Hi! My name is Maria Christina Dina (follow me on Instagram!). I’m from Indonesia. Born and raised in Jakarta and currently living in South Tangerang and working as a piano teacher. I’m very enthusiastic and passionate about art in general. I’ve been drawing a lot since I was three years old. I draw everything that struck my mind; animals, landscape, human figures, nature, anything! I used to paint a lot using oil paint and oil pastel since I was a kid. I just love drawing so much, so in my childhood I entered a lot of drawing and coloring competitions. I didn’t really care if I would win the competition or not. I remember I often gave my teachers at school my own framed drawing or my painting as a gift.
Drawing and painting used to be my number one hobby, though it suddenly stopped when I started to learn classical piano. Eventually, started this year, I started to draw again and make it as a routine. Somehow I felt a sudden urge to draw again. I made my Instagram account and started to draw and doodle everyday and posting it consistently. One drawing a day.
Drawing is so liberating for me. I consider drawing as my therapeutic routine. It’s such a great feeling to know that my drawing can make someone smile or feeling happy. I’m self taught. I don’t have any specific style yet as I’m still learning, exploring and practicing a lot of different techniques and styles. These past few months, I’ve been into portrait drawing, botanical and food illustration. One thing that I’m really eager to try for now is urban sketching. I also entered a lot of art workshops in order to improve myself. I just love learning new things.
Right now I tend to do small drawings, on A5 or A4 paper. Though sometimes I did an A3 and A2 size drawing for commissioned portrait drawing. Usually I draw the rough sketch with 2B pencil and outline it with pen or just coloring it with watercolor. Currently I love using watercolor as my main medium. I love the delicate, soft and transparent colors of it. As for my art supplies, I use Sakura Koi, Pentel and Phoenix for the watercolor. Faber Castell and Sakura Koi brushpen for markers. Snowman drawing pen, Sakura gelly roll and Pigma micron pen. Canson Mix Media 300gsm, Canson Montval 300gsm and Canson 220gsm for the watercolor paper.
I found inspiration from everyone and everywhere, including Pinterest. My current favorite illustrators are Lieke Van der Vorst, Jun Kumaori, Lisbeth Zwerger, Jiwoon Pak, Yuko Higuchi, Yelena Bryksenkova and many more. Basically I love whimsical, colorful, fairy tale like illustration.
I’m glad I could start to draw again after such a long time. I enjoy every moment of it. Even though I’m not good at it yet, it is such a wonderful feeling to be able to create something. For everyone who just started to draw again; don’t be afraid to create your own art. In order to make a good art, you need to make a bad one. It’s all part of learning process. You don’t need to care about what other people think about your art. Drawing is supposed to be fun and liberating! Just pick up your pen or your brush and draw. As simple as that.
Maria Christina Dina
Instagram
I like your attitude about creating art, Maria! It is a learning process and one to be enjoyed! Your drawings and paintings are beautiful! I am now following you on Instagram. Thanks Charlie.
Yay to the follow! Thanks Jill! 😃
I for one am very happy you started drawing again Maria! Your art is fabulous. I am now following you on Instagram too. That’s right Charlie I finally caved. Maria is my first follow. Thank you for sharing Maria’s art.
Yay! Love hearing about follows! Glad you liked this feature Susan! 😃
More mouth-watering goodies. Your paintings are delicious, Maria! (K)
So glad you liked Maria’s work! Thanks Kerfe! 😃
I think if you have that creative energy inside, it will keep poking at you until you let it out! I’m happy that you found drawing again, and that you take such joy in it.
Wonderful comment Jen! Thanks so much! Thrilled you liked Maria’s feature! 😃
I love the cakes! Yum! It can be frustrating at times when illustrating/painting. Sometime, I just walk away and come back to it. Other times, I just push through and remind myself not to just my work until the piece if finished. 🙂
Excellent advice!! hehe I totally agree! 😃
I agree that they journey of art is most important, but your art is charming, a delight to see, Maria
Thanks Sharon! So pleased you liked Maria’s post! 😃
Beautiful work Maria! Your art is very refreshing, started following you on IG! Thanks Charlie 👍🏼😊
Yay to the follow!! Thanks so much, Snehal!! 😃
A painting of lots of cake, you’re spoiling us Maria 😊 . Lovely fresh work, your paintings are full of sunshine and happiness!
Wasn’t that awesome?! Hehe…I wanted to eat them all at once! Glad you liked Maria’s feature, Phil! 😃
Hungry again! Wow, you’re doing beautiful work, Maria. And I love your outlook! Draw (and paint) on! 💛
Perfectly said, Laura! So glad you liked Maria’s work! 😃
Your art is so joyful Maria! Thank you for sharing. Thanks Charlie.
Thanks Sharon!! 😃So happy you liked Maria’s feature!!