New Looks / 新風景

Quentin Blake / 昆丁布雷克

安得烈法朗史瓦繪 / painted by Andre Francois

十一月初得知昆丁布雷克會出現在法國文化協會舉辦的南肯辛頓兒童節慶時，我立刻訂了票，昆丁和大衛麥奇─彩色拼貼象艾默的作者，討論法籍匈牙利裔畫家安得烈法朗史瓦。當時還想了要做什麼特別的禮物送給昆丁，我的腦海中充滿瑰麗的想法。

In early November when I learned that Quentin Blake would appear in the South Ken Kids' Festival hosted by Institut francais, I booked right away the ticket for his speech with David McKee, the author and illustrator of Elmer the patchwork Elephant. Then I was full of all sorts of fantastic ideas on what present I could make for Quentin.

誰知這幾個星期內我除了準備功課，根本沒有多餘的時間，所以我拖到今天早上很努力地把握時間做了一張卡片，主題是有關我夏天去明池看到的一棵樹，讓我想到昆丁的一本書─綠色的船。

However, only God knew that during the past three weeks, apart from preparing for the Romeo and Juliet project, I didn't have any spare time for even doodling. I didn't start making a card for Quentin until this morning. The theme is about a tree that I saw in Min-che this past summer. It reminded me of Quentin's book The Green Ship.

昆丁是我的偶像，不過還有另一個很重要的原因，下學期的作業是要去訪問四個業界的人士，我很想要訪問昆丁，所以把我的意圖寫在最後。

Quentin is my idol, but another important reason is that next term we have to interview four practitioners. I want very much to interview him, so I wrote my intention at the end of the letter.

因為座位的關係，我拍照無法拍到大衛先生，不是我故意忽略他。我也非常喜歡今天的主題畫家，兩位講者都說到，法朗史瓦教他們的是如何奔放地畫畫，他的畫有種無懼的特質，對他而言畫圖是呈現主題的感覺，而非比例的精準，他的插畫雖然常出現在雜誌和海報，卻有純美術的風格。我在這個點聽到這些話很適合，因為最近我放不太開，對自己也沒有信心，聽到另一派隨感覺畫圖的人，讓我再度想起自在是很重要的。昆丁和大衛都是比較偏想像畫風的插畫家，所以像大衛雖然有畫速寫的習慣，他說速寫的內容不會直接出現在他的創作當中。

Because of my seat, I couldn't include David in my photo, not that I ignored him on purpose. I also love the discussed artist Andre Francois. Both illustrators mentioned that Francois taught them a license of freedom. There's something fearless about his works. For him, painting is more about presenting how something feels rather than the anatomy. Though his illustrations appeared often in magazines and posters, there is a fine art quality in his works. It was really the right time for me to hear these words. Lately I have had problems letting go, and I haven't had much confidence in myself either. Hearing that some artists paint how they feel, I recalled the importance of feeling at ease when drawing. Quentin and David are both more into imaginary drawings. David said that he keeps the habit of drawing in sketchbooks, but his sketches don't appear directly in his works. 

大衛麥奇手繪信封 / envelope drawn by David McKee 

排對等簽書時，前面的媽媽和小男孩是我班上同學潔絲的家人（或朋友），媽媽很認真地拿出小男孩要送給昆丁的畫，我暗自高興這樣我等一下的行為就不會太突兀，小男孩想當插畫家，媽媽替他問要怎樣才能當，昆丁說：你要每天畫畫，如果你喜歡的話。這整個場面真的很可愛，昆丁是英國插畫界的教父，可是整個人看起來很樸實，不認得他的人大概會覺得他就是個普通的老先生，可是他不只如此。

While I was waiting in queue to get my book autographed, the mother and the son in front of me are either family or friends of my classmate Jess. The mother took out a drawing done by the little boy, which was meant as a gift for Quentin. I was secretly glad that he helped me pave my road so that I wouldn't appear weird in doing something similar later. The mother said the little boy would like to be an illustrator, and she asked for him how he could achieve that. Quentin replied, "You have to draw every day, if you like it." The whole scene was very lovely. Quentin is the godfather in the British illustration industry, but he looks very down-to-earth. For people who can't recognize him, he is no more than an ordinary old gentleman, but of course he is more than that. 

