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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

Two weeks in our Manila home! By 8 a.m., the guys are banging, sawing, painting away. I love how they work together, how they break into song when a familiar tune comes on, how they take pride in their handwork.

The heat here is no joke and sometimes, they have to be creative to get around it. Today one of them came with a bag of green mangoes and presented them to my hubby (complete with bagoong). Good people, hardworking, happy people. They inspire me to do better.

Also, complaining about the heat becomes petty. I’m truly grateful for cool, cleansing showers!

#renovation #startingover #secondwind #newbeginnings #lateinthegame #happy #inspired

Two weeks in our Manila home! By 8 a.m., the guys are banging, sawing, painting away. I love how they work together, how they break into song when a familiar tune comes on, how they take pride in their handwork.

The heat here is no joke and sometimes, they have to be creative to get around it. Today one of them came with a bag of green mangoes and presented them to my hubby (complete with bagoong). Good people, hardworking, happy people. They inspire me to do better.

Also, complaining about the heat becomes petty. I’m truly grateful for cool, cleansing showers!

#renovation #startingover #secondwind #newbeginnings #lateinthegame #happy #inspired

Day 3 for me. Loads of boxes to go through. Beginnings can be slow but nothing is impossible when you believe.

#beginnings #Easter #secondwind #senioradventures #renovations

Day 3 for me. Loads of boxes to go through. Beginnings can be slow but nothing is impossible when you believe.

#beginnings #Easter #secondwind #senioradventures #renovations

Since October of last year, home has been temporary affairs. It’s been a bit of unpacking but only so much, hanging things up where there’s space, making sure important documents are where they can be found easily. And now I’m packing once more to move into what could be a forever home here in the Philippines. The hubby has been deep into renovation, making sure I have studio space and everything else that will keep us productive and creative and healthy and content.

The apartment is not quite finished but I can’t wait to break out the brushes and the paints! Oh and unlike the song lyrics, we’ll probably have a dog 🐶

#home #happythings #newbeginnings

Since October of last year, home has been temporary affairs. It’s been a bit of unpacking but only so much, hanging things up where there’s space, making sure important documents are where they can be found easily. And now I’m packing once more to move into what could be a forever home here in the Philippines. The hubby has been deep into renovation, making sure I have studio space and everything else that will keep us productive and creative and healthy and content.

The apartment is not quite finished but I can’t wait to break out the brushes and the paints! Oh and unlike the song lyrics, we’ll probably have a dog 🐶

#home #happythings #newbeginnings

Not my day 31 of #the100dayproject because I'm still grappling with trying to make the kapre not look like Chewbacca. Meanwhile, I came across this oldie but goodie and decided it'll do for today's post.

Now that the hubby is renovating the old apartment and it'll be our permanent address here in the Philippines, getting a dog has become a very real possibility!

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

Not my day 31 of #the100dayproject because I'm still grappling with trying to make the kapre not look like Chewbacca. Meanwhile, I came across this oldie but goodie and decided it'll do for today's post.

Now that the hubby is renovating the old apartment and it'll be our permanent address here in the Philippines, getting a dog has become a very real possibility!

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

Or maybe a diwata is a type of engkanto? But I suppose, as with most enchanted creatures, it’s always wise to proceed with caution!

This is my day 30 of #the100dayproject and today’s creature is by far the “fairest” compared to the manananggal and the tikbalang. But as I said, you never know!

#procreate #procreateillustration #philippinefolktales #engkanto #mythicalcreatures #bookcoverillustration #showup #keeplearning #staycurious

Or maybe a diwata is a type of engkanto? But I suppose, as with most enchanted creatures, it’s always wise to proceed with caution!

This is my day 30 of #the100dayproject and today’s creature is by far the “fairest” compared to the manananggal and the tikbalang. But as I said, you never know!

#procreate #procreateillustration #philippinefolktales #engkanto #mythicalcreatures #bookcoverillustration #showup #keeplearning #staycurious

Having to stop when I’m in the zone is just another “Oh well” situation. Luckily the pencil recharges quickly and it’s a good reminder to get some stretches in.

This is my day 29 of #the100dayproject and it’s keeping me interested so far. Maybe I’ll try one of a book that actually exists. Otherwise, I’ll just use whatever I come up with for my handmade journal covers.

#procreate #procreateillustration #bookcoverillustration #dothe100dayproject #folklore #philippinefolklore #showup #keeplearning #staycurious

Having to stop when I’m in the zone is just another “Oh well” situation. Luckily the pencil recharges quickly and it’s a good reminder to get some stretches in.

