sun every time you give me that smile. My only wish as a mother is that I want you to be proud of who you are and to strive for the best. Bring to bear efforts to make sure that your goals are achieved. And let God do the rest. But remember, I will always be your mother first. But will also be your friend. You are the most precious gift, that I’ve ever been given. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mommy

“THE LOVE”
Portrait of Anna Horters, 120x170cm Oil on Canvas

Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile & who LOVE YOU no matter what.

“RICH AND FAMOUS”Portrait of Huang Jiannan, 90x100cm Oil on Canvas

Behind the ART: Huang Jiannan, 60, has garnered fame both in and outside of China. His works praised by the art community where his pieces sold at high prices.

Huang is a skilled painter who specializes on landscapes. He has a propensity for bright colors in his works. He prefers the techniques of traditional ink painting. While combining with Western-featured oil painting. That helped shaped his pieces in a style that is his own.

For Huang, success isn’t born out of pure luck.

If an artist mimics the work of great masters, his own artwork will be a repeat. The nature of art is to be original and creative. But this talent must be on hard work and persistence.

Source: bjreview.com

“THE VOICE”Portrait of Soprano Singer Lady Lu Ye, 4x7ft Oil on Canvas

Behind the ART: Lady Lu Ye, Ambassador of Italian Culture to the world and acclaimed soprano and actress. She has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues to critical acclaim. She is known as “Una voce per Papa Francesco” by La Gazzetta dello Spettacolo. She was the first Asian, first Canadian, and the first Chinese artist in history to perform for Pope Francis’ birthday and the annual Christmas concert in Rome, Italy. She was also honored to be the first artist of Asian descendent to sing the Canadian National Anthem in hockey history. Voice like an angel, magic …” claimed La Presse which has been the shared opinion of many since her early career.

Italian music critics proclaimed:

She owns a beautiful voice of color, expressiveness and rich inventiveness of interpretation.

Image Credits: Supplied

Poster Graphics: Racky Eugenio

Photographer: Totong TJ

Art on Plates by Fidel Sarmiento – macuha-artgallery.com

January 31, 2016March 16, 2016 / Jennifer Bichara / Leave a comment

A new blog post “Art on Plates” by Fidel Sarmiento “Condo Series” Acrylic on Plates in Macuha Art Gallery which aims to promote Philippine Contemporary Arts & Filipino Artists.

Source: Art on Plates by Fidel Sarmiento – macuha-artgallery.com

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Written by me – Jennifer Bichara

Glad Eser’s Abstract Energy Art

December 18, 2015March 16, 2016 / Jennifer Bichara / Leave a comment

Gladys Eser also known as Glad Eser was born and raised in the Philippines. She is a self-taught artist with a passion for expression. From an early age, Gladys started having interest in painting and calligraphy. In 2002, Ms. Eser earned a degree in Bachelor of Science in Physics-Mathematics from the University of the Philippines. Also, she is a certified FINRA Series 7 financial analyst; hence, her nicknames as “Glad the Artist” and “Gladys the Analyst.”

Gladys enjoyed painting only as a hobby until one of her pieces was displayed for a charity fund raising event. From then on, she accepted commission orders and eventually, got her own art studio. And her debut art exhibit “Art Inspires” in Deutsche Bank Group Manila, Artspace which will run till December 18, 2015.

Gladys influences and inspirations come from Mark Rothko, Gustav Klimt, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh. All come from different artistic movements and styles.

Title: Eye Candies (Triptych) – Acrylic on Canvas – Size: 36 x 48 x 1.75 in

Gladys creates her paintings to reflect positive emotions as her name suggests, Glad. For Gladys, creating abstract art is an expressive means to channel creative energy with positive feelings. Her art embodies the artist visions, her dreams, and her energy. She is inspired by the vibrancy of energy and the connection around the universe and the beauty of pure nature.

“I enjoy expressing positive feelings with layers and depth of colors, playing with curves and highlights of gold. I mostly use acrylics and play with mixed media and oil once in a while.”

