I thought I should return to the basics of sketching, drawing and paying attention to light and shadow, tones and holding a pencil in my hand instead of jumping into painting. Drawing is own-time-own-target with the flexibility of time and place and choice of subjects. I started with m own mug of coffee on the table, then went on to draw the top of a chair opposite me before venturing further to draw this lady with the back to me. It was her shiny jet-black and curly hair pulled up by a frilly band that attracted me. Then an old lady took a seat a little closer and just when I thought I had her there for long enough a time because I thought she was taking her breakfast there, she moved away to another table further away. I was fascinated by her hand - the loose flab of flesh and the age spots as well as the wrinkled hand. Pity I could not catch all these details.
Next, a couple of old ladies sat down to a noodle breakfast. The lady was probably around mid sixty but her hair was dyed black and it was permed. She was dressed in typical 'amah' (grandmother) clothes but they were neat and though I have not got the proportions right, I am pleased that I captured that expression of hers - the one that says "Hey today's my off day from looking after the grandchildren and I am enjoying myself here with my friend."
This is an unfinished drawing because this old man did not stay long enough for me to do a good portrait of him. I started with his hair that was thinning at the top but the rest of it was cut as if a bowl was put on the head and the rim of the bowl used as a guide to cut around the head. Despite that thought which was just to amuse myself, I kind of like his hair style and his neat shirt.
