Abandoned Terrace in the Urban Jungle 船街秘密花園

I went sketching with friends along Ship Street. The street is a long ascending flight of steps. At the end of the street, a photographer happened to pass by and showed us a concealed narrow stairway that leads up to an abandoned terrace which once housed a small school building decades ago. Following him, we climbed the stairs and found that the abandoned terrace is now overgrown with huge banyan trees with their tangling roots wrapping many parts of the terrace's balustrade. Huge tree roots are crawling on the terrace floor! The view was stunning as the skyscrapers down hill were right behind the towering trees.

昨日同畫友們到灣仔船街寫生。走到船街樓梯盡頭，路經的一名龍友帶我們走入一個隱閉於榕樹林的荒廢平台。據龍友說平台原為一所學校，但校舍已拆多年。現在大榕樹群從新塑造此地，另此地成為城市中的秘密花園。

Quiet Village Houses at Luk Keng 依山傍水楊屋村

I was invited to a Christmas barbecue party at this remote village in the very northern part of Hong Kong. The name of the village "Yeung Uk" literally means the Yeung's Houses". The village is small but charming. A small hill full of mature trees is right behind the houses while a small tidal pond filled with red marshes is sitting right in front of the village.
今日到鹿頸楊屋村參與一個BBQ party。此村遠離人煙、依山傍水、絕對是寫生的好地方！

Charming Old Tenement Building in Western District 西區舊唐樓

An old tenement building adds much charm to the junction of Centre Street and Des Voeux Road in the Western District of Hong Kong.


一幢充滿魅力的西式舊唐樓成為正街同德輔道交界的地標！

Sketching After Eating at a Huge Canteen 深水埗北河街街市熟食中心

A few days ago, I went to a cooked food centre located in a multi-storey government building in the Sham Shui Po district. The district is one of the older and poorer districts in Hong Kong and the cheaper food here is very popular among the communities. The centre is a huge square dinning hall with many food stores lining the three sides of the hall. We ordered our food and started sketching.   
幾天前同朋友一同遊走深水埗。餓時走上深水埗熟食中心。吃完奶油多同飲完奶茶就開始畫畫

Initial line drawing done on site.

現場畫的線稿。

Time to Sing For You! 係時候唱吓歌！

The Next Ten Minutes
Vocal: Gary and Charlotte
27-11-2011
Sheung Wan Civic Centre, Hong Kong

It's time for some music!!
Last month, I sang with many friends at a musical event held at the Sheung Wan Civic Centre. I really have to thank my coach for coaching me on singing and acting. The show showcased a series of songs from a number of musicals. Here are two of the songs I sang in our show! Enjoy!

上月參與了一個好好玩的音樂劇音樂會演出, 最開心可以同一大班愛唱歌的朋友一齊唱歌！ 在此特別要多謝歌唱老師指點！


Oh the Thinks You Can Think
Vocal: Gary and Lorraine with Hong Kong Metropolitan Chorus
27-11-2011

Sheung Wan Civic Centre, Hong Kong

Oh the Thinks You Can Think! Think the Thinks for Hong Kong!

More songs on my video channel below: 更多音樂！
http://www.youtube.com/user/saikunggary?feature=watch

And more info about Hong Kong Metropolitan Chorus: 有關香港大都會合唱團：
http://www.thehkmc.org/

Flower Market under the Banyan Tree 榕樹下的花墟道

The weather was just right for sketching today, pleasantly cool!

Flower Market Road is a street market with lots of flower shops and street hawkers showing colourful displays, the sweet scents and the exotic blossoms of many houseplants.

天氣不冷不熱，是出外作畫好時候!

