Old Buildings of Singapore in Watercolour Paintings | Loy Chye Chuan

These old building watercolour paintings were done on Singapore scenes captured at various locations mainly at Chinatown and other streets such as Circular Road, Mohamed Sultan Road, Ann Siang Hill, Carpenter Street and Joo Chiat Road. Some of these buildings and streets like Cheong Hong Lim Street and Hallpike Street are no longer around. I find these old buildings important and are significant in our lives as it has historical values and it forms a part of Singapore developing years. 

 Watercolor Paintings of Old Buildings

Post Office at Hong Lim Park, 1962

My early days of painting are mostly done outdoor and can be seen that the strokes are broad and done quickly. This building of post office at Hong Lim Park brought back many fond memories of my early years.

Construction of Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 1964

Painted in 1964, this is the construction of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry when it reached the upper storey. In 1963, I’ve also painted the same building when the construction stage was at the second storey. That painting was collected by the National Gallery Singapore. The view of this building was painted from the old site of the Embassy of the United States, Singapore.

Cheong Hong Lim, 1968

Cheong Hong Lim Street was located near Pekin Street, this street no longer exists. This map was in the 1960s. Source of the map from onemap.gov.sg.

Chinatown, Trengganu Street

1982 this is a street scene in Chinatown along Trengganu Street where many hawkers peddle their produce along the street. Presently, Trengganu Street has transformed into a pedestrian mall for tourists and visitors.

An Alley at Chinatown Singapore, 1989

These back alleys at Chinatown were often bustling with activities and I enjoy painting those scene. When I paint, I try to bring as much details to the painting, the light the shadows, the bicycles, crates, windows, broken awnings and etc. The effort to paint the details brings life to the paintings.

Smith Street at Chinatown, 1992

The focus of the main building will remain in the painting. I will add on other details of the street scene such as the tentage, passer by, clothes hanging on bamboo poles and a little blurry effect that I think will enhance the charm of this corner view of Smith Street at Chinatown.

Circular Road, 1996

This painting was awarded the Pro Arte Awards 2006 by “the artist and LeisurePainter Patchings Open 2006”

Is it a view from a corner of Circular Road coming from North Canal Road towards UOB Plaza and OCBC Centre. A busy street scene with two rows of shophouses and motor vehicles parked along the roadside. At the corner is a shop selling electrical goods.

Shop Selling Rattan at Arab Street Near Beach Road Singapore, 1998

Mohamed Sultan Road, 2001

Mohamed Sultan Road was given its official name in 1898. In the past, the street was lined up with shophouses, factories and warehouses. A man with a tricycle can be seen near the staircase, waiting for goods to be loaded so that he can go round peddling his goods. This place has since transformed into a popular nightspot with a good mix of chic restaurants and pubs. More information on Mohamed Sultan Road can be found here.

Ann Siang Hill, 2004

This painting was featured in International Artist issue 45 October/November 2005 issue. The International Artist feature many beautiful paintings from artist around the world.

This is a painting of a shophouse located in Ann Siang Hill. This street is situated along Chinatown, flaunting its array of refurbished shophouses.

Abandoned Building at Joo Chiat Road, 2009.

Though these buildings were abandoned, I found interest in painting them when the walls shows cracks with exposed bricks and peeling paints, plants growing in between the cracks bring some sort of charm which we hardly see in the modern buildings.

Old Building at Carpenter Street

Some changes were made to this painting by adding activities back doors and people working around it. The exposed bricks and the configuration of the building structure exhibit something that we don’t often see today.

Capturing the Charm: Watercolour Paintings of Old Buildings in Singapore

Singapore, a bustling metropolis known for its modern architecture and vibrant cityscape, also holds a treasure trove of heritage buildings that exude charm and nostalgia. The art of watercolour painting beautifully captures the essence of these old buildings, preserving their historical significance and architectural beauty. In this article, we will explore the allure of watercolour paintings depicting old buildings in Singapore, their unique characteristics, and the artists who bring them to life.