輪到我時，我趕緊送上卡片，他立刻打開信封來看，我和他解釋我看到那棵樹時馬上想到他的書，我說我是坎貝爾的插畫系學生，我要謝謝他總是激勵我，他說他現在沒教書了，對坎貝爾比較不熟，我說畫圖比較好玩啦！我很高興他沒有翻到最後看我的文字，和他見面之後，突然覺得這樣就夠了，最後沒有訪問到他也沒關係，因為我已經在倫敦，見到我最喜歡的插畫家了。

When my turn came, I gave Quentin the card immediately, and he opened it for a look. I explained to him that his book came to mind when I saw the tree. I told him that I am an illustration major in Camberwell. I also want to thank him for inspiring me. He said that he isn't teaching now. He used to know Camberwell better. I went on to say that it's more fun to draw than to teach. I was glad that he didn't read my words on the back of the card. After meeting him in person, I suddenly felt that it was more than enough, even if I didn't get to interview him next term. After all, I am in London and I have met my favorite illustrator! 

走去V&A博物館的路上，從地下道走進自然歷史博物館的門前廣場，有個很特別的驚喜，是閃亮的旋轉木馬在冷冷的冬日裡起舞著！這就像倫敦生活在我人生裡的意義，不管以後我會不會在插畫方面有什麼發展，至少我盡力了，也非常幸運，雖然接下來可能還有數十年的日子，我沒有任何的遺憾了。

On my way to V&A Museum, I climbed from the tunnel to the square in front of Natural History Museum. An amazing surprise was waiting for me--the shiny carousel spinning on a cold winter day! It is what days in London mean to me in my life. Whether I'll make it or not in illustration, at least I've done my best and I am also blessed. Though I am only halfway through life, I can say I have no regret... 

done! / 完成！

晚上十點整，上一篇文列的工作全都完成！

Ten p.m. sharp. I finished the assignments listed in the previous entry! 

本來今天也不打算po文的，但功課的一部份拿了薛吉寄的明信片，上面寫說雖然每天可以看我的部落格，還是很想念我，可是我這麼一想，如果無聲無息，她就會更想我了，我不是讓人心碎的人。

In fact I didn't plan to post any new entry today either, but I took Shaggy's postcard as part of my assignment. I thus reread the postcard on which she said that though she can read my blog every day, she still misses me. That means if I remain silent, she will miss me more. I am not a heartbreaker... 

今天蔡女士問我會不會希望可以早點來唸，我回答，不會，現在來得正是時候，這個點我可以看見老師出作業的用心、同學的優點、倫敦的生活之美和我努力學習的必要性。

Today Mom asked me if I wished I had come at a younger age. I replied, "No, this is the right time. At this point, I can perfectly understand why the tutors give the kinds of assignments they do, my classmates' strengths, the beauty of life in London and the necessity of my working as hard as possible." 

假如今晚可以睡一場很棒的覺就更好了！

If I can have a good night sleep tonight, it will be PERFECT! 

order within disorder / 亂中有序

今天本來不打算說話的，但看到阿美同學說，讀我的部落格比上大學英文課有用，我就在百忙中抽小空寫寫東西。

I didn't plan to post any new entry today, but upon seeing A-mei's message saying that reading my blog is more helpful than college English classes, I decided to spare a few minutes to write.

本週四要交最終版的插畫，我貪心得想畫兩個版本，既然我週日花了一整天研究，我想試看看哪一張視覺效果較好，當天也得上台報告過去這一個月三本速寫本每一本裡最精華的兩張，還要交十五張以上的A3羅密歐與茱麗葉想法研發表，明天還有演講要去，所以儘管蔡女士把我教得很好，我的房間不免出現以上失控的狀態，蔡女士不要激動，周末有神秘訪客，所以週五會以最整齊的樣子呈現。

This Thursday we have to go into the studio with the final illustration. Since I spent a whole day last Sunday to work on possible versions, I am greedy enough to draw two so that I can see which one turns out better. On the same day we have to give a presentation on the two best sketches in each of the three sketchbooks we did in the past month. Still, we have to hand in more than 15 sheets of A3 paper on the development of themes of Romeo and Juliet. Tomorrow there is a lecture to attend. Though Mom gave me a very solid family education, especially when it comes to cleaning, I don't have time to mind about the cleanness of my room for the time being. But please calm down Mom. I'll have a mysterious visitor on the weekend, so the room will be in its best ever condition on Friday. 

