Preview

Bald Eagle in flight 10" X 11" Oil on board



Grassland 9"X 12" Oil on Canvas.

Inspiration

This is by far my favorite photo of Puerto Rico. I was drawn to this image and decided to capture it because of the colorful architecture that lay beside the ocean. The soft and subtle horizon in the background really stunned me. The sound of the crashing waves and thinking about living in a place like this where I can open my window everyday to a view like this is a dream come true.

Old San Juan

San Juan is my last stop in Puerto Rico. I am glad after months of procastination and distractions, I get to finally finish documenting this trip online. San Juan by far was the most beautiful place to visit in that island. I think most people would agree. It is one of the most colorful city I have ever seen.

But not to take away from the rest of the places I have visited on that island, other places were just rich with other things such as the people, food and the culture. The island was filled with treasures waiting to be discovered. San Juan was very inspiring for me as a painter. So these images would be my inspiration for my exhibition in April.

So they say Puerto Rico is the capitol city of Salsa...... I agree!!! Even though it was born in New York, New York, I must say that every where you went was Salsa music. It was heaven for a salsero like myself. I brought home some Don Q's, a local rum and many many fond memories.

Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico

Rio Piedras was my next stop. I was on a quest for some Guayaberas, a popular latin style shirts for men with big pockets on the front. Anyway, Rio P. was a place to shop shop shop. Its like an outdoor mall. Streets were busy with people of all ages hang out and shopping.

The last image was quite amusing as my friend alerted me that there are women in this meat store will posters of models in swimsuits. I see potentially a birthday card idea.

Sacred ground

On the way out of Loiza, my friend and i drove passed a cemetery. It was quite an experience. The light shades of grey rainforest hills and mountains in the horizon made the cemetery quite peaceful. I said a prayer and made my out to continue on with our journey through Loiza.

Loiza, Puerto Rico

(loo-EE-zah)
Loíza is known as "El Pueblo de la Cacica". Loíza was proclaimed a town officially in 1692 and named in honor of Yuisa or Luisa, one of the women caciques on the island when the Spanish conquerors arrived.

Settled by Nigerian slaves of the Yoruba tribe in the 16th century, Loíza is a center for African-inspired traditions, retaining one of the highest percentages of African descendants of all island towns. Among those traditions Loíza celebrates the "Fiestas Patronales" where salsa dancing, masquerades, colorful parades and rich Puerto Rican food make this festival a classic. The nine days of this carnival pay homage to Loízas patron saint, St. James.

Star Magazine Cover

This Eagle in flight was completed this morning at 2am. Afraid that it wouldn't dry ontime, I used drying medium mixed in my paint and baked it under two clip lamps with close supervision of course when it is done. This allows me to use my oils and still be able to have quick turnarounds.

Grassland

This is my latest freelance project for the Kansas City Star. This painting will be published on the first Sunday of February. I had a week to finish two paintings so I decided to keep them relatively small. The size of this painting was 9 X 12. It was done with a pallete knife, much oil paint and not much sleep. The other is a painting of a bald eagle gliding through the air over Kansas and Wolf River. Will post when ready :-)

This painting will also feature in The First Annual Kansas Masters Invitational Art Show in Manhattan KS. The exhibit will be from May4 - June15, 2007. Public opening reception will be held on Friday May 4th from 5-8pm.

There will be two paintings in this exhibition. The other painting is in the making!!!!!!! I am excited to see what it decides to become in the end.

Please visit www.allanchow.com for more samples online.

2007 Exhibitions

Exhibitions:-
APRIL
Artist of the month at Blue Koi Restaurant (39th Street, KCMO) - Month of April.
MAY
First Annual Kansas Masters Invitational Art Show at Strecker-Nelson Gallery in Manhattan, KS.
May 3 - June 15. Opening reception May 4th 5-8 pm.
OCTOBER
One man show at Leopold Gallery in KC, MO. www.leopoldgallery.com - Opening Reception TBA.

From Sachi Noto

Well, today I received an interesting and creative christmas greeting card from my dear friend Sachi from Japan. She designed this card I supposed. Check it out!!!

Updating WEBSITE

So this is my latest project!! I am updating my website. Will be completed soon!!! Please check back. My plan is to have a brand new website sometime this year. This is just a start. More to be done. Back to work.......

JOB Hunting again!!!!

Well, its almost 3 am. Felt like blogging again. So I have left my job for the last two years two weeks ago. I haven't felt the same simply because I am adjusting to my life routine. It seems like I have so much I have to do besides finding a job. I have so much time now in hand.

The reason I had to leave my job was because my title at my job didn't allow me to prove that i am the only person who can do that job. That idea is silly anyway to begin with and because it is actually part my application process getting the greencard, it makes me even madder and frustrated. However, I am determined to find a job that could actually sponsor my permanent residency in the states. I am constantly sharing my story and talking to people who might be able to help me spread the word or who could actually give me a job. That day will come soon I hope.

I have since enrolled in school to finish my Masters degree in Design. I have updated my portfolio and recently met a design company here in town who might need some help with some magazine design. I am planning on seizing every freelance opportunities I can get my hands on too. First day of school is January 13th. It looks like I will be teaching a Design 3 class. Interesting!!! Good for my resume I suppose. I am definitely excited. My last class that I taught at the Kansas City Art Institute was great! I had a blast teaching a bunch of young professionals who shares my passion. I have learned to be even more patient as an instructor and also to continue to be as honest as I can.

I am painting as usual. Will be working on a series of Flint Hills' paintings for the gallery and a juried show in May. I also have an exhibition at Blue Koi in February. Something to keep me busy, to look forward to and continue to put my work out there. I am praying to have more commissions lined up in the next month or two. I could sure use the money. Living on my savings when I have to isn't fun but it makes me feel responsible.

I do miss work sometimes. I enjoyed the idea of being somewhere and interacting with people. I regreted leaving my dear friend behind at work. I miss her voice and laughter everyday. Things happen for a reason and I think I have figured out why this change. Since then, I am happy.

2007 New Years in Topeka

Above: KC Salsa Salseras y Salsero.


Second down: Josh and Leah Above: Erica and me.

One of my most memorable New Years Eve party ever took place last night in TOpeka, KS. Why in Kansas? Well, a great band, short roadtrip, salsa, beautiful latin women and most importantly my best of friends made it worth the trip. Some new friends whom I have just gotten to know them a month ago were able to join us and they were a blast to be with.

Between the stories we shared on the way there, a great dinner at Samantha's family restaurant, some beverages, the live music and the dancing, I realized I have experienced new experienced, accomplished and dealt with some transitions in life. Most of all, I learned that both of my best friends here and in Malaysia are getting married. What a year!!!!!