Mstislav Pavlov

Aphrodite

The visual art movement that drove me to paint is impressionism. When my cousin gave me a book about it, I immediately wanted to try it. The history and works of the artists moved me. Exceptional masterpieces by Renoir, Monet, Cezanne, etc. are stirring and inspiring. 

Browsing through the world wide web, I came across a contemporary impressionist-- Mstislav (Misti) Pavlov. This Russian artist's strokes and techniques show his superb skill and mastery. The unusual angles, open composition, and depiction of light create drama and spectacle to the familiar subjects. Misti's virtuosity is as impressive as the art movement he follows.

The visible brush strokes apparent in impressionism is what often captures the viewers' attention and Misti applies this method so well. His paintings showcase his proficiency and competence in the craft. If only Claude Monet lives today to witness his works, I'm sure he'd be very proud to have him in his crowd of gifted artists.

See more of his paintings:

http://academart.com/pavlov.htm

http://www.cuded.com/2012/01/paintings-by-mstislav-pavlov/

Evening Toilet

On the Sienna Embankment

The Two

Moulen Rouge

The Nest

Middle Ages Bridge

Ukulele Love

Just when I thought it would be ages before I can own a quality ukulele, here comes a wonderful surprise from L. One night when I was about to travel to a neighboring island, L gave me a beautiful ukulele out of the blue. You guessed it, I shed tears. Who wouldn't? But of course I was crying out of happiness. The act itself and the ukulele melted my heart... oh, the ukulele. I named her Penny-- after Penny from The Big Bang Theory and from The Beatles' Penny Lane which is one of my favorite Beatles song (this name popped out of my head while I was lying on the boat's bunk bed). I'm challenged to get better at playing this little instrument. It'd be a shame to have a good ukulele and not be good at using it. I'm soooo grateful for this awesome present! *smiling from ear to ear with sparkling eyes*

Penny is a handcrafted ukulele of Susing's Guitar, Cebu, Philippines.

Penny and me:

Even though there's a bright and shiny new ukulele, our first still remains close to my heart-- Cece (in analogue):

Just because I can't get enough of the ukulele, here are more from Pinterest.

I'm Not Sure But I Thik this is a Baby Doll Dress

I'm no expert in the exact names of styles but I really think this is a baby doll dress (please correct me if I'm wrong). This grey number is again a good find on a day trip to the thrift shop. I've had this dress for a while now and I have no plans of letting it go just yet. As for the shoes, this again is a Zalora purchase and I got it on a very low price during a sale on Chinese New Year (Yay to Sale!). I've been looking for maryjanes like these and here it is. I'm one happy thrift/online shopper.

Dress: Silent Worth / Bag: vintage / Shoes: Scarlet

Photo Inspiration: Be my Valentine

Source: http://1959atheart.tumblr.com

Source: http://www.natalieoffduty.com

Source: http://extrarouge.tumblr.com

Source: http://melancholik.tumblr.com

Source: www.blogs.fanbox.com

Source: http://saintscry.tumblr.com

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/

Source: http://melancholik.tumblr.com

Source: http://dobry-adres.tumblr.com

Source: http://www.featureshoot.com

Source: http://ardenwray.tumblr.com

Source: http://itsawesomelife.tumblr.com

Source: http://whispsofinvisibleme.tumblr.com

Source: http://mushier-monster.tumblr.com

Rocks Coffee-To-Go

Why is it that a lot of good stuff pop out after you left a certain place? Well, this is the case with the dear old Oriental Hall (OH) where I used to do simulated procedures and listen to lectures when I was still a student. A cramped old building with an eerie air (most of the time I run when I go downstairs to the ladies room so I wouldn't see a ghost or something). And now, look at it. It's glammed-up with new glass windows, fancy couches, reading materials, and the like. Best of all, there's a coffee shop. Why??? A cafe inside the campus; why just now? About more than five years ago when I used to be Dumaguete-based there were only a number of places to grab coffee and just lounge in; today you'll be confused which to choose. This is why I sound so frustrated. If I'm still a student at Silliman today, I'd be a regular at Rocks Coffee-To-Go. I'm in love with the set-up-- it has a study room/library feel that's just right for the location. Those bookshelves and tables made me green with envy. Teehee!

I always order hot cappuccino, it's my standard for good tasting coffee-- yep, my expectations were met. And it makes me smile how they call the sizes of their coffee servings: Wide Reader, Bookworm, and Genius for short, tall, and grande respectively (very creative indeed). When I return, I'll try the other food and drinks in their menu so stay tuned.

Cafe Latte

Cappuccino

Cafe Mint Latte

 

I'm glad this old building has been transformed into a student lounge conducive for learning. Evidently, Silliman and Dumaguete is continuing to progress and it's great to see a lot of new stuff every time I come to visit.

Get your caffeine fix at:

Rocks Coffee-To-Go

The Byblos Library, Oriental Hall

Silliman University

Dumaguete City 6200

Negros Oriental Philippines

(035) 422-9836 / 09277976257

...because taking pictures underwater is fun

I'm a beach bum (and pool bum at times) so when I started shooting analogue I knew I wanted to have a camera that could take underwater shots. And  a few years back, I was presented the opportunity to buy one at only PhP 300. A bunch of other lomo enthusiasts were eyeing this limited stocks camera, I didn't let that chance pass of course.

When out there at the beach/pool/ocean/river/actually any body of water enough for you and your camera to sink in, taking pictures underwater is really fun.  The best part is counting 1 to 3 for a synchronized plunge. Really. Try it yourself. *wink*

It's amusing to finally see the shots once they're processed (you'll never know which one of those 36 or 24 shots were successfully taken). Here are a few of mine using Marine XI Underwater Camera.