PABHA - Enhancing Life with Art

Aerial View 2009. 8 x 8 inches. Acrylic on canvas.
By Prabhakara Jimmy Quek.

Aerial View 2009. Acrylic on canvas. 8 x 8 inches.
By Prabhakara Jimmy Quek. Private collection.

In this video, you could see Sri Lanka Cultural performance,including Sri Lanka dance performing, drums playing, songs singing, Buddhist ceremony and lunch dana offering at Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple in Singapore.

Mountain Top View. 2009.
Acrylic on canvas. 107 x 107 cm
By Prabhakara Jimmy Quek.
Collection: Private collection.

The big painting on the wall is High Land Bliss. I enjoy the colours and I could feel the air and space that are generated by the visual effects of the painting.


High Land Bliss. Acrylic on canvas. 112 x 112 cm. By Prabhakara Jimmy Quek. All Rights Reserved.


Another view of the paintings High Land Bliss (left) and Waterfall (right).

The first time a traveling exhibition has been organized to China and Hong Kong jointly put together by the National Arts Council and the National Heritage Board was in 1993 under the auspices of the Governments of Singapore and the People's Republic of China.

This traveling exhibition was titled: "Window on Singapore Art". A comprehensive range of works of 31 artists' 57 paintings were presented and exhibited in seven cities in the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong. Exhibition venues are China Art Gallery in Beijing, Shandong Provincial Art Gallery in Jinan, Suzhou Musuem in Suzhou, Shanghai Art Gallery in Shanghai, Quanzhou Oversea Communication Museum in Quanzhou, Xiamen Library in Xiamen, Guangdong Provincial Museum in Guangdong and Fung Pin Shan Museum in Hong Kong.

The 31 Singapore artists are: Chen Chong Swee, Georgette Chen, Cheong Soo Pieng, Choo Keng Kwang, Diana Chua, Chua Ek Kay, Chuan Keng Boon, Fan Chang Tien, Foo Chee San, Goh Beng Kwan, Goh Ee Choo, Huang Pao Fang, Jaafa Latiff, Lee Hock Moh, Vincent Leow, Lim Cheng Hoe, Lim Poh Teck, Lim Tze Peng, Lin Hsin Hsin, Liu Kang, Nai Swee Leng, Jimmy Ong, Ong Kim Seng, Anthony Poon, Prabhakara Jimmy Quek, Salleh Japar, See Hiang To, Tan Kian Por, Tang Da Wu, Tang Mun Kit and Wee Beng Chong.

It takes four months to complete the traveling exhibition at the 8 cities.

Photo: Each artist's painting was printed in the exhibition catalog with a short introduction of the artist. The painting on the left is mine.

I first met Sam Ho at Vipassana Meditation Centre Singapore (VMC) when it was located at Jalan Haji Saleem 10 year ago. I knew he has been a meditator and financial consultant for a long time. He went for meditation retreats in Malaysia regularly and he liked to introduce meditation and Dhamma to people. He was actively involved in VMC’s activities. We became friends and he visits me regularly.

Later when VMC was located at Paya Lebar Walk, Sam was the organizer for One Day Mindfulness Retreat and Group Sitting on Friday evening. He was also the organizer for the VMC’s First Novitiate program that was held in 2002. Currently VMC is located at 251 Lavender Street.
Sam Ho and Jimmy Quek at Jimmy's home studio.

Sam took up Buddhism Study at the Mangala Vihara Buddhist Temple in 2004. He was awarded a Diploma in Buddhism by Buddhist and Pali College of Singapore. He continued the Buddhism study and he graduated with a Degree in Buddhism from the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka in 2007. Currently he is taking a Master Degree Course of Buddhism conducted by the Buddhist and Pali Universary.

At Mangala Vihara Buddhist Temple, Sam started Meditation Class, One Day Retreat, Group Sitting Session and recently he started a new class "Introduction to Buddhism" for those who are interested to learn Buddhism. He told me there were more than 50 people joined the class.

Twice a year Sam brought people to Bhaddekkaratta Hermitage Centre in Batu Pahat for 10 days retreat. Batu Paha is a town in West Malaysia. Sam told me that people commented that the centre was like a 5 stars resort.

I asked Sam about his hobbies, he replied: “Yoga, golf and gym.", and then he added with a big smile: "Meditation."

I came across the website of SAATCHI GALLERY and interesting to note The Times Top 200 Artists of the 20th Century to Now, created in association with the Saatchi Gallery. Here are the top 5 on its list for your reference.

1 Pablo Picasso
2 Paul Cezanne
3 Gustav Klimt
4 Claude Monet
5 Marcel Duchamp

Read more...

Singapore. Artist - Prabhakara Jimmy Quek. Home Office. Art Gallery, Studio and Office.

