Written by My name is Joie Pabilando and I am from Bulan, Sorsogon. Bulan is a first class municipality in the south of Luzon island, (Bicol region), and this is the town where I was born. The title to this post was written by Noel Barcelona, a writer of our Filipino Art Magazine.
A watercolorist describes my paintings as “photo realism.” “My subjects are realistic and identifiable, with a solid foundation of carefully constructed”. I am hoping that my viewers won’t tell me that my paintings look just like a photograph. I know that it is always meant as a compliment, but I want my paintings to look like a painting. I just smile.
To begin with, I was really surprised and happy to receive a message from Charlie offering me to be a featured or guest artist on Doodlewash. I am 45 years old. I am self-taught photo realist and a watercolor painter. I have had a lifelong interest in art. From an early age, I entertained my siblings by sketching their faces and gestures. Thus began my interest in doing illustrations and portraits.
I had joined local art competitions from 2009 up to the present and won many awards from Finalist, honorable mentions and up to the grand. I have had exhibits locally and abroad. I am qualified to teach technical drawings and Arts, considering my excellent academic as well as professional backgrounds. I have a Master of Arts at Technological University of the Philippines in 2004, Bachelor of Science and Industrial Technology (BSIT 1993) (Architectural Drafting major) at Sorsogon State College, holding certificates of short-term programs such as Photoshop and PC Trouble Shooting.
My vast experience as an artist qualified me for layout animation, comic book Illustrations, judging art competitions and other fields, most noteworthy, that I was given the opportunity to work abroad in Europe and in Asia to hone my skills, and learn new techniques.
I’ve said that each painting is a new adventure for me and its completion, another learned experience in my world of painting. My favorite subject matter is Filipino depicting life as you can see in my paintings. Some of them were just an experiment to see if I could make other subjects that are not related to my desire.
I started off learning watercolors and really enjoyed it 10 years ago. It’s just easiest to work with and have fun. Although I did some acrylic and oil paintings before, but watercolors are my favorite. It is difficult to try to capture the nature of people but I feel I am up for the challenge. When I paint, I lose all track of time and in that world of painting I try to capture what is in my mind and record it in my work.
One of my favorite watercolor tubes as I started was Reeves because of its popularity which can be attributed to the wonderful effects of light and texture that can be achieved when using it. I tried different kinds of watercolor brands such as Winsor & Newton and DE, they are really good brands as well.
Though, I was looking for a contentment throughout, so I had to switch to using Holbein. At first, they were a bit too dry, the washes dried out faster. Later on, as I got used to it, I got far more satisfactory results. These are probably one of the most saturated and transparent paints I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Plus, what paper to use and good quality brushes are such a personal thing – and my advice is that you find the best watercolor paper and brushes that are best suited for your work.
Recently, I have been showing my artwork, joining art group exhibits locally and abroad. I am an active member of our own Bikol expression art group and I am member of knights of Rizal (Juan Luna Chapter) for about 3 years, Art Association of the Philippines and am proud to be a part of IWS Philippines, and some other active art groups online.
Lastly, my advice to young artists – please do find a place to take lessons. The best thing any young artist can do is take it in school and stick with it. With anything like this, it’s practice, and more practice. Thank you Charlie and to all my artist friends around the globe.
Joie Pabilando
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These are some of the most realistic and watercolors I’ve seen. Congratulations on pursuing such a talented and rewarding path
Wonderful pictures!
Your work is fantastic!! I love it!!
So much depth in these paintings…wonderful. (K)
Beautiful work!
Photo realism is an UNDERSTATEMENT. You have a keen eye for light, and details and I’m guessing the patience of a saint! Wonderful work.
Joie’s talent is a national resource of the Philippines. It is wonderful to see his talent and art disseminated in Doodlewash.
I like your attention to detail, especially in the jungle foliage. That must be very time consuming. 👌🙋
I’m humbled and grateful and my heart is still smiling with the compliments I’ve receiving from you guys. Thanks you so much.
Beautiful mood and movement in your work.
Amazing pictures!
I am very happy that you choose to depict Filipino life. Your painting shows exactly how sunny and colorful it is here and that we are so blessed with vegetation and sources of water and the warmth of the sun . You are a master at it and I hope be as good as you someday
Absolutely the most awesome paintings that I have seen in a long time, at your young age Jole you have the eye of a master painter twice your age…I just love your work!
I’m not a fan of photo realism, but I wouldn’t qualify your work as such, Joie, because of the feelings conveyed by your work. It doesn’t just depict a scene, but a whole way of life, in the most joyous manner. I’ve never been to the Philippines, but I have met men’s people from there, so I was fascinated by your paintings.
Joie, I’m awed by the depth and diversity of your art. You express your joy of your country and its people with such exuberance. I feel that I’m plunging into your paintings, becoming part of them. Just absolutely beautiful work.
Joie, your work definitely has the quality of a painting. You capture the atmosphere and essence of the scene which photographs rarely do.