Above are some behind-the-scenes snaps of my little show opening in a couple of days (see previous post). They’re from the last three pieces I finished this week. For my friends–I really hope you can make it! This exhibit was a little over half a year in the making. I struggled with myself for months in the process (so much angst and confusion, but luckily it gave way to a clearing in the end!). Beyond any unifying style or theme, I hope this exhibit shows my humble progress as an artist, and my growth as an individual. I want to show a range of work that chronicles all the learnings and adventures I’ve taken this year.

Work for my exhibit has slowed down just a bit due to client work, and here’s a peek at the fourth piece (which I’ve already finished). Even so, I’m happy to share that I’ve received quite a number of commissions this month! It’s exciting for me because they’re all slightly different from each other–a book project, a couple of digital illustrations, a DIY craft project… And finally, for the first time (I’m giddy about this one!)–a set of illustrations involving watercolors, for a fashion editorial (which I will give a sneak peek of in the next post)! It’s been such a busy September, and I can only be ecstatic and grateful.

I collect very few magazines these days, but I’ll always have a soft spot for Teen Vogue! I’ve stopped buying every single issue, but I made an exception when I saw their September cover (Emma Stone in a pretty red Burberry Prorsum coat–it totally seduced me). There are things to be said about Teen Vogue that can’t be said for many other glossies. The editorials are always fresh, vibrant, and everything looks and feels happy! And, how can you refuse a magazine that has “cute” (yet classy) written all over it?

In other news… it’s September! Time to bring out the jackets and cozy knits! There are sooo many lovely new clothes just dying to be bought by fans of Fall/Winter (like me!). I was in fact so tempted to buy this very mod, red-orange, ’60s inspired coat from Zara, if not for the hefty price tag. *sigh*

It’s been chilly and stormy in Manila these days, but I’m letting the sunshine into this third piece in the series I’m working on. Everyone, meet my sunny Happy Lemon Girl! She’s about 70% done here.

I’m seriously getting my painting groove on, and it’s true–once you start drawing a few hours each day, it gradually turns into a habit, and your body just starts looking for it. I can feel my techniques changing (maturing, I hope?), too, and each stroke of the brush is becoming less uncertain, more deliberate. And, can I just say–I’m getting very addicted to negative (white) space.

Few runway shows leave a lasting impression on me, and fewer designers make my heart go a-flutter. But while I’ve always loved Lanvin, their Fall 2011 collection (which showed in Paris last March) really took my breath away. The feel was very gothic, peppered with preacher/pilgrim references, transitioning later into expert drapes and jewel tones. The end of the show was the perfect, hauntingly beautiful summary–a parade of models, arranged from darkness to lightness of dress, like a wave of ultra-chic zombies. To quote Style.com‘s Tim Blanks, “They gathered like strange, exotic fruit under the willow.”