Pabha Creation's website at: http://www.pabha.com Paintings Online Art Exhibition. If you live in Singapore and you are looking for Singapore local artist's paintings, you are welcome to contact Pabha Creation http://www.pabha.com for your paintings collection. For art class / painting lessons, please visit website http://pabha.com/ArtClass for more information and registration form.

I saw this building structure on a roof top of a building. I felt that the structure was quite nice. I decided to paint a small painting with this idea. Here is the result of the painting. Could any one let me know this style of building structure style or design comes from which country?

Roof Top Structure. 2009. Acrylic on canvas. 8 x 8 inches.
By Prabhakara Jimmy Quek. All Rights Reserved.

I started this painting in May. I worked on it slowly from time to time. These few day, I continued working on it and have an intention to complete it. I am happy that I have completed it. Here is the photo of the painting.


Arising and Passing Away. 2009. Acrylic on canvas. 92 x 92 cm.
By Prabhakara Jimmy Quek. All Rights Reserved.

I have recently completed this big painting size 122 x 122 cm. I am happy with the result. I hope the painting could awake you and arouse positive energy in you. Hope you enjoy this painting.


Music of Change. 2009. Acrylic on canvas. 122 x 122 cm
By Prabhakara Jimmy Quek. All Rights Reserved.

Here is another painting of the same size hanging on my wall. I hope the painting could refresh your peaceful moment and joyful moment in life. Hope you like it.


Coastal Journey. 2009. Acrylic on canvas. 122 x 122 cm
By Prabhakara Jimmy Quek. All Rights Reserved.

Art Class & Painting Lessons: Weekly painting lessons at the artist's home studio. Each session is limited to 4 persons. Each person would progress at his/her own level. Anyone who is interested to learn acrylic painting (at all level) or drawing could join anytime as long as there is a vacancy in any of the sessions. Art Class website: http://pabha.com/ArtClass/

Painting Courses: Course No. 1. Basic Acrylic Painting - This course is for beginners. You will learn how to paint with acrylic medium. You will learn to use your materials effectively and to know and to mix your colours well. You will be guided for techniques to achieve various visual effects. Besides practical exercises, you will also learn to paint and complete your Still Life and Landscape paintings in this course. (8 sessions). SGD400.00

Course No. 2. Acrylic Painting for Fun - This course is for those who like to do acrylic painting for fun and to enjoy the process of art making or using painting as a vehicle for personal growth. You will be encouraged to explore colours, be creative and imaginative. You will learn to work in dynamic and intuitive way. You will enjoy the freedom of expression in painting. (8 sessions). SGD400.00

Course No. 3. Acrylic Painting for Improver - This course is for those who wish to improve his paintings and for those who has learned painting before but still unable to resolve his painting problems; and for those who like to make further progress in his painting. To know his weakness and to experiment with new ways and new approaches to the theme of his paintings. (4 sessions). SGD200.00

Course No. 4. Painting Session for Art Lovers - This is for those who has completed any of the above courses and wish to continue learning painting so to progress to higher levels . This painting session is also for those who is able to paint independently but still wish to continue receiving guidance from the artist. (4 sessions). SGD200.00 (Click here for Registration Form).

Due to limited slot available, you could register for 8 or more sessions if you wish. First come first serve.

Course No. 5. Basic Sketching/Drawing Lessons - This is a basic sketching / drawing course. Drawing has been the very foundation of all art. You will learn how to sketch and draw by using pencils on paper. You will do sketching/drawing of still life, using direct observation method. Practical exercises Include drawing shapes, drawing in line and tone, relationships between subjects, perspective and proportion. This course is helpful for those who plan to take up painting lessons in future. (8 sessions). SGD400.00 (Click here for Registration Form).

After you have completed this course, you could register for Course No. 1. mentioned above, if you wish to continue learning painting from the artist.

Course No 6. Private Painting Tuition at Your Place - For one to one individual private painting tuition at your place. 2 hours per session. Tuition fee: SGD1,000.00 for 4 sessions. You are to provide transportation or to add SGD50 for transportation fee per session. Time schedule to be arranged with the artist. Tel: 67823579 or email: pabha@singnet.com.sg

Course No 7. Group Painting Sessions at your place - For a group of not more than 4 persons at your place. 2 hours per session. Tuition fee: SGD1,200.00 for 4 sessions. You are to provide transportation or to add SGD50 for transportation fee per session. Time schedule to be arranged with the artist. Tel: 67823579 or email: pabha@singnet.com.sg
Course No 8. Individual Painting Session at the Artist Studio - For one to one individual Private Painting Tuition at the artist's studio. 2 hours per session. Tuition fee: SGD800.00 for 4 sessions. Time schedule to be arranged with the artist. Tel: 67823579 or email: pabha@singnet.com.sg

Art Materials Needed: You need to bring your own canvas or canvas panel. 2B pencil or charcoal stick. Brushes. Acrylic paints or Acrylic introduction set. Painting knife. Mediums. Portable easel (optional). You could obtain these art materials from art shop in Singapore, like Art Friend (BBC) Pte Ltd at #03-33 Bras Basah Complex. Also bring some Paper towels or Tissue paper. Please bring along your painting reference materials, sketches or drawings for reference and discussion when needed. For Pencil Drawing Lessons, you need HB, 2B, 4B 6B pencils, eraser and drawing block.