香港油尖旺區的一條著名道路，以沿道路的多間鮮花盆栽店鋪組成的旺角花墟而聞名。

Old Tenement Building in Mong Kok 旺角唐樓

A small interesting tenement building in the Mong Kok district. 旺角老唐樓

Fishing at Dusk 黃昏的鯉漁門碼頭

Lei Yue Mun Pier, a great place for fishing, looking at the harbour or just chilling out in the sunset! 黃昏的鯉漁門碼頭是釣魚人仕的好去處！

Temple by the Sea 鯉魚門天后宮

Hong Kong has always been a maritime city and temples built for the goddess of the sea are scattered around the city.  However, many of these temples originally built at the waterfront are now far away from the shorelines due to reclamation works that have been carried for a century.  This temple is a rare one as it still stands at the waterfront, guarding the passing ships at the eastern entrance to the Victoria Harbour.


經歷百年填海，香港大多數天后廟現都遠離海邊。鯉魚門天后宮可貴在她仍處海邊，默默守望進出維港的船隻。

Light House at the Entrance to Victoria Harbour 鯉魚門三家村燈塔

I spent a great afternoon today with a few sketcher friends sketching along Saam Ga Village in Lei Yue Mun. Lei Yue Mun is the east entrance to Victoria Harbour and it is a great place to watch the boats and the waves. This sketch was done on a rocky beach in the shade of a big tree.

今天與幾位畫友再次到鯉魚門三家村一帶寫生。安坐灘邊大朴樹下，畫了鯉魚門入口的燈塔。

Colour Brown Cafe @ Sai Kung Old Town 西貢市場街 Colour Brown Cafe

Made a little sketch after lunch at a cafe opposite Colour Brown Cafe along See Cheung Street, Sai Kung. Colour Brown is one of the few cafes that brighten up this old street in Sai Kung Old Town. The little chinese wooden doors and the simple green umbrella together give much character to this little cafe.

西貢市場街近年開了多間小咖啡室。其中Colour Brown應該是最悠久的一間。中式小木門加上店前一把太陽傘，既簡單又具性格!

Fishing On Top of a Big Rock 石上釣魚

Lei Yue Mun is the eastern entrance to Victoria Harbour. It is a popular spot for those who enjoy fishing. It was a very sunny day. Thanks to the shade provided by the large rock next to me, I could sketched comfortably, hiding from the scorching summer sun.
今天難得假期，跑到鯉魚門三家村四處拍照同畫畫。見多人在海邊的一堆大石上釣魚，便找附近一陰涼處，坐下便畫。

Photo taken after the sketch was done. As you can see, two of the three guys had left and one had sat down with only his hat visible.
畫完畫，畫中的兩位釣魚客已走到別處垂釣。

Ready for Practice 練習

An athlete standing at the end of a dragon boat.

Looking out to the Sea on a Small Island 坪州望海

Went to a friend's house on Ping Chau, a small quiet island located west of the Hong Kong Island. While sketching, I could feel the heat coming in, with the shade I was in gradually replaced by the low but very hot afternoon sun.

早前到友人於坪州的家畫畫。可是天氣實在太熱，非快快畫完不可！

After finishing the first layer, the sun was already on my feet.
打好稿時太陽已曬到腳邊。

Fruit Stall in Tai Wai 大圍生果檔

Hong Kong has already got too many chain stores. When you want to buy fruit next time, look for a fruit hawker in a nearby wet market if possible.

支持小店，如果可以的話，下次買生果時請幫襯生果檔！

Construction Workers Resting in Shade 下午小休

A group of construction workers resting in the shade at Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, escaping from the hot summer sun.

一班建築工人坐在路邊陰涼處小休片刻。

A Stray Calf Looked After by a Security Guard 一頭迷途小牛

A stray calf has been resting near my home for a few days. A security guard stationing nearby gave the calf buckets of water to drink each day. The initially shy calf is now not very much afraid of the residents and would lick your hands if you are nice to him.


我家附近跑來了一頭迷途小牛。好心的護衛每天都準備一桶又一桶水比小牛喝！原本怕人的小牛變得友善，還會舔你的手!

Waiting and Chatting Away 一路等一路傾

A sketch based on a photo taken today in the very busy and crowded Mong Kok district.  Two pairs of youngsters waiting and chatting away in the middle of the road.