Title: Summit – Acrylic on Canvas – Size: 36 x 24 x 1.75 in

Her abstract paintings are inspired by the visual clues in nature and eternalized with spirit and impulsiveness from emotions within. Gladys uses acrylic glazing technique giving light and life to her paintings. The resulting works are emotive and suggests fluid movement, creating energy on the canvas with a wonderful tactile quality. The ambiance of the painting is poignant and pulsating in colour.

Abstract art is a contemporary style of painting that reveals a visual language unique to every abstract artist. While some non-representational abstract art can be disordered and chaotic, Gladys works represents nature and a larger connection to the universe. For Gladys, creating abstract art is an expressive means to channel creative energy with positive message that reflects upon a higher vision. While exploring through the abstract painting process, Gladys searches for a rhythm in the moment to find a creative expression that communicates a balance and a beauty within.

Title: Golden Trend – Acrylic on Canvas – Size: 24 x 36 x 1.75 in

For Gladys, abstract art can convey energy that awakens your emotions and the creative mind. Using her sense of intuition, she is able to create these abstract paintings with vibrant colors, waves of light and layered movement to awaken the senses and transform their environment giving positive harmonious energy.

“I want to have my paintings induce positive feelings from whoever is viewing them. Make them stop, have the eyes wonder on the colors and curves on the canvas, then step back, smile and look again.”

Title: Expression – Acrylic on Canvas – Size: 20 x 20 x 1.75 in

Title: Serendipity – Acrylic on Canvas – Size: 36 x 36 x 2.5 in

Imagine yourself entering a room when you are in a bad mood. And upon you viewing a particular artwork on display in that room; you start to feel some happy emotions kicking in and soon you find yourself smiling and laughing instead of frowning.

It’s a work of art that alters your mood in a good way. Her paintings have the power to alter the energy within the room that it has been placed in because they enhance positive energy vibrations and overall well-being. All her works give that effect, all due to differential energy wavelengths and frequencies that convey different feelings and meanings to the observer.

“Moving forward, I am looking to create more happiness through my art and share with the rest of the world.”

Title: Compassion – Acrylic on Canvas – Size: 36 x 24 x 2.5 in

Title: Benevolence – Acrylic on Canvas – Size: 36 x 24 x 2.5 in

Inquiries from all art enthusiasts are welcomed. Please contact the artist via Facebook.

All images supplied.

Michelle Hollanes Lua: Scavenger Artist & Sculptor

December 11, 2015March 16, 2016 / Jennifer Bichara / 4 Comments

Michelle Hollanes Lua is a sculptor, musician, a multimedia and a scavenger artist. Her work focuses on social issues, realms and women empowerment. As a salvage artist, Ms. Lua’s takes the discarded remains of the past and transforms them into art that tells a story of the past, present and future. The purpose of Ms. Lua’s work is to show that objects considered garbage by most re-envisioned into objects of interest, desire and beauty.

Title: Sintipid (Centipede) – Medium: Fiber Glass Size: Dimensions Variable Year: 2012

“If there is not enough for what we want or have, there must be a million of unwanted graces somewhere. My artworks are off the throw away-culture that the world ship to the periphery, my country. We are all living human beings consuming that could result destruction. Somehow, intend to reciprocate the action, give back to life, and recycle.” ~said Michelle Hollanes Lua

Title: Sintipid (Centipede) – Medium: Fiber Glass Size: Dimensions Variable Year: 2012 (Back View)

The knowledge that the items used in Ms. Lua’s art, if they were not saved by her would be sitting in a trash bin is what drives her to create unique pieces. It can be broken shoes, belts and bags. Fiber glass cast, epoxy, metal beads, garbage’s from throw away culture. As you see in her sculpture titled “Broke Bag Mountain.”

Title: “BROKE BAG MOUNTED” – Made of broken shoes, belts and bags, fiber glass cast, epoxy, metal beads, garbages from throw away culture.