我想一切都在我控制之中，我要去畫圖了，寫下一篇新文時，我應該已經完成所有功課了！

I think everything is under my control. I have to take off to draw now. When I post another new entry, I will have finished all my assignments. Cheers! 

今日問題：剛才BBC2台的主持人問一個數學題，0除以0答案為何？引起聽友熱烈討論，大家好好想一想吧！

Today's question: A while ago I heard on BBC2 the host ask a question: What do you get when 0 is divided by 0? The listeners called in to offer their answers. Think about it everyone! 

lonely yet lovely / 又寂寞又美好

一直很喜歡吉米的這個說法，畫畫的人有許多又寂寞又美好的時刻，我在朋友的陪伴下數天之後，再度回到趕畫冊的生活，雖然是獨自一人，但是書桌前的風景卻有無限想像。

I've always like the expression of Jimmy the Taiwanese illustrator. In drawing, there are many lonely yet lovely moments. After days of company of my friends, I have finally returned to my daily life of filling sketchbooks like mad. Though I am alone, the scenery in front of the desk varies without end.

謝謝大家的鼓勵，我現在是馬力加速往前衝的火車，來之前很擔心得畫圖畫到想吐，現在倒完全沒有顧慮了，反而因為看到身邊的人所具有的優點，我深切地覺得我只有現在，大部份早上起床不需要鬧鐘，睡覺其實要構思，除了在家畫畫冊，出門要速描，現在連搭公車也要一邊鬼畫符，我比之前工作的時候還要忙碌。

Thank you for your encouragement. Now I am a train speeding ahead. I was worried that I would eventually get sick and tired of drawing before I came, but now I have left that behind. Instead, because I have seen the strengths of different people around me, I am so aware that I have only the present moment. Most mornings I wake up before my alarm clock goes off. In my dream, I plan what I am about to draw. Besides doing the assignments at home, I have to sketch when going out. Now I even doodle during bus rides. In fact, I am busier than when I was working.

Tenderpixel Gallery / The Wonderful Line by INK Illustration 

快要被榨乾時得趕緊出門去看畫展，這個星期麥特推薦了三個皇家藝術學院畢業的插畫家展覽。

When I feel sucked dry, I have to visit galleries. This week Matt recommended an exhibition by three graduates of Royal College of Art. 

我和很多人說，來之後我的個性好像改變了，雖然我本來就是很開朗的人，但是我覺得要學到東西必須把姿態放很低，老是告訴自己要不停地裝滿東西，做不好時趕快學習，做得好時還是學習。

I've told many people that my personalities seem to have undergone change after I came. I was a very open-minded person, but since I believe that only when I am humble can I learn as much as possible. That helps to further broaden my mind. When I fail, I learn. When I do well, I still learn. 

把在藝廊看到的技法用力地記在心上，步出畫廊時天已經暗了，冬天似乎悄悄來到倫敦，但同一條街上有舊書店、二十世紀古畫店、童書店、甚至有玩具車行。我在短短的小街上晃晃，時間差不多時就回家繼續畫圖。

I tried to bear hard in mind the drawing techniques I saw in the gallery. When I stepped out, the sky had darkened. Winter has quietly arrived in London. On the same street Cecil Court, there are secondhand bookshops, print stores of 20th-century drawings and paintings, shop of etchings from different countries, children's bookstore and even a toy car shop. I strolled on the short street, and when it was time, I hopped on a bus to go home for more sketches. 

在你找到自己的夢想並且真的實現之前，我又寂寞又美好的日子先借你用吧！

Before you find your dream and live it out, you can borrow my lonely yet lovely days to warm your heart. 

observed drawing I / 觀察畫法（一）

繼大英博物館的密集式訓練後，老師開出同樣的作業，可以選自身週邊的任何物品，但這次要畫完一本四十頁的速寫本，週二週三除了演講之外，其它時間就讓我們做作業，週四要給助教看，下週一要完成整本速寫本。我因為週末有點事，所以必須盡可能地畫，一天平均花上五個小時畫圖，真的是很盡興啊！只不過到了週三傍晚，我的觀點已經不清新了，還好愛理桑需要心理咨商，我和她聊了很久，也算是給自己喘息的空間。