繁忙的路中心一樣可以是傾偈的好地方!

Four of the Eight Gods above a Columbarium 八仙共融的啟示

I went to Yuen Yuen Institute last Saturday in the Tsuen Wan area. It is the only temple in Hong Kong dedicated to all three major Chinese religions: Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism.   I sat down under a tree and sketched the columbarium on my right.  The picture above the columbarium was a large sculptural mural depicting the eight gods in Chinese mythology, however I only managed to sketch four of them.   All eight gods were once mortals on earth and came from all walks of life. They represent the rich, the poor, the young and the old, bonding together in harmony, they made many great adventures.  Their fellowship is a big lesson for us to learn in the urban modern world!


「圓玄學院」供奉儒家、佛教及道教的思想，認為三教同源！安坐樹下，速畫了骨灰龕場上八仙中的其中四位。中國神話裡的八仙，分別代表男女老幼、貧賤富貴。他們雖來自不同背景，各有個性和才能，卻不分尊卑，相處融洽，到處遊歷。

Old Street Scene in Tai Wai 大圍一角

It is a studio drawing of a scene in Tai Wai based on some photos I took earlier, a comparatively old district in the Sha Tin area, where buildings are mostly low-rises and have been there for decades.  While many old parts of Hong Kong are being torn down and turned into super high-rises accompanied by super malls, these old charming streets with real local shops and restaurants are becoming increasingly rare.


大圍的舊樓、小店舖、餐廳加上街上的一架手推車、一張摺檯，營做出一種平民街道的人情味，是新落成大型住宅商場無法取代的！

中環街市- 「捉跡六億年」壁畫創作展 Central Oasis - Memories of Nature

Thanks for those who came to the opening! The murals will stay on for at least a few months to a year probably until the renovation work begins.

六億年前地球上最早的生命是從海中開始！六位本地插畫師​Sindy Lau, Rita Ip, Steve Yuen, Joe Lee, Gary Yeung, Jamaika Wong, 分別以史前的海洋生物、恐龍、化石、冰河、非洲森林、亞​瑪遜雨林和未來生活為主題，在活化工程展開前的中環街市​二樓行人走廊以壁畫建構一條時光隧道，捕捉地球生命演化​的痕跡，也讓公眾停下腳步，反思人與自然...。

Life began in the deep of the ocean 600 million years ago! Six local artists: Sindy Lau, Rita Ip, Steve Yuen, Joe Lee, Gary Yeung, Jamaika Wong conjured up a time tunnel along the Escalator Link at Central Market, showcasing life from different times: ancient ocean, dinosaur land, life fossilized in rocks, life in ice age, African safari, tropical forest and land of the future. Capturing dramatic moments of evolution, inviting everyone to feel the wonders our mother earth has been creating, a space for the public, a time to reflect on our roles in nature!

Sai Kung Town Waterfront on a Rainy Day 下雨天的西貢海傍

Every weekend, Sai Kung waterfront would be full of tourists. However, on a weekday, especially on a rainy one, the waterfront could be completely void of people.

假日的西貢海傍總是迫滿遊人！換上平日，特別是下著雨的平日，西貢海傍卻是一片寧靜。

Under the Highway 東區走廊與獅子山

I first walked along King's Road, then turned into the side streets and finally came to the Island East Corridor Expressway, a highway built over the water of Victoria Harbour, along the east shore of Hong Kong Island.  Under the influence of tropical storm Haima, it was a very windy and overcast day.  Still, there were people hanging out here under the highway, some fishing, some just chilling out in the fresh wind.  Across the harbour in the middle is Lion Rock, a beloved hill that represents the virtues of Hong Kong, resilience, optimism and the love of the rule of law. 