Title: Silver – Medium: metal beads/aluminum/fancy diamonds from broken belts shoes and bags, fiber glass cast, epoxy Size: Dimensions Variable Year: 2014

There is one common link in all works of salvage art – each one is a type of visual remix so that everyone would think out of the box about the context of materials.

Contemporary artists like Ms. Lua salvage materials for many reasons to make statements about consumer societies. To create works that speaks to their resourcefulness as an artist. Embracing sustainability or, to inspire others to practice creative re-use. And to add interest to their creations by incorporating materials that have a back story. Lua’s salvage materials in her art because they all have a story behind them.

Title: The Last Suffer – Medium: Fiber Glass Cast Size: 109cm x 25cm x 14cm Year: 2013

Title: Maria Santisima – Medium: fiber glass, rice husk, light fixture Size: 41cm x 41cm x 47cm Year: 2011

Title: Reminyo (Remarried) – Medium: fiber glass cast of a native Manobo woman Size: 27″ x 15″x 5″ Year: 2013

Ms. Lua’s sculpture depicts women in a variety of roles and situations. Her sculptures are representations of women as objects of subjugation. Works magnifies the psychological and emotional aspects of an urban women’s life as nurturers, caregivers, and providers of hope. In a world teeming with discord, violence and unjustified welfare, her mixed media world, thoughts become as visible as reality and the evolutionary metamorphosis is both comical and brutal.

“I am after stories inside those bags. If you have a shoe, you have a story. From squeaky-clean and shiny to scuffed and soiled, I want them all. These branded things are my representation against women trafficking and a statement of women empowerment.” ~said Michelle Hollanes Lua

Ms. Lua’s “Retokada” deals with the loss of physical beauty as aging sets in. It shows a woman clothed in intricate metal pulling up her breasts. To signify an attempt to recapture lost youth.

‘Contours of Loss’ Group Exhibit – Title: “RETOKADA”

Title: Segunda Mano – Medium: concrete, steel life cast 2011

Ms. Lua holds a Bachelor of Arts in English majoring in Philippine folklore at Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology. Another one of her passion is filming. She loves to explore not only what is in the cities but submerging herself with the locals on the streets. Recently, she had been up in the mountains of Bukidnon, Mindanao to document folkloric materials and seek to understand a large number of material traditions.

Title: Kaban – Medium: copper, Plaster of Paris Size: Dimensions Variable Year: 20

Last January 2015, Ms. Lua participated in “Storm’s Wake” artists speak and film showing – a film collaboration between Ms. Lua, Jericho Vamenta and Boyet De Mesa held at UP Vargas Museum. Who spoke about their experience in creating art related to disaster and disaster response. The film “Remembering Sendong” aims to be a catalyst for action.

Michelle was part of Siete Pesos. A group featured in the Singapore Biennale 2013 for their work involving the motorela. A vehicle used in Cagayan de Oro that features in their group’s efforts after Typhoon Sendong.

Recently, Ms. Lua par take in “Garden of Fernal Delights: The book. A Dreams and Divinities Project for 2015-2016.” Were 110 artists around the world, from all the rebel contemporary styles: outsider, visionary, low brow, pop surrealism, magic realism, and fantastic art participated in. Was part of the “Imago Mundi: Philippine Collection Map of The New Art” in Venice Biennale. ArtistTtalk “Forces at work” at the University of the Philippines Vargas Museum. To name a few selected exhibits and engagements.

As a self-taught artist, her works are trials and errors and experiments and more on art processes. She has participated in group exhibitions overseas and in many parts of the Philippines. She is also one of the women in Mindanao who exhibited in Rome and Brussels.

The sculpture at the back she made in memory of her loss cat “Thumper.”

“Art for me is not only for the elite. It must be for all. It is quest for the artistic revolution. I want a balance of the purest and simplest and the higher notion of art. Not to lose this aesthetics with its concept. Though art does not need to be beautiful all the time; yet, I enslave my works into decoration in my own likeness. That I can connect immediately to people in all walks of life. And still hold on to my issues.” ~said Michelle Hollanes Lua

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Interested in having a piece of salvage art custom built into a wonderful piece of sculpture, please contact the artist via:

Facebook: Michelle Lua
Email: michelle.lua.philippines@gmail.com
CP: 09279873317

Images supplied by the artist.

