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Welcome to Trying Out Shoshin! Come in and explore my unique artwork and join me on a journey of creativity and learning. Whether you're looking to purchase a piece that resonates with you or want to dive into inspiring content, there's something for everyone. Let's embark on this artistic adventure together!

Fragonard-inspired art doll sculpt

A sculpt based on a portrait by Philippine National Artist Juan Luna of my great grandmother, Emiliana Trinidad

Portrait made using embroidery thread and paint on canvas

A portrait of Sophie in her ninja costume using embroidery thread, tea bags, paint on canvas

Digital illustration of Lampy the firefly for a MATS class on Illustrating Children's Books

Mixed-media painting of a man eating noodles with chopsticks. Noodles are made with strips of paper from the pages of a book.

Image of Because I Can Digital Planner

23/100

Two posts today because I couldn't get myself to draw yesterday. Still working on getting used to the heat and humidity but enjoying how quickly my hand-washed workout clothes dry!

I was telling my bff from Foxborough how I miss the cooler weather but not the spring allergies. Claritin was my best friend.

Anyway, here's more movement for you.

#the100dayproject #procreate #procreateillustration #sketch #digitalsketch #keeplearning #showup #staycurious

23/100

Two posts today because I couldn't get myself to draw yesterday. Still working on getting used to the heat and humidity but enjoying how quickly my hand-washed workout clothes dry!

I was telling my bff from Foxborough how I miss the cooler weather but not the spring allergies. Claritin was my best friend.

Anyway, here's more movement for you.

#the100dayproject #procreate #procreateillustration #sketch #digitalsketch #keeplearning #showup #staycurious

22/100 of #the100dayproject

I definitely want to revisit this sketch. Always in awe of what the human body can achieve, the strength it takes to perform movements as if anyone can do them (um, nope!), the amount of work needed to be able to fly.

Meanwhile, I'm happy I can do a few sumo squats 😁

#procreate #procreateillustration #dance #showup #keeplearning #staycurious #move

22/100 of #the100dayproject

I definitely want to revisit this sketch. Always in awe of what the human body can achieve, the strength it takes to perform movements as if anyone can do them (um, nope!), the amount of work needed to be able to fly.

Meanwhile, I'm happy I can do a few sumo squats 😁

#procreate #procreateillustration #dance #showup #keeplearning #staycurious #move

21/100 Still trying to capture movement.

#the100dayproject #procreate #procreateillustration #movement #dance #showup #keeplearning #happythings

21/100 Still trying to capture movement.

#the100dayproject #procreate #procreateillustration #movement #dance #showup #keeplearning #happythings

20/100 and I'm working on capturing movement. I was drawn to this photo because it feels defiant somehow. Quick studies is this week's offering for #the100dayproject

#procreate #procreateillustration #sketches #studies #movement #dance

20/100 and I'm working on capturing movement. I was drawn to this photo because it feels defiant somehow. Quick studies is this week's offering for #the100dayproject

#procreate #procreateillustration #sketches #studies #movement #dance

Is this my 19? It's been a busy week but weather yesterday and today was quite pleasant. Still adjusting to living back here, watching the progress photos and videos my husband sends of the apartment reno, accepting that heavy traffic is part of any trip.

Anyway, this is what should've been my Wednesday offering for #the100dayproject which, I admit is becoming a bit difficult for me to stick to. I have so many ideas for other projects but I'm hanging in there. Hopefully by the time I get to the hundredth, I'll be able to show off my new studio. Always something to look forward to!

#catchingup #procreate #procreateillustration #procreateanimation #keeplearning #showup #staycurious

Is this my 19? It's been a busy week but weather yesterday and today was quite pleasant. Still adjusting to living back here, watching the progress photos and videos my husband sends of the apartment reno, accepting that heavy traffic is part of any trip.

Anyway, this is what should've been my Wednesday offering for #the100dayproject which, I admit is becoming a bit difficult for me to stick to. I have so many ideas for other projects but I'm hanging in there. Hopefully by the time I get to the hundredth, I'll be able to show off my new studio. Always something to look forward to!

#catchingup #procreate #procreateillustration #procreateanimation #keeplearning #showup #staycurious

Another day of #the100dayproject and here's a bean who calls my sister "Woyam" which I think is so original and sweet and funny!