起初沿著英皇道走，後走進橫街，見到東區走廊就停下來。一號戒備訊號仍然生效，「海馬」下的維港風力強勁，烏雲密佈，但毫不阻人們到此釣魚和乘涼。維港對岸的獅子山，象徵能耐、樂觀同法治，正默默守望每一個香港人。

Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower Now and Then 尖沙咀鐘樓古與今

Time to compare two pieces of work here.  First, a quick sketch I did today at a friend's office on the 15th floor of Star House, Tsim Sha Tsui.  The clock tower together with its railway terminus was completed in 1916.  Sadly, the whole terminus was demolished in 1977 and only the clock tower was preserved. Below is a watercolour painting I did based on a black and white photo taken around the sixties, should also be taken on one of the top floors of Star House as Star House was built in 1963, 14 years before the railway station was demolished.  The station was of Edwardian Baroque style and was designed by British architect Brigadier General Arthur Benison Hubback (1871-1948), who also designed a number of public buildings in Malaysia.

第一張作品是今日在星光行十五樓朋友寫子樓內畫的。鐘樓連同尖沙嘴火車站大樓建於1916年。可惜到了1977年火車站就拆了，只有鐘樓保留下來。下面的水彩作品就根據一張攝於六十年代的黑白照畫的。星光行建於1963年, 可以肯定照片都是從星光行高處拍攝的。 整個尖沙嘴火車站是愛得華建築風格而建築師是英人Brigadier General Arthur Benison Hubback (1871-1948)。他的作品還有多座馬來西亞公共建築物。

Sketching Tai Tan Village Under a Papaya Tree 木瓜樹下畫大灘

This afternoon, I went to a village near the Wong Shek Pier. Settled down in the shade of a papaya tree, I spent an hour or so sketching this nice village house.  What is most special about the house is the four digits at the top of the house,  indicating the house has been a member of the village for over forty years.

下午走到鄰近黃石碼頭的大灘村作畫。木瓜樹蔭下，畫了一間老村屋。老村屋最有價值係牆頂上的四個數字，說明此屋已陪伴大灘超過四十年。

This is the sea view from the old village house.

老村屋望出去大灘海。

What is Public Space? Unfinished Sketch at Nan Lian Garden 公共空間? 未完成的南蓮園池寫生作品

When I started laying the watercolour after the line work, two security guards approached me and said I had to stop.  Dumbfounded, I asked them why.  One of the guards explained it was a place for appreciating the beauty of the garden so painting is not allowed.   Wasn't I appreciating the beauty of the garden I thought?!   I left for the garden office and discussed with the office staff there and they explained again, painting is not allowed as they think if everyone does the same, the place would become dirty.  They went on to explain how expensive the paving, stones and rock tables were and so protecting them from damage was necessary.   

準備多加一點水彩，突然出現兩位護衛，叫我不要再畫！ 其中一位說此地係讓人欣賞園景，不是作畫的! 真是莫名其妙！再到庭園辦事處詢問時，那裡的職員解釋說南蓮園池的地磚、石塊同檯椅等等均價值不菲，必須保護云云。

Jeeps, Playroom, Plumeria rubra and Sai Kung Village Association 吉普車、幼兒園、雞蛋花、西貢區同鄉會

Seemingly unrelated things! Two handsome jeeps, a children playroom, a Plumeria rubra and Sai Kung Village Association, and they form an interesting scene worthy to sketch.  

兩部Toyota吉普車、一所幼兒園、加一棵雞蛋花同西貢區同鄉會，再添一點陽光，就係一幅畫。

Tramway and Wet Market at Chun Yeung Street 電車穿過春秧街街市

It was my first time visiting the Chun Yeung Street Wet Market in North Point.  It is full of energy and local ambience.  What makes Chun Yeung Street unique is the tramway that passes through the very middle of this busy street, interacting with the pedestrians.

第一次到北角春秧街街市, 熱鬧非常！ 最特別係電車穿過路中間，同周圍的行人構成春秧街獨有的特色。

Sai Kung Cantonese Opera 西貢做大戲

Characters in a Cantonese Opera playing at Sai Kung Street Theatre fronting the Sai Kung Tin Hau Temple.   What the lady carrying should be the head of a fallen hero.  it's certainly a revenge and she is in her passage in presenting this trophy to someone greater than her,  not  an unusual scenario in ancient literature I suppose.

