Written by My name is Alfonso Paronda, Jr. and I am from the Philippines and currently working in Singapore as a Senior Executive Architectural Associate. My favourite medium is watercolour and I draw landscape and street scenes as my subjects. I usually paint at the location itself to have a direct observation and better understanding of my drawing.
I like to capture the lights and shadows to have depth to my painting. As an artist, I always seek an inspiration from observing the world around me and what I wish to show when I paint is the way I see things with my eyes and in my heart.
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved to draw. I loved to compete in many drawing competitions during my school days. That changed when I became an adult where I was busy with work. After a decade, I rekindled my passion for sketching and painting.
That was when I found a group of sketchers, Urban Sketchers Singapore back in 2015. I felt that it was helpful in nurturing our talent. There was an event held at the Marina Bay Float where one of my sketches was printed in double life-size and displayed for the public to see.
I am thankful for USKSG for giving me that opportunity. I am also a member of the Singapore Watercolour Society. We usually have a group exhibition and some workshops from time to time. These helped me in learning the different techniques used by other artists and that will help me to improve some of my own water colouring style.
My first informal solo exhibition was when my friend Arch. Franz invited me to showcase my watercolour paintings at an event. It was a memorable night for me as I got to see people looking at my paintings and enjoying it.
There was a time when I was waiting for my family, and I was at a café drinking coffee. I was looking towards the amazing skyline view of the Marina Bay Sands. I thought to myself, “What a great view!” Unfortunately, I did not bring any of my sketching materials with me at that time. So, I realised that I had a sign pen, I took pieces of tissue paper and joined them together and sketched the view on the spot.
I’ve also done a personal calendar showing some of my watercolour works and shared it with some of my colleagues, friends and relatives just for free.
The smallest sketch I have ever done would be 2” x 1.5” (Red House in Katong, Singapore).
The biggest watercolour painting I have done would be 22” x 30”
Big paintings, small paintings, all of them have one thing in common and that is my passion for watercolour painting.
My watercolours are Daniel Smith and Winsor & Newton and I always paint on 300 gsm Arches paper. I prefer to spend more in a high quality of drawing tools because I feel that every stroke when I paint means a lot to me.
I chose watercolour when I first started out as a kid because it was the only medium I knew at that time. And now, it is still my preferred medium because I am used to it and it is easy to use when I’m travelling. Lately, I’ve been sketching every Saturday half day at some nice places here in Singapore.
Every painting may not have a good result, but I’m very sure there’s something good in everyday life. I am grateful for the chance to show my work to more people and I am thankful that I was given a platform to do so. A big thank you to Mr. Charlie O’Shields for this opportunity and I really appreciate it.
Alfonso Paronda, Jr.
Instagram
Facebook
Incredible detail and beautiful paintings! Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you Mary!
Alfonso, I’m amazed at the beauty and versatility of your work! Thank you for sharing your artistic journey with us.
Thank you Sandra!
I so admire artists that can draw/paint like you do. Wonderful colors, love them all.
Thank you Janet!
Alfonso, I really enjoyed touring your art. You’re talented and inventive – I especially like that drew on Starbucks napkins when that was all you had. Your friends must find themselves very lucky to have one of your calendars.
Thank you Sharon!
Alfonso.your painting is fantastic.
I liked your all but main the calendar, lucky friends. thanks for sharing.
Thanks
Thank you Snehlata!
He kept the passion for outdoor watercolor and architecture alive in all of his colorful works. A real artist.
Thank you pre Ainza
I envy you for starting in architecture–it gives you such a solid sense of line and perspective to be the foundations for your beautiful work. Update and sell that calendar! It’s gorgeous! I love your paintings but I think I love the urban sketching even more–there’s something about the quality of your line that is so lively. Congratulations.
Thank you Melissa!
I love your rainy day scenes. The colors and reflections are gorgeous!
Thank you Sharon!
Great scenery, colors and dimension. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you June!
Nice paintings! Usually I do not like urban scenes so much, but your paintings are different. I like them 🙂
Thank you Janneke!
Lovely reminders of Singapore, beautifully done. Perhaps you can get a calendar printed for next year ?
Thank you Sylvia!