The tooning endeavor goes fast because of the tracing. I normally prefer not to, but since I try to limit the time spent on the challenge, it became my go-to method. I think this is my day 18!

#procreate #procreateillustration #procreateanimation #challenges #keeplearning #staycurious #happythings

Another day of #the100dayproject and here's a bean who calls my sister "Woyam" which I think is so original and sweet and funny!

The tooning endeavor goes fast because of the tracing. I normally prefer not to, but since I try to limit the time spent on the challenge, it became my go-to method. I think this is my day 18!

#procreate #procreateillustration #procreateanimation #challenges #keeplearning #staycurious #happythings

I recently discovered an old challenge that I thought would be fun--so this week, I'm tooning people. This is my 17/100.

#the100dayproject #procreate #toons #procreateillustration #procreateanimation #keeplearning #staycurious #happythings

I recently discovered an old challenge that I thought would be fun--so this week, I'm tooning people. This is my 17/100.

#the100dayproject #procreate #toons #procreateillustration #procreateanimation #keeplearning #staycurious #happythings

Last one for this week's #the100dayproject and already I have an idea for the next!

While looking for references on Pinterest, I stumbled upon a past challenge--something about turning yourself into a toon. The idea is to use a photo of yourself and half it lengthwise. One half will be the cartoon version of you. I thought it would be not only fun, but great practice with character creation.

I won't be "tooning" myself so let's see how many people will say yes to getting tooned! 😉😁

#procreate #procreatesketches #procreateillustration #digitalillustration #showup

Last one for this week's #the100dayproject and already I have an idea for the next!

While looking for references on Pinterest, I stumbled upon a past challenge--something about turning yourself into a toon. The idea is to use a photo of yourself and half it lengthwise. One half will be the cartoon version of you. I thought it would be not only fun, but great practice with character creation.

I won't be "tooning" myself so let's see how many people will say yes to getting tooned! 😉😁

#procreate #procreatesketches #procreateillustration #digitalillustration #showup

Just had to try this one! My day 15 of #the100dayproject

#procreate #procreateillustration #keeplearning #digitalsketch #digitalart #digitalillustrations #showup

Just had to try this one! My day 15 of #the100dayproject

#procreate #procreateillustration #keeplearning #digitalsketch #digitalart #digitalillustrations #showup

Day 14 for me. Hot but windy day. His expression, though, lifts up my spirits ☺️

#The100DayProject #procreate #procreateillustration #expressions #faces #digitalillustration #quicksketch

Day 14 for me. Hot but windy day. His expression, though, lifts up my spirits ☺️

#The100DayProject #procreate #procreateillustration #expressions #faces #digitalillustration #quicksketch

My day 13 of #the100dayproject and enjoying this not-quite-a-portrait way of capturing faces and expressions.

#procreate #procreateillustration #expressions #keeplearning #staycurious #digital #digitalpaintingpractice

My day 13 of #the100dayproject and enjoying this not-quite-a-portrait way of capturing faces and expressions.

#procreate #procreateillustration #expressions #keeplearning #staycurious #digital #digitalpaintingpractice

Day12! For this week's #100DayProject I'm going with digital sketches. I'm always drawn to faces and expressions. Realistic portraiture has never been a thing with me--I prefer to capture just the mood and general likeness, often with slight exaggerations.

The other reason for these quick studies is I'm hoping to be able to use them as references for future paintings. Fingers crossed and hoping to be able to move into our new home (and studio) by next month.

#procreate #showup #faces #womenartistscreate #women #showup #keeplearning #staycurious #procreateillustration

Day12! For this week's #100DayProject I'm going with digital sketches. I'm always drawn to faces and expressions. Realistic portraiture has never been a thing with me--I prefer to capture just the mood and general likeness, often with slight exaggerations.

The other reason for these quick studies is I'm hoping to be able to use them as references for future paintings. Fingers crossed and hoping to be able to move into our new home (and studio) by next month.

