Bong Thuo Yun, a seasoned Singaporean artist specializing in landscape sketches and watercolor paintings, follows a structured yet inspiring daily routine. With over 25 years of experience, his days are dedicated to refining his craft, capturing the charm of Singapore’s iconic shophouses and urban landscapes with delicate brushwork and keen observation.
Morning: Preparing for the Day
Bong’s day starts early, often just as the sun begins to rise. He enjoys the quiet of the morning, sipping a warm cup of tea while reviewing sketches from previous days. This quiet time allows him to reflect on ideas, plan compositions, and decide on the location for the day’s artwork. His bag is packed with essentials: sketchbooks, watercolor sets, brushes, and a portable stool.
Mid-Morning: Finding the Perfect Scene
By mid-morning, Bong heads out to his chosen location, often one of Singapore’s historic districts like Chinatown, Joo Chiat, or Kampong Glam. He walks through the streets, taking in the atmosphere, noting the light, and deciding on the best perspective for his piece. He prefers areas with a mix of heritage and daily life, where people interact naturally with the environment. Once he selects a spot, he sets up, ensuring he has the right angle to capture the intricate facades and vibrant colors of the shophouses.
Late Morning: Sketching and Initial Washes
Before he touches his brushes, Bong spends time observing, sketching with light pencil strokes to outline the details of the shophouse. He focuses on proportions, intricate carvings, and the unique architectural elements that make each building distinct. Once satisfied with the sketch, he begins applying the first watercolor washes, establishing a base for depth and contrast.
Lunch and Break
After a few hours of work, Bong takes a well-earned lunch break. He often enjoys simple yet fulfilling local dishes, such as Hainanese chicken rice or laksa, at a nearby hawker center. This is also a moment to soak in the surroundings, observe how people move through the space, and draw inspiration from the lively streets.
Following lunch, he takes a short walk, sometimes stopping at a quiet park or a riverside bench to rest and reset his mind. A coffee stop is a must—he enjoys a freshly brewed kopi from a traditional coffee shop, allowing him to relax and mentally prepare for the second half of his painting session.
Afternoon: Adding Depth and Details
Re-energized, Bong returns to his work, now focusing on adding layers, refining textures, and bringing out the rich details of the shophouse’s windows, doors, and tiles. He carefully blends colors to capture the warm patina of old buildings while ensuring the painting maintains its vibrancy. He may add a few human figures to give the scene a dynamic, lived-in quality.
Evening: Reflecting on the Day’s Work
As the afternoon light shifts, Bong steps back to assess his progress. He takes photographs of his piece, makes a few final touches, and packs up. Back home, he reviews his work, noting areas for improvement, and sometimes makes additional refinements. The day ends with a quiet moment of inspiration—perhaps reading, browsing art books, or sketching new ideas for tomorrow.
Through this disciplined yet creative routine, Bong Thuo Yun continues to breathe life into Singapore’s landscapes, preserving their charm one brushstroke at a time.