This is my day 29 of #the100dayproject and it’s keeping me interested so far. Maybe I’ll try one of a book that actually exists. Otherwise, I’ll just use whatever I come up with for my handmade journal covers.

#procreate #procreateillustration #bookcoverillustration #dothe100dayproject #folklore #philippinefolklore #showup #keeplearning #staycurious

Day 28/100 and I’m finally getting some color in! So easy to keep going specially since I have Suzanne Collins’ Sunrise on the Reaping playing.

In case you’re not familiar with it, it’s the 5th book in The Hunger Games series. This time, it features the back story of one of my favorite characters, Haymitch Abernathy.

It also helps to take my mind off the heat. Manila summers can be brutal! 🥵

#procreate #procreateillustration #bookcoverillustration #showup #staycurious #keeplearning #storytelling

Day 28/100 and I’m finally getting some color in! So easy to keep going specially since I have Suzanne Collins’ Sunrise on the Reaping playing.

In case you’re not familiar with it, it’s the 5th book in The Hunger Games series. This time, it features the back story of one of my favorite characters, Haymitch Abernathy.

It also helps to take my mind off the heat. Manila summers can be brutal! 🥵

#procreate #procreateillustration #bookcoverillustration #showup #staycurious #keeplearning #storytelling

On day 26/100, I continue to work on my fictional book cover. I don't do scary stuff although I admit that my tastes in books lean toward the Stephen King kind. But there's something about folklore that can be scarier (which, of course, is why they were used to scare us into a reluctant obedience).

Now I feel like revisiting Trese on Netflix!

#the100dayproject #procreate #procreateillustration #philippinefolklore #staycurious #keeplearning #showup

On day 26/100, I continue to work on my fictional book cover. I don't do scary stuff although I admit that my tastes in books lean toward the Stephen King kind. But there's something about folklore that can be scarier (which, of course, is why they were used to scare us into a reluctant obedience).

Now I feel like revisiting Trese on Netflix!

#the100dayproject #procreate #procreateillustration #philippinefolklore #staycurious #keeplearning #showup

Day 25 and this time, my creative sessions won’t be a finished piece each day. Instead, I’m counting each session that’ll hopefully end with a finished book cover.

The title is fictitious. Translated, it means home-cooked or home cooking. The blurb below indicates it’s not a cookbook—rather a book of warnings concocted to hold the curiosity at bay.

This project was inspired by @vera.drmanovski during the #twotapartsummit2025 and I really just had to try in spite of my love-hate relationship with lettering. This is one curiosity that won’t be curbed!

#procreate #procreateillustration #lettering #bookcovers #bookcoverdesign #showup #keeplearning #staycurious

Day 25 and this time, my creative sessions won’t be a finished piece each day. Instead, I’m counting each session that’ll hopefully end with a finished book cover.

The title is fictitious. Translated, it means home-cooked or home cooking. The blurb below indicates it’s not a cookbook—rather a book of warnings concocted to hold the curiosity at bay.

This project was inspired by @vera.drmanovski during the #twotapartsummit2025 and I really just had to try in spite of my love-hate relationship with lettering. This is one curiosity that won’t be curbed!

#procreate #procreateillustration #lettering #bookcovers #bookcoverdesign #showup #keeplearning #staycurious

Experimenting with crocheted dragon styles for the kids. They want to sell key chains so we’re trying these out.

This is the third iteration so far and I like the buns.

#saturdays #crochet #dragons #fourthwing

Experimenting with crocheted dragon styles for the kids. They want to sell key chains so we’re trying these out.

This is the third iteration so far and I like the buns.

#saturdays #crochet #dragons #fourthwing

24/100

Maybe last of the movement sketches. This is what working digitally affords--the ability to adjust, to redo, to tweak. If I were working with a real pencil on real paper, I would definitely work on proportions, do the blocking, think more about anatomy, and so on while keeping in mind that it's to be a quick sketch.

I also save on paper and pencils and erasers. If I were painting, yes, I'd save on paints too!

However, I do feel the pull of other materials so let's see.

#the100dayproject #procreate #procreateillustration #sketch #movement #dance #showup #keeplearning #staycurious #fridays

24/100

Maybe last of the movement sketches. This is what working digitally affords--the ability to adjust, to redo, to tweak. If I were working with a real pencil on real paper, I would definitely work on proportions, do the blocking, think more about anatomy, and so on while keeping in mind that it's to be a quick sketch.

I also save on paper and pencils and erasers. If I were painting, yes, I'd save on paints too!

However, I do feel the pull of other materials so let's see.

#the100dayproject #procreate #procreateillustration #sketch #movement #dance #showup #keeplearning #staycurious #fridays

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

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