#procreate #showup #faces #womenartistscreate #women #showup #keeplearning #staycurious #procreateillustration

My day 11 of #the100dayproject and the last for the week. All that’s going on can be overwhelming so in the middle of staying aware, resisting, giving support, this quote by John O’ Donohue is a great reminder to pause, breathe, find some magic.

Watercolor paper, pen, gouache, metallic colored pencils that I found at the #papertiger shop at the Alabang Town Center.

#paper #paperfolding #keeplearning #coloredpencils #gouache #secretmessages #staycurious

My day 11 of #the100dayproject and the last for the week. All that’s going on can be overwhelming so in the middle of staying aware, resisting, giving support, this quote by John O’ Donohue is a great reminder to pause, breathe, find some magic.

Watercolor paper, pen, gouache, metallic colored pencils that I found at the #papertiger shop at the Alabang Town Center.

#paper #paperfolding #keeplearning #coloredpencils #gouache #secretmessages #staycurious

My day 10 of #the100dayproject where I chose a simple inside design with a Shel Silverstein quote. The outside “petals” have the reversible option this time.

Watercolor paper so I was able to use the watercolor pencils and a micropen.

#paper #watercolorpencils #staedlerwatercolorpencils #paperfolding #paperart #secretmessage #keeplearning #staycurious #happythings

My day 10 of #the100dayproject where I chose a simple inside design with a Shel Silverstein quote. The outside “petals” have the reversible option this time.

Watercolor paper so I was able to use the watercolor pencils and a micropen.

#paper #watercolorpencils #staedlerwatercolorpencils #paperfolding #paperart #secretmessage #keeplearning #staycurious #happythings

Will post today’s challenge piece later. My videographer’s still busy with her online class. “We’ll do it after classes, Nana!”

Will post today’s challenge piece later. My videographer’s still busy with her online class. “We’ll do it after classes, Nana!”

Day 9 of #the100dayproject with a piece by Brooke Hampton. This time I used sketchpad paper and colored pencils with a bit of micropen outlines.

I’ll do the reel later—am being summoned for lunch!

#drawing #paper #paperfolding #paperart #whoami #showup

Day 9 of #the100dayproject with a piece by Brooke Hampton. This time I used sketchpad paper and colored pencils with a bit of micropen outlines.

I’ll do the reel later—am being summoned for lunch!

#drawing #paper #paperfolding #paperart #whoami #showup

Adjusted the template and tried it again. Worked better this time and for my day 8 of #the100dayproject , I used a quote by Anne Lamott.

This one is on 200gsm watercolor paper. I used a micropen for the outlines and the text, gouache, watercolor pencils, and metallic colored pencils for everything else.

If you can’t draw or paint, you can use stickers!

#paper
#paperfolding
#paperart
#painting
#gouache
#watercolorpencils
#annelamott
#hope

Adjusted the template and tried it again. Worked better this time and for my day 8 of #the100dayproject , I used a quote by Anne Lamott.

This one is on 200gsm watercolor paper. I used a micropen for the outlines and the text, gouache, watercolor pencils, and metallic colored pencils for everything else.

If you can’t draw or paint, you can use stickers!

#paper
#paperfolding
#paperart
#painting
#gouache
#watercolorpencils
#annelamott
#hope

Here it is, all done! Again, I scrapped the first attempt because I messed up the inside. This poem was just too sweet to pass up so I knew I wanted to put it on the inside.

I think this is a fun project to do with kids. I’ll do more of them for this week’s #the100dayproject and see what other flowers and poems I can fit in.

#paper #paperfolding #secretmessage #paperart #fun #keeplearning #staycurious #poems

Here it is, all done! Again, I scrapped the first attempt because I messed up the inside. This poem was just too sweet to pass up so I knew I wanted to put it on the inside.

I think this is a fun project to do with kids. I’ll do more of them for this week’s #the100dayproject and see what other flowers and poems I can fit in.

#paper #paperfolding #secretmessage #paperart #fun #keeplearning #staycurious #poems

Day 7 of #the100dayproject and I’m thinking I should have paid more attention during geometry class (though seriously, geometry was the only math subject I understood). Again, another Pinterest find that piqued my curiosity. I had no compass but I had Affinity Designer so here it is.

This is only the first step. Next comes the really fun part so stay tuned.