Realistic Abstracts by Benjamin Cruz

December 3, 2015March 16, 2016 / Jennifer Bichara / 2 Comments

Benjamin Cruz is a award winning Filipino painter who has the ability to dream and create new worlds. Mr. Cruz’s transforms his pieces to new heights with this concept of manipulating dimensionality. The artist takes inspiration from the landscapes around him that goes way beyond realism.

Compositions and painting techniques are the tools Mr. Cruz’s uses to transform his art. His subtle shift results in a piece that is complex and layered. The same way that life is multifarious and multidimensional. His transparent layers of acrylic in unique ripple effects. Create landscapes that appear to dissolve into the mist. Results in a mysterious surface. That begs the viewer to come closer and explore the intricacies of the painting.

Mr. Cruz’s art is in the category of abstract realism. Abstract realism is difficult to explain because it is the blend of two opposing styles of art.

Abstract art without any combining rudiments and has no reference to real objects. It is only concerned with the colors, lines, shapes and rhythms that create the artwork. In a manner, abstract art is art without a concrete and physical construct to work from.

Title: “Building”
Med: Acrylic on canvas
Size: 152cm x 160cm

Yet, realistic art aspires to create realistic impressions of real objects. Realistic painting attempts to show what the eyes actually see, including human hardships. This goal of realistic accuracy includes color choice, subject matter, and brush strokes. The painting should represent the subject. Viewers should know what they are looking at.

The goal of abstract realism involves using abstract painting techniques. Through the use of distorted images by implementing impressionist, surrealistic and expressionist techniques. To make the painting recognizable, somewhat blurred and distorted.

His art form sits between realistic depiction of the world. Including, non-representational abstraction as the main subject. They are no longer two separate opposing styles. But they come together to strengthen each other.

Mr. Cruz aims to bring the elements of our consciousness that is not evident in plain sight into the light. His desire for the comfort and skill of the real and the need of those abstract aesthetics.

Ben Cruz waiting for the announcement for 2015 Southeast Asian Painting of the Year.

A former graphic designer of the Business Times, Mr. Cruz, won the coveted UOB Painting of the Year 2015 (Singapore) award for his acrylic on canvas titled “Building.” Organized by the United Overseas Bank last Nov 4, the painting mixes realism and abstraction to present images of Singapore landmarks under large, textured swirls of earthly colours. Award winning piece points out something that already exists. In its final form. It is symbolic of Mr. Cruz’s impression of Singapore, where skyscrapers dominate.

Ben Cruz, born in 1954, is a multi awarded visual artist both in the Philippines and Singapore. Mr. Cruz has completed a degree in advertising and is concentrating on painting realist abstracts in his retirement.

**A Selection of Ben Cruz’s Art Masterpieces***

(Click the thumbnails below to enlarge the artwork, and then swipe or use the arrows to scroll)

#BenCruz: Multi-Awarded #FilipinoArtist #VisualArtist #Art #ArtPH #ContemporaryArts www.jennysserendipity.com

Mga ETCHURA ni Maria

“maBUWAYAng bagong kasal” (3ft x 4ft)

“GUBAT” Private Collection

“Pabahay bato? Acrylic on Canvas

“High Heel” 3ft x 4ft Acrylic on Canvas

“When the wind blows”

“TANSUN@company” 3ft x 4ft (2012)

San Felipe, Zambalez

“Skyway” (2013)

“Inahin” 2ft x 2ft Acrylic on Canvas

Images supplied by the artist.

Meet Sky De Leon Child Prodigy Painter

November 27, 2015March 16, 2016 / Jennifer Bichara / 5 Comments

Artist at work who can paint one painting a day.

A rage to master as observed in some precocious young artists may help define extreme visual creativity in spotting artistic brilliance in children. Among all child prodigies there is one particular trait that children share: passion about their interest – whether it is in painting, sports, math, science or even dance.

