Chinese New Year

There’s a buzz in the extra crowded malls now as Chinese New Year is less than 2 weeks away. Here is a quick sketch of the colourful decorations up at Jurong Point Mall, Singapore. 

At this time, New Year snacks crowd the shelves of stores and supermarkets. These snacks are traditionally sold in clear plastic containers with red lids and this is still the commonest kind of packaging. These containers are so synonymous with this lunar festive season.

If you’re lucky enough to have a baker in the family then she will come by a couple of weeks before the big day to deliver your favourite selection of mouthwatering snacks.

My favourite are the pineapple tarts!

#Faber-CastellPittPens, colour pencils, #HandbookJournal 5.5"x5.5".

Deja vu!

Singapore's City in a Garden vision which started in 1963 has been a success, turning the city into a lush oasis despite it's high density of population. The vegetation has got more lush since the last time I was here 2 years ago.

After spending 8 months here 2 years ago, I  didn’t think we would be back in Singapore for an extended stay again but here we are. Deja vu!

I guess you can't come to Singapore without sketching the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel. This is the view of the unusual building which has a skypark and infinity pool at the top. 

Copic Multiliner pen, Pentel Pocket brush pen, watercolour, #HandbookJournal (watercolour) 5.25”x8.25”.

Sydney Terrace Houses

I love the old terrace houses which are common in the older parts of Sydney, Australia. We were lucky to spend quite a few days living in one.

Here are a few on a street in the neighbourhood of Bondi Junction.

Faber-Castell Pitt Pens, watercolour, #HandbookJournal (watercolour) 5.25”x8.25”.

(Un)eventful trip to Sydney

Getting over the flu and nursing an injured knee on a recent visit to Sydney, Australia meant sketching friends' backyards...

and the view from skylights. 

I did manage a trip to the Sydney Fish Market where heaps of Asian tourists were having expensive meals. Our meal of fish and chips was watched over by greedy seagulls.

Faber-Castell Pitt Pens, watercolour, #HandbookJournal (watercolour) 5.25”x8.25”.
#HandbookJournal 5.5"x5.5".