Year of the Snake

A Sad Day

Perhaps the reason for my recent depressed mood is because of a young death in my family 5 years ago on 2 Jan 2020. I really wished the lock-down was earlier so he did not have to step out of the house. It was the first day of School and my only nephew was only 15 years old then.

Please be nice, 2025

I don't normally reflect or set goals for new year after retirement. However, on top of my head, I am really bored these past weeks after returning from a family cruise trip in mid-Decemeber. I did not travel much in 2024 and felt that I didn't take advantage of the good exchange rates to visit places like Japan or Europe. I blame that on my husband who is only interested to stay home and watch TV and not planning any trips. I am tired of being the one who always book air tickets and hotels for all our trips together. I also feel a little depressed for no reason and don't want to think and continue walking to improve my mobility. Now my right leg is giving me problem since September, both in joints and topical steriod withdrawl annual flare on my right foot. I have decided not to continue treatment at Skin Health Centre.

I am really bored but I need to cheer myself up! So first thing that I want to do is to embark on a journey of DECLUTTERING MY HOUSE!

My mental and physical health is nothing compared to the messed-up world with wars, natural disasters and so many recent air tragedies, I look forward to peace, health and happiness. Please be nice, 2025.

Heritage Bayfront

https://tiastudio.blogspot.com/2018/09/marina-bay.html
Source: old photos from URA and NHB

This sketch is a repost on Customs House, OUE Tower and Clifford Pier. I am following the development of "Heritage Bayfront" as I called it. OUE called it "OUE Bayfront" and Fullerton Group or Sino Group from Hong Kong which is also a sister company of Far East Organization, called it "Fullerton Heritage".

Part of the "Singapore’s downtown necklace of heritage gems", Heritage Bayfront stretches from Collyer Quay to Shenton Way, encapsulating the rich history and cultural significance of these heritage buildings now house mainly hotels and restaurants. Public can still walk along the bayfront and many big and small events are planned around the year for the public to enjoy.

Customs House:
Super Loco, a Mexican resaturant now occupied the Customs House with a view of the Marina Bay, is part of OUE Bayfront and Fullerton Heritage. OUE was established as part of Overseas Union Bank, one of Singapore’s leading financial institutions at the time, which sought to enter the hotel industry. Customs House, a public building built by Public Works Department in the late 60s, used to house the Singapore Customs Police, which was responsible for watching over one of the world’s busiest harbours as Singapore’s trade and shipping thrived from the 1960s onwards.

OUE Tower:
I remember watching and dinning at a restaurant called Neptune Theatre Restaurant on top that staged topless cabaret shows. Now it is called OUE Tower along OUE Bayfront and houses the Tong Le Private Dinning with a stunning panoramic view on top."OUE was incorporated in Singapore on 8 February 1964, the year before Singapore’s independence. The company was established as part of Overseas Union Bank, one of Singapore’s leading financial institutions at the time, which sought to enter the hotel industry"
Source: https://oue.com.sg/60years/milestones

Clifford Pier:
Clifford Pier was the arrival point of our forefathers in 1933. It was widely and affectionately known in Chinese as ‘Red Lamp Pier’ (红灯码头). It now stands elegantly at our historic waterfront that began as a bustling trading port in those days. Clifford Pier as part of the Fullerton Heritage managed by Fullerton Bay Hotel is now a up-market restaurant and venue for wedding banquets and events.

Last Sketchwalk of the Year

Whenever I sketch at Marina Bay looking at the skyscrapers mushroomed behind those low-rise heritage buildings along the bay, I feel very proud of the achievement of Singapore that ever-changing skyline is formed in just one generation of Singaporeans. The heritage buildings are so well preserved like the charming old dames protecting her people with grace and elegance.

The heritage buildings are:
The Custom House,
OUE Tower,
The Clifford Pier,
The Fullerton Hotel
The Merlion Park and
The Fullerton Waterboat House behind Merlion Park across the road.