一年一度西貢天后廟前做大戲。武旦所拿的喺某人的頭顱，我諗都係復仇的證據! 可說是不小古典文學裡的橋段。

The street market beside the street theatre, with local traditional food and products on sale.  All real stalls run by locals.  Hong Kong should have more of such street market, in every district, all year round.

大戲市集有各種地道小食，買街坊即做的棉花糖同龍鬚糖重有燒魷魚實在比係冷氣商場連鎖店買開心好多！ 一來平，二來係即做，成件事又有街頭味道！其實由大眾市民經營嘅市集應該一年到晚區區都有。

Climber Plant at University of Hong Kong 香港大學黃金葛

A huge climber, Scindapsus aureum, is firmly attached on this palm tree in the courtyard of the university Main Building.  I thought it was two separate climbers at first as there were two distinct leaf shapes but after consulting a tree expert friend, he says it's actually the same plant as this species has the ability to change its leaf shape.

畫時以為喺兩種攀緣植物，後來問一位熟識植物的朋友才知都喺同一棵植物。據那位朋友所講，黃金葛攀上高處後喺可以「變葉」的。

Old Sai Kung 老西貢

An old sketch that I forgot!  Done in 2007, it was sketched at the top of a small hill called Sai Kung Park now.  The houses and huts below are all part of the Sai Kung Old Town, built around the hill I was sketching from. The old town is full of narrow alleys and the whole town was once surrounded by sea on three sides before reclamation that changed the landscape totally in the 70s.  

2007年的老圖！西貢舊墟原本是一個半島，中間喺一座小山丘，即現在的西貢公園，一個冇乜人知嘅神秘公園。

Another old sketch. Sat on a concrete bench, I sketched one of the many alleys of Sai Kung Old Town.  

西貢舊墟小巷縱橫，喺畫sketch寫生的好地方！

Sketching in the Dark at the Waterfront Promenade 速畫夜西貢

Tired from work, strolled down the waterfront promenade in Sai Kung Town with a sketchbook and started sketching in the dark.  It's been long time since I last did a live sketch and it was relaxing.  The night breeze, the people resting, chatting under the Banyan trees and the bright lights from the seafood restaurants, all so soothing!  The only problem was the visits of mosquitoes which made me work faster:)
做累了，拾起久遺的畫冊走到西貢海傍就畫起來。晚風、閒人、榕樹、多寫意！可惜飛來一隻蚊，非速畫不可。

The harbour was quiet and the water was so dark in the night. When sketching the boat on the right, a small speed boat came in, creating ripples in the water.
快艇經過，劃破西貢海傍黑夜的海水。

Victoria Harbour Gone Dry 乾燥維港

A photoshop fantasy collage/painting done using Wacom drawing tablet.

What would it be like if there is a major shift of weather pattern.  What would happen if global temperature falls dramatically after rising to an all time high in human history?  Will cities be abandoned altogether as once fertile land fed by large rivers gradually dries up, leaving only cracked and barren landscape?  Or what would happen if major cities are contaminated with invisible nuclear radiation?

假若全球氣侯變冷、各大江河乾骷、核災禍及各城...

Patrick Blanc inspired Mural 牆畫製作中

Another new mural at Central Market.  Six of us together, Sindy, Steve, Joe, Jamaika, Rita and me, we are going to create a false corridor on the end wall of the long corridor on the second floor.  My part of the mural, patterns and plants are inspired by Patrick Blanc's vertical garden.    Also showing on the far right is Sindy's under layer of her part, an aquarium.
六位畫友一齊jam中環街市二樓長廊盡頭的一幅牆。我畫的部份喺參照好出名的Botanist, Patrick Blanc嘅vertical garden概念而畫的。