Time Schedule & Fee: Friday, 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Saturday, 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Each student sticks to his/her time schedule for the duration of the course. For other time schedule, please check with the artist. Payment of fee on commencement of lessons. Please note that anyone unsure about applying because of genuine financial difficulty may contact us, to discuss when necessary for a reduced tuition fee.

More about the Artist: Jimmy Quek Prabhakara is a professional artist living in Singapore. He started learning art since 1972 and has been practicing art full time since 1986. Jimmy signs his painting Prabhakara. He held 11 One-man art exhibition and participated in more than 80 group exhibitions in Singapore and abroad. His painting are in the collection of many individuals, corporations, institutions, Ministries and Singapore Art Museums. His art and exhibitions are recorded in many important publication and reported in Newspapers.

Jimmy was External Assessor for Degree and Diploma (2D) Assessments in Visual Arts, Lasalle-SIA College of the Arts Singapore in 1999 and Member of Course Accreditation Committee, Department of 2D and 3D Studies. Lasalle-SIA College of the Arts. Singapore in 2002. He was Winner of First Prize in IBM Art Award in 1988. He was Member of Judging Panel for the Della Butcher Award for Excellence in the Arts, 1994 and Member of judging panel for the Philip Morris Group of Companies Singapore/Asean Art Awards, Singapore, 1995.

Jimmy Quek agreed to make himself available few hours weekly for sharing his painting knowledge and experience with those who would like to learn painting from him. He conducted Drawings and Paintings courses for adults at Federation of art societies Singapore and conducted painting workshop for teachers before.

Here are some feedback received from the painting workshop participants: "Grateful for your professional sharing of your knowledge and expertise." "Jimmy Quek is a very experience Artist and Art teacher. I enjoy and learn a lot from him." "Jimmy Quek is very patient and encouraging!" "Very informative." "I am more confident. I now know about the fundamental of drawing."

Inquiry and Registration: For inquiry and registration, please contact Jimmy Quek or Siew Hooi at Tel: 6782 3579 or email: jimmy@pabha.com (Click here for Registration Form). Artist's studio address: 286, Tampines St 22, #07-171, Singapore 520286. Tel: 67823579. Email: jimmy@pabha.com
Art Class website: http://pabha.com/ArtClass/

I made this video. You could see I used palette knife and brush for my small painting. I painted this painting in a quiet afternoon. I hope you will like this video and the painting.



This is how the painting look like finally


White Sand Beach. 2009. Acrylic on canvas. 12 x 12 inches.
By Prabhakara Jimmy Quek. All Rights Reserved.

Tranquil Beach. 2009. Acrylic on canvas. 18 x 18 inches.
By Prabhakara Jimmy Quek. All Rights Reserved.

Painting Celebration with Change on the left wall and Waterfall on the right. Both are 120 x 100 cm and acrylic on canvas.


Paintings by Prabhakara Jimmy Quek. Acrylic on canvas.

This morning while I was looking for a few paintings in my painting store, I found a portfolio folder. I have forgotten this folder and out of curiosity I took it out so to see what's in it.

I found some Chinese paintings in the folder. These Chinese paintings were painted by me more than 30 years ago when I was a student. These paintings brought me many memories. I painted this cat painting. The cat was one of the two cats that I had at that time. I used to play with them.

I still love this simple artwork. I like the simplicity of the composition of this painting and the minimum use of the ink and brusch strokes.

When learning traditional Chinese painting at that time, I began with copying paintings that my teacher had demostrated to me. I practiced it many times so to learn the controlling of brush strokes and inks.

This birds painting was an example, it was just purely an exercise of copying practise. Whenever I think of Chinese painting, I feel thankful to my teacher Tan Seng Yong for his kindness to teach me painting. May my teacher be blessed and be well and happy.

Below, a painting that I painted in year 1973. I used Chinese ink on rice paper to experiment with the abstract composition of my classmate's dog. This painting was not painted in traditional Chinese painting style, of course.

I am delighted to show you one exciting painting that I have recently completed. I displayed it on my wall. I am happy that the painting has been reserved by an art lover. It will go to the art lover's home soon.



Sound of change. 2009. Acrylic on canvas. 62 x 62 cm. By Jimmy Quek Prabhakara. Private collection.

I painted many big paintings and have seldom painted small works on canvas panel like this one. I felt happy and peaceful when I did this small work. The soft toy belongs to my son and the painting was for him. I enjoyed painting this small painting that day.