The newer buildings directly fronting the Marina Bay from the left are:
Fullerton Bay Hotel
Fullerton Pavillion and
One Fullerton

Last Sketchwalk of the Year at Marina Bay

Hi Sketchers!

This month, we're heading to Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade to soak in the festive spirit of Christmas and welcome the new year! As we celebrate 2024 and welcome 2025, we can look upon our ever-changing skyline, adorned with skyscrapers, both old and new, and reflect on the changes in our city. With MBS Tower 4 starting construction in 2025, more change is to be expected in the area. Bring your sketchbook, explore at your own pace, and capture the last few days of 2024 with us.

MBS Tower 4:
https://www.straitstimes.com/.../mbs-expansion-including...

Singapore Skyline:
https://www.lifestyleasia.com/.../futuristic-city.../

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𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀:
Date: 28th Dec 2024
Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm
Nearest MRT station: Bayfront MRT
Meeting point: Open area outside of Rain Oculus
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vKDF4Vi6odzNvnVW6
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𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆:
9.30am: Briefing at meeting point.
9.40am: Free and easy sketch
12pm: Start packing your things and make your way for Show & Tell
12.20pm: Show and Tell at meeting point.
*Please note that location of Briefing and Show and Tell may subject to change, depending weather. Admin will edit location on this post if any changes. Check back if you're lost.
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𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲:
By participating this Event, you agree with the followings:
1. My participation in this Event is entirely voluntary.
2. I am aware of and agree to assume any and all risks which might be associated with the Event and I will not hold Urban Sketchers Singapore (USkSG) and any admin/organiser responsible or liable in any way for and will not commence any action arising from the Event, or claim for any loss and/or damage (including, without limitation, personal injury and/or property damage) caused by or sustained as a result of my participation in the Event.
3. I will indemnify USkSG and keep USkSG indemnified against all losses, claims, demands, actions, proceedings, damages, costs, expenses, and any other liability arising in any way from my participation in the above Event.
4. For participant under 18 years old, his/her parent/guardian are aware and agree to the above clauses.
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𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆:
1. Make your way to the location, be aware of surroundings, and maintain necessary distancing.
2. Challenge yourself to explore hidden corners that hasn't been seen/drawn yet; this will also help prevent too many of us crowding the same perching points.
3. Post your sketches, snapshots and videos online — 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐬 #𝐮𝐬𝐤𝐬𝐠 — so everyone can easily find the day's artistic output.
4. Some sketch leaders will go around to catch you in action for posts on Facebook and Instagram, so look out for them!
5. Happy sketching!! 
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𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘀:
Event banner by Patrick Ng

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2025

Video on MBS sketch

A very long sketch

Happy Holidays!

I am determined to sketch from Marina Bay Sands to complete another Etchr Accordion Sketchbook which started with Amerigo Vespucci on 26 Oct 2024 for the first 6 pages of the sketchbook. This sketch was completed on 20 Dec 2024 over 9 pages with the last page filled with stickers etc.

The video on the entire sketchbook is here https://www.facebook.com/reel/964061462235300

Etchr Accodion Sketchbook
Size: 1170 x 210mm

Sketching on Vacation

I did a few more sketches on the cruise at Solarium and at meal times. Also one at Phuket during mango dessert time at a big local shopping centre Jungceylon near Patong Beach.

Sketch on Deck again

Sketch 2 - This is a sketch facing the other direction.

I cannot remember which evening I sketched this when you were on a cruise. Speed sketching on deck 15 or 16 next to the Sky Bar.

Etchr Lab Square Sketchbook
Size 420 x 210mm

A sketch on the Cruise

Sketch 1 - Beautiful sunrise on the deck.

I woke up early in the morning to sketch on Deck 15 of Anthem of the Seas during our family vacation trip when family members were still sleeping. From this angle, we could see the North Star that elevated the guests high above the ship for unrivaled 360-degree view. The pavilion on the right is the DJ station opposite the big screen above the pools.

Brought the new Etchr square format sktechbook. Paper had the 'fibrous' feel with ink and washes as it's 100% cotton.

Size: 420 x 210mm