An artist, a doer
Sunday is my beach day, a rest day, but my mind is thinking about art all the time.
Here, three types of wildflowers flourish on their own in autumn, each representing a primary colour in the palette. Nature knows best. A little deliberate observation goes a long way.
A while ago, someone asked me where and how I find inspiration for my artwork. Let this be my answer…
My playground before the first brushstroke.
Meet my behind-the-scenes heroes: my colour testing papers. They can be works of art in their own right and deserve a place in the sun.
One day, when I have my first exhibition, I can assure you: I will save a spot for them on the gallery wall…
This artwork, titled The Coastal Life, is close to my heart. It reflects not just a beach scene, but a way of living. It’s inspired by the ideas of presence, simplicity, and a love for the coast.
To me, it’s a visual reminder that your dream life might be closer than you think. It’s not necessarily about material things like owning a beach house or having everything within reach. It’s as simple as showing up, being present, and becoming a regular at the place where your heart feels most at home…
Medium: Watercolour pencil on 250 gsm paper
Size: 29.7 x 42 cm
Titled Father and Son, my first artwork of 2025 explores the theme of connection. It reflects my attempt to revisit the early days of life when we are first loved and cared for. The puppy symbolises unconditional love.
The father-son relationship evolves over time, shifting through different stages – sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. There’s an unspoken aspect to this bond, especially as we transition from boyhood to manhood.
I hope this artwork invites you to see your own stories within it…
Medium: Watercolour pencil on 250 gsm paper
Size: 21 x 29.7 cm
Creating this piece, titled Walking with Me, brings back fond memories of my dog. While the composition presented its challenges (fun fact: I stared at a blank page for four days before putting down my first stroke), the process became a meaningful way to reconnect with the bond we shared.
This work isn’t just about walking on a secluded beach; it’s about companionship, love, and gratitude for someone who’s been there for you through both good and bad times…
Medium: Watercolour pencil on 160 gsm paper
Size: 21 x 29.7 cm
This piece, titled The Harbour of Hope, depicts the scene of Sydney Harbour after several days of rain. It reflects the belief that once the storm has passed, the sun will shine again.
More than just capturing the iconic Sydney landmarks, this work represents a moment of calm and resilience after a storm. It also illustrates the idea that we are not alone in this journey…
Medium: Coloured pencil on 160 gsm paper
Size: 21 x 29.7 cm
Titled Ultramarine and I, this self-portrait blends portraiture and seascape to express my personal connection with my favourite colour.
Ultramarine symbolises the “true blue” within me – representing persistence, resilience, and the courage to continue my creative path despite uncertainty. The work was inspired by reflection on my artistic journey and the importance of staying the course…
Medium: Coloured pencil on 160 gsm paper
Size: 29.7 x 42 cm
Here’s a little touch of the tropics.
Titled Making a Fresh Start, this artwork captures the striking beauty of hibiscus in full bloom. Their bright, bold colours caught my eye while walking along a bush trail near Headland Park in Mosman Sydney last summer. Fascinated by their vibrancy and delicate form, I felt inspired to bring this piece to life.
Making a Fresh Start is about embracing new beginnings – wiping the slate clean and moving forward with hope and a renewed sense of self…
Medium: Coloured pencil on 120 gsm paper
Size: 21 x 29.7 cm
This nature-inspired artwork is my fresh attempt at capturing the vibrant colours of spring.
Titled Flourishing in the Wild, this piece depicts azaleas in full bloom, inspired by their resilience and ability to thrive in nature without external intervention. Their self-sufficiency is a powerful reminder of growth, strength, and beauty in the wild…
Medium: Coloured pencil on 120 gsm paper
Size: 21 x 29.7 cm
Getting older is not a choice, but getting wiser is.
Back in the day when I was still doing New Year’s resolutions, I would set myself a series of goals to achieve in the next 12 months. While I tried to be as specific as possible, there was one thing I dared not write down: retirement at 50.
Too young? I thought it was just wishful thinking, an unattainable goal. So I never bothered to include it as one of my long-term aims to work towards.
That was between 2001 and 2004. I was in my early 30s—ambitious and driven, with a steady job that paid the bills. The idea of retirement was still too far away in the future to consider.
Surprise! Nearly two decades later, who would’ve thought… I quit my last job in March 2020. Yes, I was exactly 50!
Following my resignation, I had time to do a bit of soul-searching. It gradually dawned on me that I did not want to go back to full-time work again.
After weighing up the pros and cons, I knew I was ready for change. So that was it! I decided to get out of the rat race, make a fresh start, and do my own thing. In May 2021 I announced my retirement on Facebook and have never looked back since.
A career trajectory came to a halt. What’s next? A new trajectory called lifelong learning has taken off. Now I am an artist, my own boss, the CEO of Ted Tsai for life. In the process of mastering my craft, I expect myself to show up every day and be professional all the way.
Why dedicate myself to lifelong learning when I also have the freedom to do less? It’s a good question. The short answer is: respect.
Here’s a family story I can share with you.
My dad was a self-made man, a veteran investor back in the 80s when we were living in Taiwan. Through years of learning and analysing the stock market, he had built a wealth of knowledge enough to turn him into an expert in the field. The most obvious thing I saw then was people from his business circle often came to him for advice. I would say that was his moment of glory.
Later, when we migrated to Australia in 1990, he became a different man – the opposite of who he was in his heyday. I remember he said from the outset that he was too old to learn English. But he was only 49!
Consequently, the language barrier quickly took a toll. It cost him his potential to make it big here. Feeling like a fish out of water, an outsider in a new country, his confidence was eroded by a sense of helplessness. It was tough to watch him go from hero to zero in such a short space of time.
The main takeaway from my dad’s experience is: never stop learning.
Going forward, it feels like 2022 has passed by quickly. As I write this, we are entering the last quarter of the year; the change of seasons is on the horizon. Our spring is on its way. Yes, time flies!
Well, I am not that old yet in case you are wondering – still a decade away (or 13 years to be precise) from being called a senior citizen. It may be a euphemism for old person or retired person, but “senior citizen” is what I aspire to as I get older. Someone who is sharp, young at heart, interesting, or perhaps a role model for others to look up to. Older and wiser, respect is not only earned but also learned. And that is where lifelong learning comes in…
Ted Tsai 