Despite his young age, Ram Skyler De Leon or “Sky” has already distinguished himself as a professional artist. Sky can make one oil painting a day, his stress buster after school. “I am passionate about art!” he enthuses. Shy is an artist who has an obsession to master his craft, devouring art books and religiously studying with local experts.

“It’s a great honor to be an artist. Art for me is not just a hobby but a passion. Painting became my escape and my inspiration to do well in school. We all live in a busy and complicated world but art simplifies it. God gave me this wonderful gift and my family has supported me throughout my journey in art. I hope to create more and better paintings or works of art in the future.”~Sky De Leon

Looking at kid’s compositions, it won’t take you much to conclude that he comprehends far beyond his age. His reflection about art, his brushstroke and mature demeanor across the canvas at such a tender age is certainly a gifted realist. His elements of composition, color, space and movement are handled with greater sensitivity to detail.

The fifteen-year old boy’s paintings are no child’s play for this 2nd year high school honor student from La Salle Greenhills who started art as early as six years old.

Ram Skyler de Leon and Master Artist, Fernando Sena at Walls Gallery

He first studied art basics with acclaimed “Fernando Sena” in 2010 and had several exhibits through him, in venues including Philippine Heart Center, Eastwood Cinema in Libis, and Walls and Art Gallery in Quezon Avenue while contemporary Filipino artist “Philip Badon” has also helped in shaping Sky’s art.

His comprehensive art education and as well as his exposure to numerous art forms, styles and techniques, finds niche in realism and impressionism through L’arc En Ciel Gallery who is now Sky’s second home in art – a leading art gallery in the country under the tutelage of Elaine Herbosa curator of the L’Arc en Ciel in the South. Sky has also been accepted to the Florence Academy of Art in Italy for next year’s workshop – first Filipino child to be accepted in this prestigious academy.

Sky with Elaine Herbosa, President and Curator of L’Arc En Ciel Art Gallery.

He wields a brush like an art master. His skill in the impressionist still life is a sight to behold – his copper vases, sunflowers and cherries on white silk organza pop to life with his sophisticated strokes. Sky’s oils in bold colors have unending appeal.

Sky was not like most children as he found solace frolicking with vivid colors and various subjects in his paintings. Sky is an artist whose art are often self-directed, preferring art to other forms of entertainment. Sky believes that creating art in general is not an activity but a way of life for him. It teaches him discipline, courage to go beyond his limits, and to aim for perfection for whatever interest him.

“Still life teaches you to find the beauty in simple household objects and portraiture makes you enjoy the perfection of the in perfection,” ~Sky De Leon

Image credit via John Rene Fernandez

Sky has been publicly exhibiting his works since he was 11 years old, starting at the Bahay Tsinoy Museum in Intramuros. He had a solo auction exhibit for the 10th anniversary of The Palms Country Club in Alabang in 2013, where part of the proceeds went to a charitable institution. He has joined Art in the Park two years in a row, ManiaArt 2015, and exhibits in Bellevue Hotel, Tagaytay Highlands, ArtistSpace, Ayala Museum and at L’Arc en Ciel Atelier and Gallery in Ayala Alabang Village.

His rare talent has been featured as Artist of the Week in Solar TV’s morning show, interviewed in other TV programs, and featured in newspapers and magazines. Sky is, after all, just a typical, well-rounded extraordinary talented kid with supportive non-artist parents. His oil paintings have evolved into a more mature depictions and advanced techniques.

“I love what I am doing. It’s very satisfying, seeing a finished work when before there was just a blank canvas,” ~Sky De Leon

A Selection of Sky’s Masterpieces

(Click the thumbnails below to enlarge the artwork, and then swipe or use the arrows to scroll.)

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Meet #SkyDeLeon #ChildProdigy #Painter www.jennysserendipity.com #VisualArtist #FilipinoArtist #Art #ArtPH #ContemporaryArts #Impressionism #Realism

15 Year Old “Sky De Leon” Art Prodigy reaches for the Sky

This sculpture by Ronald Castrillo was made in collaboration with Sky’s painting.