Preserving History through Art

Watercolour paintings of old buildings serve as visual narratives that transport viewers back in time. These artworks pay homage to Singapore’s rich heritage, documenting the city-state’s architectural evolution and cultural heritage. Each stroke of the brush captures the unique features of these structures, from the intricate details of ornate facades to the play of light and shadows on weathered walls.

Capturing the Architectural Charm

Watercolour lends itself perfectly to capturing the architectural charm of old buildings in Singapore. The medium’s translucent quality allows artists to portray the delicate nuances of light and texture, resulting in paintings that are imbued with a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Artists skillfully utilize techniques such as wet-on-wet washes, glazing, and layering to recreate the intricate architectural details and capture the unique character of each building.

Exploring Singapore’s Architectural Heritage

Singapore’s architectural heritage is a captivating blend of styles, reflecting the city-state’s multicultural history. Watercolour artists take inspiration from iconic landmarks such as the shophouses in Chinatown, colonial-era buildings in the Civic District, and traditional Malay kampong houses. Each building tells a story, preserving a piece of Singapore’s history and cultural identity.

Celebrating the Unique Characteristics

Watercolour paintings of old buildings highlight the unique characteristics of each structure. The vibrant color palette captures the distinct hues and tones of weathered walls, faded paint, and vibrant accents. The attention to detail showcases architectural elements such as decorative motifs, intricate wrought-iron balconies, and ornate window frames. These paintings allow viewers to appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry that went into constructing these buildings.

Artists Bringing Old Buildings to Life

Numerous talented artists in Singapore specialize in watercolour paintings of old buildings. Their passion for preserving Singapore’s architectural heritage shines through their artworks. These artists meticulously research the history and background of each building before translating their findings onto paper. Their dedication and artistic skill bring life to these structures, making them tangible and relatable to viewers.

Inspiring Others to Appreciate Heritage

Watercolour paintings of old buildings serve as catalysts for conversations about heritage preservation and cultural appreciation. These artworks evoke emotions, sparking nostalgia and a renewed appreciation for the beauty and significance of these architectural gems. They encourage viewers to explore and engage with the city’s rich history, fostering a sense of pride in Singapore’s cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Watercolour paintings of old buildings in Singapore are a captivating testament to the city-state’s architectural heritage. Through the skilled strokes of talented artists, these paintings transport viewers to a bygone era, preserving the charm and historical significance of these structures. By celebrating Singapore’s architectural heritage through art, these paintings inspire a renewed appreciation for the city’s rich history and cultural diversity.

FAQ

Q: Are watercolour paintings of old buildings only limited to famous landmarks in Singapore?
A: No, watercolour artists often depict a variety of old buildings beyond the famous landmarks. They capture lesser-known buildings, residential areas, and hidden gems that contribute to the overall tapestry of Singapore’s architectural heritage.

Q: How do watercolour paintings capture the unique characteristics of old buildings?
A: Watercolour’s translucent nature allows artists to layer washes and build up textures to depict the unique characteristics of old buildings. The delicate and detailed brushwork brings out the architectural elements, colors, and textures that make each building distinctive.

Q: Can I commission a watercolour painting of a specific old building in Singapore?
A: Yes, many watercolour artists in Singapore accept commissions to create personalized paintings of old buildings. You can discuss your requirements and the specific building you’d like to be depicted with the artist to create a customized artwork. Here is a link to some of the watercolour artists in Singapore.

Q: Are watercolour paintings of old buildings only appreciated by art collectors?
A: While art collectors appreciate watercolour paintings of old buildings, these artworks also appeal to a broader audience. Anyone with an interest in Singapore’s history, architecture, or art can find joy in these paintings and connect with the stories they tell.

Q: Are there opportunities to learn watercolour painting of old buildings in Singapore?
A: Yes, Singapore offers various art institutions, workshops, and classes where individuals can learn the art of watercolour painting, including techniques specific to capturing the architectural beauty of old buildings. These classes provide an avenue to develop artistic skills and a deeper appreciation for Singapore’s architectural heritage.