I love sketchbooks. I recently found an untouched sketchbook in one of my storage boxes. I immediately thought - what will I fill it up with?

Sketchbooks are where I like to jot down the random, unexpected idea. They give me immense freedom to explore and discover invaluable concepts for my next painting. Sketchbooks are also great for inspiration. Oftentimes, I refer to old sketchbooks for encouragement. They are a visual diary of my observations, thoughts and curiosities.

Above all, sketchbooks are fun. There are no rules to the blank page. I love the freedom to play - to make a mark and see where it will take me.

Here are a few links to get inspired for some sketchbook fun:

• Amy Ng rediscovers the joy of drawing and sketching, featuring a few of her favorite artists: www.pikaland.com
  
• An article from the Design Observer, featuring August Wren and her painted sketchbooks: designobserver.com
  
• A Brooklyn-based company that started The Sketchbook Project, featuring 33,819 artists' books from 135+ countries: www.sketchbookproject.com

"It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory." -Edgar Degas

Drawing from memory is a catalyst for my next painting. This unforced and open process stimulates my imagination. It is a moment to alter, exaggerate, glamorize and transform my perceptions.

I enjoy recalling the past - the distinct occasions of my life, the faraway and nearby adventures, the various relationships formed and dispersed. I have always been especially intrigued by the details of a memory - the pieces of information that stand out. I am a collector of my own reminiscences and thoughts.

I love how memory forms a new life on paper. My stored imagery translates into a new expression in painting. Working from memory evokes fresh ideas, spontaneity and a different perspective. There is immeasurable freedom for my imagination to run wild. What can you create from memory?

"All around us are facts that are related to one another. Of course, they can be regarded as separate entities and learned that way. But what a difference it makes when we see them as a pattern! … They begin to make sense. The world becomes a more comprehensible place."  -Murray Gell-Man

One of my interests in art is patterns. What is a pattern? 
A pattern is a mix of elements repeated in a recurring and regular arrangement. We see patterns in architecture, art, design, fashion, nature and textiles. The variety of patterns are extensive. Here are a few patterns I like the most - 
all-over patterns, geometric and hand-drawn patterns, mosaic and nature patterns, plaid and stripe patterns.

I love the way patterns look - the repeated design over and over. I enjoy seeing the different patterns artists create through the use of colors, lines and shapes. From these elements, patterns form an organized space to blend in chaos or symmetry.

Patterns also carry various rhythms. The flow of a recurring design shapes a drawing or painting composition. They fill the background and foreground with color and texture. Patterns and their subtle rhythms become the center of interest in the composition. Where do you see your favorite patterns?

“It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want—oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” - Mark Twain



Spring is in the air. The days are getting longer and the air is warmer. The light is golden and summery. I love the fresh scent of a spring morning. The sweet fragrance of the earth and the vivid colors of nature awakens my senses. 

This transition from our winter months to warmer days sparks fresh ideas for new projects. I feel energized and more receptive for new beginnings. I have the urge to spring clean and purge, to start fresh.

Springtime provokes my youthful spirit to surface. Lingering thoughts of adventure and hopeful aspirations are new promises I make to myself. I love Spring, anything is possible.
What do you like most about Spring?