I’ve been away for a week to the Sapphire Coast with limited internet connection so I’ve not been able to post any of my sketches. Even so, I haven’t been sketching as much as I’ve hoped, as it can get a bit tricky staying put on a spot while the rest of the group is moving along. However, I’ve managed to spend an hour or so by the beach painting with watercolour. It was quite exciting as its the first time in years since I’ve used watercolour. Scattered along the beach was a sea of human activity though my amateur brush strokes could only accomodate two seagulls and the blue-green water.

I first heard of Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola last year when I was doing some research on designers and have seen her name popping up here and there since. Her designs are often striking, soft in design but bright in colours. This Crinoline chair is no exception.

via Australian Design Review & Style Park.

Just doodling. Today’s sketch, based on some images from yet another old greeting card.

A planned outing with the intention to sketch didn’t worked out so no sketching on Wednesday. I’m still referencing some old greeting cards and found one of the goat, of my zodiac sign. I’ve never sketched on brown paper with fineliner before and I quite like the result.

I was sifting through some old Chinese New Year cards received over the last few years, wanting to sketch the images on these cards for the longest time.

This is from a Hallmark card.

This was done in early January this year from an ornamental, hanging paperboard.

Let’s face it. I’ve resigned to the fact that I’ll never be a sketch artist or Van Gogh. But eversince I stumbled upon Urban Sketchers, I’ve been loving it and hoping that I could sketch and paint half as well as those featured on the website. Alas, I’m a serial procrastinator and trying hard to kick an old habit. Inspired by Story Pixel and Smashing Design, I’ve noticed that this is a manageable goal to be achieved. So, I’ll attempt to produce a sketch or painting daily, regardless whetherit’s complete or incomplete, life drawing, copying or dabbing. This is an exercise just to give my right brain a chance to workout.

Here’s one to start; a sketch of my dog. My dog wants me to pass along a message. The depiction of him in my sketch doesn’t necessary reflect his true self. He looks far less grumpier and less fatter in real life. All I can say is that he is a fidgety model.

A beautiful piece of Curtis Jeré sculpture, Birds In Flight.

via 1st Dibs.

Humanitarian design is an attractive concept. I’m certain that the concept has existed for a while but I’ve only recently been introduced to it via Design Observer. Earlier today, reading an article in Design Observer about the Chulha stove, I thought to myself. “Isn’t that a humanitarian design?”. I was rather pleased for recognizing it.

What is humanitarian design? While some designs are created purely for aesthetic purpose, some designs are created to improve the lives of the poor, particularly those in the developing or third world countries, while retaining an aesthetic value. Here are a few links with more information on humanitarian design.

Project H Design
Architecture For Humanity
Humanitarian Internation Design Organisation (HIDO)
Architectural Record

The Bent Ply magazine rack, handmade in Australia, has a beautiful gestural shape. Rather unusual and interesting.
Available in three timber types, it can be purchased via etsy store.

A very clever and quirky combination of the traditional and the new by by industrial design student, Pili Wu.

via Deezen.