#paperfolding #paperart #challenges #dothe100dayproject #showup #staycurious

Day 7 of #the100dayproject and I’m thinking I should have paid more attention during geometry class (though seriously, geometry was the only math subject I understood). Again, another Pinterest find that piqued my curiosity. I had no compass but I had Affinity Designer so here it is.

This is only the first step. Next comes the really fun part so stay tuned.

#paperfolding #paperart #challenges #dothe100dayproject #showup #staycurious

My day 6 of the #100DayProject is all about teapots. I experimented with narrower accordion sides.

What I learned: narrower pleats need paper that’s a bit lighter. That way, the tunnel can be stretched just a bit more so each layer’s details are visible.

#tunnelbook #handmade #bookart #paper #paperart #painting #showup #happythings #staycurious

My day 6 of the #100DayProject is all about teapots. I experimented with narrower accordion sides.

What I learned: narrower pleats need paper that’s a bit lighter. That way, the tunnel can be stretched just a bit more so each layer’s details are visible.

#tunnelbook #handmade #bookart #paper #paperart #painting #showup #happythings #staycurious

Day 5 of #100DayProject and almost gave up! From relatively flat to a pulled up cube—it fascinated me. Instructions were clear, seemed simple, but I couldn’t flatten my cube!

When I was about to give up and started to smoosh the whole thing, it suddenly folded up! It’s not perfect and not a favorite but I’m glad I tried it.

My granddaughter was thrilled to see my illustration of her 🤗

#challenges #watercolorpencils #handmade #paper #alcoholmarkers #staycurious #showup #happythings

Day 5 of #100DayProject and almost gave up! From relatively flat to a pulled up cube—it fascinated me. Instructions were clear, seemed simple, but I couldn’t flatten my cube!

When I was about to give up and started to smoosh the whole thing, it suddenly folded up! It’s not perfect and not a favorite but I’m glad I tried it.

My granddaughter was thrilled to see my illustration of her 🤗

#challenges #watercolorpencils #handmade #paper #alcoholmarkers #staycurious #showup #happythings

Was out all day today but managed to get these watercolor pencils at an Art Bar! Excited to try them on the next #100dayproject piece 🤗

#watercolorpencils #challenges #showup #keeplearning #staycurious #artbarph

Was out all day today but managed to get these watercolor pencils at an Art Bar! Excited to try them on the next #100dayproject piece 🤗

#watercolorpencils #challenges #showup #keeplearning #staycurious #artbarph

Day three! Long way to go with these tunnel books.

#100DayProject
#100daysofwonder2025
#wander
#tunnelbooks
#paper
#alcoholmarkers
#adventure
#keeplearning
#happythings
#staycurious

Day three! Long way to go with these tunnel books.

#100DayProject
#100daysofwonder2025
#wander
#tunnelbooks
#paper
#alcoholmarkers
#adventure
#keeplearning
#happythings
#staycurious

I’m on day 2 of #the100dayproject and doing prompt 1 of #100daysofwonder2025 which is Wander. This is all I could do today between other tasks that needed proper attention.

It would be nice to have 100 pieces of artwork by the end of the challenge but I’m okay with challenging myself to work on this creative challenge.

A tunnel book seemed like the perfect vehicle for the prompt. Of course Lewis Carroll came to mind right away (Tolkien was a close second).

#tunnelbook
#handmade
#artbook
#paper
#challenges
#keeplearning
#staycurious
#happythings

I’m on day 2 of #the100dayproject and doing prompt 1 of #100daysofwonder2025 which is Wander. This is all I could do today between other tasks that needed proper attention.

It would be nice to have 100 pieces of artwork by the end of the challenge but I’m okay with challenging myself to work on this creative challenge.

A tunnel book seemed like the perfect vehicle for the prompt. Of course Lewis Carroll came to mind right away (Tolkien was a close second).

#tunnelbook
#handmade
#artbook
#paper
#challenges
#keeplearning
#staycurious
#happythings

Day 1!!! I decided to start the #100DayProject by making a journal. I haven’t been able to find the kind of journals I normally use so I decided to make my own.

A few years ago, I found myself in an ultrasound room being told that I had breast cancer. It was New Year’s Eve. But I took it as one of my “oh well” situations and decided I just had to deal with it.

