One of my best friend and great artist, Harvey Chan is returned Toronto from his homeland HK. Tonight we gathered for a special exhibition for him. More than thirty artists has participated and collaborated with him to create an art piece. It was a great night, a cerebration of our history of friendship.
I attended two gallery openings tonight. One is the ArtBarrage‘s Guest Room show I’m participating with three new drawings, the other is Gary Taxali‘s showcase at OCAD gallery. I was able to talk with at least a dozen of friends and the artists, and so enjoyed the conversations. 
The ArtBarrage’s Guest Room show is still up to July 29th featuring 37 Canadian artists. worth to see it!
Breakfast at Starbucks
:case of Dylan
Breakfast at Starbucks
:case of Hepburn
Breakfast at Starbucks
:case of Lennon
Archival ball-point pen, Acrylic, Washi-paper, mounted on wood panel.
8 x 10″
I’m working on a new series for group show next month. It is a mixed media piece with archival ball-point pen, acrylic on Washi(rice paper) mounted to wood panel. It is not easy to mount thin rice paper onto panel. I didn’t want to lose texture of the delicately beauty of Washi, so I sensibly mixed a rice glue in the traditional manner and stretching out a piece of starched paper onto a board for “Hirabari” which is also traditional way of mounting Washi on board.
I’m happy to announce that my second batch prints of Life Lessons, a portrait series of historical icons has arrived. And tonight was the night of 2nd annual summer solstice, private gala party at FMI where my studio located. 
A talented jazz singer Janet Elizabeth released her 1st demo and performed in the gallery space. She is so stunning. The gallery is also represent collected artworks by Jay Richardson. These works represent some brilliant examples of contemporary art in Canada.
It’s been two years since I got my own work space under FMI. I appreciate their generous sponsorship and friendship. And I really honoured to be a part of FMI family.
Back to Toronto and returned to work. I’ve just done a workshop for kids and adults today at JCCC. I demonstrated some basic crayon painting techniques such as blending, stumbling and cross-hatching and showed how to use crayon by creating a fun crayon portrait. This painting technique can be very effective when portraying atmosphere and often heightens the sense of depth in a painting.I don’t think I’m good at teaching, but I like to encourage children in creative art activities. Read the article on Bits magazine here
Photoshoot day. No matter you like it or not, you must wear clothes in public places. But you have a choice what to wear. George and I are going to visit Japan soon and we decided to wear a hat, dark jeans, collared shirt and putting Haori, Japanese traditional jacket over it. That has made a very big impact. There is a very strong sense of direction on where we are came from and headed. Much thanks for Stuart Lowe creating some of the most magnificent images we have ever shot.
In the spirit of collaboration without traditional boundaries, I’d like to jamming with no rehearsal. I had so much fun with my very artistic and talented friend George Koller, musician and Stuart Lowe, photographer.
DAY 4: I chatted with neighbours and exchange cards all day. Then we wrapped up the four-day showcase in the Toronto Art Expo 2012. We delivered a painting to the customer’s house. Look! He’s happy that he found his new home.
A big thank you to everyone for all your support and messages! and I personally wanted to thank Funding Matters Inc., for their generous sponsorship to make this happen. Special thanks Melissa Bender ,Shinya Kumazawa and Miyuki for everything you have helped me with.
DAY 1: Toronto Art Expo 2012 is kicked off. I performed a tea ceremony at the opening gala and served a bowl of tea to my guests including the Consul General of Japan Mr. Yamamoto, Fusako and Midori, featured artists from Japan.
I’ve been painting for more than 15 hours today. My brain is still in the mode but my body is about to collapse.