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Hi! I’m Abel Pabres from the Philippines. I grew up in the province of Camarines Norte, where the sweetest variety of pineapple comes from.
My interest in drawing started when I was 7 years old. At that time, comics were very popular and widely read in all parts of the country and we had plenty at home! I would copy the images from the comics and then draw them on my school notebook.
I would use crayons and watercolors to finish my artworks. Many times, I would sneak some comics in my school bag so I would be able to draw during break time. I drew more often than I wrote down notes in school so it didn’t take long before all the pages were full of drawing. Soon, my grade school teachers learned that I can draw so they asked me to make visual aids for the class. Since then, all the teachers in my school would ask me to draw for them, too. It’s funny how the classrooms look the same because of its identical visual aid display.
Drawing played a significant role in my life as a college student. I worked on commission for school projects from students and teachers alike while doing a part-time job in a fast-food restaurant. This is also the time when I explored other art materials like color pastel and charcoal pencil.
The artist in me took a back seat when I started working. With my job as a trainer in a telecommunications company, the time for drawing and painting became limited. A few months ago, I visited a local bookstore and found myself staring at the art supplies section. I knew I wanted to draw again. I checked Instagram and Pinterest for artworks that can inspire me and there’s a lot! And I appreciate how online community supports artist and art enthusiasts alike. Their words of encouragement are overwhelming!
With inspirations from other artists, I’m building my own style, capitalizing on my experience and what my heart desires to paint and I think I’m enjoying urban sketching. Growing up in the province taught me to appreciate simple things. That’s where I learned to use people and the community as the subject of my artworks. This is what I’ve been doing lately.
On weekends, I would go out and watch people go about their lives and then suddenly I find something interesting to paint. When that feeling strikes, I would take my travel palette out, grab the pens and a journal made of Khadi Paper and seize the moment. It’s always good to have them around wherever I am for quick sketching sessions. Now I’m beginning to get used to outdoor painting with some people watching while I do it.
I feel I’m at my best when I draw nude people. I’m amazed at how beautiful the human form is and I want to put it on paper.
For nude drawing, my favorite tool is pencil. I’m very excited that I’m beginning to make my dreams of having a live model come true through an event that I’ve joined with other artists called The Life Drawing Setup. I took Faber Castell Watercolor Pencils to the event because I love how the colors blend when water brush hits the pigments.
I’m also experimenting with different paints. I tried Daniel Smith and I’m instantly hooked! Its effect on paper is flawless. M. Graham is another brand that I really like. The colors are vibrant and light fast. It’s my daily companion by the way.
I made a travel palette with half pans I purchased from a local supplier arranged in an old Fisherman’s Friend tin. I can simply slip it on my pocket, along with a water brush, so it goes with me all the time. I also have some Winsor & Newton paints. The first time I used it? I was in awe! With so many brands out there in the market, I think I’ll have a long journey with watercolors. At the moment, I’m very pleased with how it makes me love the art of watercolor and how it makes me feel good every time I open my little travel palette.
Maraming salamat, Charlie for inviting me to your blog and allowing me to join talented artists from other parts of the world. Mabuhay!
Great post and lovely work, Abel. I will follow you on Instagram!
Thank you for your kind words. It inspires me more to draw, paint and doodle.:-)
Abel, i’m enchanted by the beauty and diversity of your art.
Thank you, Sharon for appreciating my artworks. 🙂
Lovely vibrant sketches!
Thank you Beverly! Your artworks are admirable too! Liked your page on facebook so I can get daily inspirations from the things you paint. 🙂
Wow manoy abel!!! See!! Your crafts started to be known by few.. Keep on paintin.. Time will come and you’re gonna have a good payback. Save some money and do some exhibit of your own.. There you’ll find out hundreds of people appreciating your art. Keep safe brother!!
Thank you for your encouraging words, manoy Archie! Dios mabalos sa suporta. 🙂
Your human figures are excellent!
thanks you like it! 🙂