House of Tan Yeok Nee

This was the last sketch not the last page done on Bao Hong Concertina Sketchbook that I forgot to post. It was cold press square 300gm watercolour paper that I had to get used to it. Bao Hong papers from China are cheaper compared to other establisehd brands.

It was done on the same day when we had our Sketchwalk at Istana Park. It was a special invitation to visit the House of Tan Yeok Nee before another major renovation by the new owner. Thanks to Associate Professor Yeo Kang Shua from SUTD for the arrangement. We were told we would be invited back when it is fully restored with an airconditioned cafe. Can't wait for that day to see this manificient building again.

The House of Tan Yeok Nee (Chinese: 陈旭年宅第 or 陈旭年大厦) is a mansion building located at the junction of Penang Road and Clemenceau Avenue in Singapore. When I was young, I remember this house was the headquarter of The Salvation Army for the longest time till 1991. After an extensive restoration completed in 2000, it was held by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Then I also remember it was occupied by a Chinese Medical Hall before it was the Singapore campus for Amity Global Institute. In 2022, it was sold to the family of the Indonesian tycoon Bachtiar Karim.

The House of Tan Yeok Nee is a fine example of traditional Teochew architecture. More history of House of Tan Yeok Nee at this link.

Baohong Organ Sketchbook
Size: 510 x 170mm

Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

I did a sketch in 2009 at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall in a small Moleskine sketchbook, now I have another one done on Etchr Accordian Sketchbook.

Size: 650 x 210mm

September Sketchwalk at MOE Heritage Centre

Credits: Banner photo by Favian Ee

For this month’s sketchwalk, we are going to a special location full of history and nostalgia. The Ministry of Education Heritage Centre is currently located in an old school building that still retains some of its old fittings that are characteristic of schools from the 70’s and 80’s. Come see how canteens and classrooms looked like back in the day, and sketch them before the centre moves out to their new location! There is also a museum of Singapore’s education history with many sketchable artifacts! The staff will be conducting 2 tours through the museum during the sketchwalks for groups of 15 pax each (sign up on the spot, first come first serve!). We are free to sketch inside the museum (after the tours, due to space constraints) and around the centre. Photos of the centre here

START
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: MOE Heritage Centre assembly area
402 Commonwealth Dr, Singapore 149599
6838 1614
(https://goo.gl/maps/HbH56kn8SFbjq5w38)

END
Time: 12:15 PM
Location: MOE Heritage Centre
402 Commonwealth Dr, Singapore 149599
6838 1614
(https://goo.gl/maps/HbH56kn8SFbjq5w38)

Nearest MRT: Commonwealth (EWL)

Parking is available at the centre, but HDB parking charges apply. It is $1.20 per hour, charged on a per minute basis.

Locations to sketch:
- Around the heritage centre and in the museum area

Places to eat and shop:
- Food court and eateries opposite the centre, around Commonwealth Drive and Tanglin Halt

Bring:
- insect repellant
- stools
- sunscreen

November Sketchwalk at Kampong Glam

Credits: Banner photo by Mdm Tia

This month's sketchwalk will be in the old Malay/Arab quarter of Kampong Glam, in collaboration with URA.

Some 30 of us will be given special access to the top of Sultan Mosque. First come first served basis. (Important Note: Dress code applies – no sleeveless and shorts for both genders.)

URA will also be providing guided tours around the area.

There's lots to see, sketch, and eat in the area. Visit the Malay Heritage Centre next door to sketch in air-con comfort if you like, or visit Singapore's narrowest street, Haji Lane, which is lined with boutique and quaint and quirky shops.

START
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: Bussorah Mall in front of Sultan Mosque
(https://goo.gl/maps/Wmy7W4tKxr12)

END
Time: 12:15 PM
Location: Inside the compounds of Malay Heritage Village

Nearest MRT: Bugis

Locations to sketch:
- Kampong Glam
- Sultan Mosque
- Malay Heritage Centre
- Murals
- Haji Lane, Arab Street, etc.
- Golden Landmark Hotel

Places to eat and shop:
- Countless options in Kampong Glam

Sketchwalk leaders: William Sim & Benedict Tay

Notes: If you wish to enter the mosque, remember not to wear revealing clothes, sleeveless shirts, shorts or short skirts. Observe the dress code. Hats and sunblock for hot weather.



Giveaway contest
Here are the prizes Parka will be giving away:

• Draw Your Day: An Inspiring Guide to Keeping a Sketch Journal
• Arrtx Watercolor Brush Markers
• Brush Pen Illustration: More Than 200 Ideas for Drawing with Brush Pens
• The Artist's Color Guide: WaterColor Understanding Palette, Pigments and Properties

Criteria for winning the prizes
Prizes are given out at the end of the sketchwalk to winners.
Post a comment on the prize you want.
Only comments here count.
Leave your real name if you're using nickname.
You'll need to introduce yourself and your sketch that day.

Good luck!

St. Georges Church

St. George’s Church at 44, Minden Road was built in 1911. It’s built for the British army and in Romanesque Basilica style.
The following is an except from the book to commemorate 100th anniversary of the construction of the church building.
"St. George's Church is part of the Anglican Diorces of Singapore. Tucked away in the lush Tanglin green lung just minutes from the city's bustling shopping belt, the church is today spiritual home to a diverse congregation of various nationalities, apart from Singaporeans. The picturesque brick Basilica barn-styled building was erected originally for the pastoral care of British soldiers at Tanglin Barracks at the turn of the 20th century. After WWII, in November 1946, the church was reconsecrated in an Armistice Sunday thanksgiving service. Withe the withdrawal of the British military troops from Singapore in 1971, St. George's ceased to be a garrison church and became a member parish of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore. In November 1978, the church was designated as a national monument of Singapore, to be protected and preserved because of its historical and architectural significance."

Draft Sketch

Today at 11:30am, I am going for cataract removal surgery for my right eye and this draft sketch was what I had been rushing for the past few nights. It is going to be a one metre long artwork to put all the significant buildings owned by one of the big developers in Singapore. It is not difficult to begin with since they own most of the buildings along the Fullerton Heritage Waterfront. However, it was more difficult than I originally thought as it progressed. I will need to research into the building heights and sizes when I put them together. As an architect by profession, it has its advantage. I will post the final artwork when it is done.

Hyderabad Road

Another Singapore Land Authority Secret location. This is SP Jain School of Global Management at 10, Hyderabad Road. A heritage site and it used to be the Dental Institute in a lush environment. Before that, it was the Alexandra Barracks. The probable origins of the road’s name would be the Russell’s Infantry’s 95th Battalion, who were stationed at Alexandra Barracks from 1905 to 1908. The British Indian Army unit traced its origins to one of two Russell Brigade regiments raised in 1813 by Sir Henry Russell – the British Resident of Hyderabad for the Nizam of Hyderabad’s Army. Besides Hyderabad Road, a Russells Road can also be found in the area – all of which was once part of Alexandra Barracks.

I did a very long piece. Too ambitious on site and talked too much to friends in the next group touring the place, so after one and a half hour, I only managed to complete the outline in ink and added the shadows on location. Details especially the trees were added at home.

More details of our SLA heritage sketchwalk locations here: https://thelongnwindingroad.wordpress.com/2015/03/19/the-beautiful-campus-at-hyderabad-road/

Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail

This morning the sketchers were sketching at Tiong Bahru on the invitation of National Heritage Board to take part in the launch of the Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail. I did two sketches with my like-minded fellow sketchers, interviewed by the media, talked to Ms Indranee Rajah, the Member of Parliament, also Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Education. What a day!