15 Year Old “Sky De Leon” Art Prodigy reaches for the Sky

Images supplied by the artist.

The Whimsical Art of Buhay Mendoza

November 20, 2015March 16, 2016 / Jennifer Bichara / Leave a comment

Whimsical art is an effervescent and playful that is unique, out-of-the-ordinary, or fanciful. This type of art is commonly associated with children’s book illustrations and fairy tale art, which aims to lifts the spirit and makes you happy. Whimsical artwork might be characterized by its color, design, line, or subject matter. Whimsical paintings are usually bright and colorful, and their subject matter is sometimes humorous.

Many artists identify with being called “whimsical” because of their philosophy. They want to create images that are playful, cheerful, and carefree which aims to make the viewer smile or laugh, or look at the world around them in a different way. A whimsical artist is a person with great imagination, very intuitive and a child at heart.

Dwight-Buhay or simply “BUHAY” is a Filipino artist who turns everyday people into whimsical figures. BUHAY’s whimsical art is a childlike glimpse into his over-active imagination. These creatures are endearing yet enigmatic, and the same time – odd, crisscrossing the threshold between fantasy and reality. Many of his whimsical creatures contain a quiet tranquility, thoughtful in their own odd ways. His art is restrained, still, and yet, meditative in nature. They often bear a telling gaze, as if they can see something that we don’t. Their eyes are always wide and their lips are sealed.

Buhay’s methodological execution brings this idea to the audience even when the psychological aspects may remain covert to the viewer. The means whereby all of us arbitrate the world in which we live are intellectual and emotional. An intellectual response is learned; whereas emotion is inherent and Buhay’s work is a trajectory of both characteristics, and through these it brings the honesty of life from his paintings.

Whimsical Art By Buhay Mendoza – Tittle : The Golden Heart Bearer . Oil on Canvas. (61 x 61 cm ) 2014.

He distinctly transfers his subjects into canvases to tell a story in hopes that they will touch others too. Though Buhay is primarily self-taught, he began to develop his painting skills and further enhanced his overall artistic abilities through the guidance of renowned artists. He draws inspiration from Impressionist masters such as Edouard Monet, Edgar Degas, Paul Cezanne, Frederic Bazille and Morgan Weistling. His primary source of inspiration; however, lies in the wing of renowned artist Sir Fernando B. Sena who he had formal training with.

The artist uses a variety of mediums in his artwork including oils, acrylics, watercolour and pastels. His primary subjects are the human figures; it fascinates him to express a person’s character through lines, lights and shadows. His genre is more on Expressionism, Impressionism and Realism.

Buhay as he’s known by his contemporaries from Tuesday Group and Art Association of the Philippines as a hardworking artist with the passion for the craft that immerses deeply as he began to embrace the life of being a full-time artist. Buhay simply believes that while one doesn’t always begin one’s working life as an artist, one can nevertheless be born an artist. As in his case, it sometimes takes years of various jobs before one attains the possibility of dedicating life to art. As a youth, survival priorities barred even the thought of artistic inclination.

Buhay has made Deparo, Caloocan City his home a move from his native town – Calauag, Quezon. He worked as a Graphic Artist/ Illustrator for 5 years in which he worked on mock ups, backdrops, and miniature props for movies and commercials. Currently, he has a studio in Caloocan where his creative mind works and flourishes. You can view his artwork in Art Verite Gallery in Ayala Museum.

HIGHLIGHTS OF BUHAY’S CAREER

July 28, 2015 – Fourth Solo Show at Art19B Gallery, Blue Ridge QC
December 20, 2014 – Third Solo Show at An Binh Gallery (Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam)
October 2013 – Manila Art 2013, The Fort Tent
August 13, 2013 – Second Solo Show at Gallery Nine SM Megamall
October 2012 – Manila Art 2012 at SMX MOA
August 9, 2010 – First Solo Show at Enterprise Building, Ayala Makati