One of the first things I did was to start a bullet journal. It was my way of taking control. I’ve been using one ever since and while I don’t usually follow the conventions, I did find satisfaction in ticking off the tasks I had set out to do each day.

I still don’t have all my art supplies but I have some that I decided will have to do. So today, I used sheets from a marker pad (too thin to really work as one, imho), colored pencils, some gouache, markers, the cover of the marker pad, and masking tape that I packed in my suitcase for some reason.

And there you are—day one done!

#challenges
#handmade
#journals
#dayone
#sundays
#mixedmedia
#happythings

Day 1!!! I decided to start the #100DayProject by making a journal. I haven’t been able to find the kind of journals I normally use so I decided to make my own.

A few years ago, I found myself in an ultrasound room being told that I had breast cancer. It was New Year’s Eve. But I took it as one of my “oh well” situations and decided I just had to deal with it.

One of the first things I did was to start a bullet journal. It was my way of taking control. I’ve been using one ever since and while I don’t usually follow the conventions, I did find satisfaction in ticking off the tasks I had set out to do each day.

I still don’t have all my art supplies but I have some that I decided will have to do. So today, I used sheets from a marker pad (too thin to really work as one, imho), colored pencils, some gouache, markers, the cover of the marker pad, and masking tape that I packed in my suitcase for some reason.

And there you are—day one done!

#challenges
#handmade
#journals
#dayone
#sundays
#mixedmedia
#happythings

Came across this while looking for closet layout designs (you see how easily I get distracted!). The square version is pretty straightforward. The rectangular one took some figuring out because the instructions I found weren’t as detailed. But you know—everything is figure-out-able.

#paper #keeplearning #happythings #staycurious #exploring #100DayProject #100DaysofWonder2025

Came across this while looking for closet layout designs (you see how easily I get distracted!). The square version is pretty straightforward. The rectangular one took some figuring out because the instructions I found weren’t as detailed. But you know—everything is figure-out-able.

#paper #keeplearning #happythings #staycurious #exploring #100DayProject #100DaysofWonder2025

This tunnel book is finally done! Between this and the Victorian Puzzle Purse, I’d say this took less time because it’s basically one design separated into layers. With the puzzle purse, I had to think of different illustrations to make every triangular area interesting.

Both can tell stories and both are very satisfying when finished. Maybe for the 100 Day Project, I’ll incorporate these with some digital work. So many possibilities!

#tunnelbook #paper #handmade #keeplearning #showup #happythings #staycurious #flyingtiger #coloredpencils

This tunnel book is finally done! Between this and the Victorian Puzzle Purse, I’d say this took less time because it’s basically one design separated into layers. With the puzzle purse, I had to think of different illustrations to make every triangular area interesting.

Both can tell stories and both are very satisfying when finished. Maybe for the 100 Day Project, I’ll incorporate these with some digital work. So many possibilities!

#tunnelbook #paper #handmade #keeplearning #showup #happythings #staycurious #flyingtiger #coloredpencils

Why two tries? Well, on the first attempt, some panels were refusing to lay flat. I was going to ignore that as this is supposed to be a trial piece. But then I also realized that I had glued two of the panels in the wrong order!

PVC glue dries pretty quickly so I couldn’t just peel off the pages. Instead, I used scissors and sometimes cutter to keep the paper from tearing.

Now to think of a cover for the tunnel book.

#tunnelbook #keeplearning #happythings #staycurious #paper #tellastory

Why two tries? Well, on the first attempt, some panels were refusing to lay flat. I was going to ignore that as this is supposed to be a trial piece. But then I also realized that I had glued two of the panels in the wrong order!

PVC glue dries pretty quickly so I couldn’t just peel off the pages. Instead, I used scissors and sometimes cutter to keep the paper from tearing.

Now to think of a cover for the tunnel book.

#tunnelbook #keeplearning #happythings #staycurious #paper #tellastory

Seemed like a natural progression.

#paper
#staycurious
#keeplearning
#artbooks
#tunnelbook
#friday

Seemed like a natural progression.

#paper
#staycurious
#keeplearning
#artbooks
#tunnelbook
#friday

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