Reflection on my drawings in Hato press summer break task

These are old people I observed near my home in Hong Kong. My home is in Siu Sai Wan, a residential area with an ageing population; there are always elderly people around, whether if they are idling outdoors or sitting in parks and malls with air-conditioning. I wanted to capture their idle presences, their matter-of-fact calmness, and their adorable sense of style.

I drew them on red packets that I have received from my elder relatives last Chinese new year. Red packets represent good luck and are monetary blessings from elders to young people. Giving out red packets is a signature move of a Chinese elderly. Their strong will on having (forcing) you take them reflects their vitality, which I hope is evident in their portraits on the ornamented, vibrant red packets I have used.

I started by observing walking elderly, then eventually sat in KFC, on outdoor benches and occasionally beside elderly themselves to do my drawings. Most people ignored me, some glanced at what I was doing, and one old lady asked if I was drawing. I could have chatted more with them. I felt like I did pry into their routines and how they interact with others.

I aim to observe and draw as succinct as possible. I wanted to capture their key expression or body movement. Some drawings are informed only by multiple stolen glances when I was walking along the walkway, and some informed by periods of observation. I think I have learnt to capture the shape and forms of what I see better, but some drawings I think could have been less flat and more lively. I also did some quick sketches on my phone when I didn’t have my drawing tools with me.