After the intensive drawing lesson in the British Museum, Matt gave a similar assignment--we can draw an object of our own choosing, but this time we will have to fill a 40-page A4 size sketchbook. Apart from one-hour speech on Tuesday and Wednesday, we could spend the rest of time drawing and in the critique session on Thursday, we had to show it to the tutors. Next Monday we will have to finish a whole sketchbook. Since I have plans for the whole weekend, I had to draw as much as possible. I guess I spent about five hours on average each day drawing, which was definitely ultimate joy for me. However, by Wednesday evening, I have lost that freshness. Luckily, Elie came for a long talk for her parents had just left her dorm room. I also gave myself time for a pause.

週四進畫室時，貝絲和維琪等不及要分享畫冊內容，我們三個總是最早到的學生。

When I went into the studio on Thursday, Beth and Vicky couldn't wait to take a look at my sketchbook and vice versa. We three are always the early birds...

剛開始選物品時有好幾個選擇，很想畫小方和阿楷送我的電車、小蕙送我的圍巾、愛雪買的Camper鞋，最後因為多方面考量決定畫愛雪送的跑鞋，因為感覺很有故事性，而且鞋子有兩隻，左腳畫膩了可以換右腳。

At first I hesitated among several objects such as the toy tramcar given to me by Von and Kai, the scarf given by Hui, and the pair of Camper shoes given by Mom. In the end I chose the Nike sneakers given by Mom again because there are tons of stories to tell. Besides, if I get tired of drawing the left shoe, I can draw the right shoe for a change. 

我謹記周一老師們在博物館給的建議，儘量以客觀的方式觀察我的物品，之前因為太貪心，選了太多雕像導致後來只能畫一堆線條，這次我決定練習色塊，所以用了很多碳筆。

I bore in mind the suggestions given by the teachers in the museum and tried to observe my object with integrity. I was so greedy back then that I ended up using mainly lines to sketch the sculptures. This time I determined to practice drawing color blocks, so I used charcoals in many drawings. 

維琪和貝絲都選了公仔，早上維琪可能沒睡飽，老嫌自己畫的張數不夠，不過她很會畫人物，筆觸非常細膩。等大家陸續進來，維琪瞥見愛理，嘴裡喃喃說：超會畫小姐進來了。我很久沒當學生了，重新感受那種同儕之間的競爭很有趣，愛理坐下之後，維琪忍不住問她畫了多少，愛理說她還沒開始，維琪立刻對我做了一個耶的表情，這些小孩真是妙啊！

Vicky and Beth both chose their favorite figurines. I guess Vicky didn't get enough sleep because she was kind of fidgety in the morning and kept saying that she didn't do enough drawings. She is good at portrait-drawing though with a very delicate style. After others started to stream in, Vicky saw Elie and murmured, "Here comes Ms. Amazing-drawing!" I haven't been a student for a long time, and it's really fun to feel that competition among peers. After Elie was seated, Vicky couldn't help asking her how many drawings she had finished, Elie said she hadn't started yet. Upon hearing that, Vicky turned to me with a "Yeah!" facial expression. These kids are just lovely... 

助教傑克因為忙收尾一本圖畫小說，所以沒空來上課，只剩下露意絲要對付我們這麼多人，她把我們分組指派時間之後，大家就各自走人。我不想回家，就留在畫室和少女們一同畫畫，我可以明白為什麼學生都喜歡美術課，因為可以一邊做一邊閒話家常。維琪很興奮地和我說她和男友在一起兩周年，這個周末要去倫敦水族館慶祝，我說：唉呦，周末到處都是約會的人，真的很不公平！她說：我剛開始以為你二十歲，後來發現你居然三十五歲了！去找個男人啦！我回答：好，我會努力的！（其實我從頭到尾都在家畫圖。）真糟糕，這種只有和薛吉之間會產生的對話居然也可以發生在我和異國少女之間，代表我已經接受她們了，不過連她們都知道我的問題也不是什麼好事。

Jake, one of the tutors, was busy wrapping up a graphic novel, so he didn't show up. Louise was left with so many students that she put us into groups and told us to appear at the time assigned. Then most students left. I didn't feel like going home, so I stayed in the studio with the girls to draw. I came to see why students enjoy art class more than other classes because they can create and chat at the same time. Vicky told me with excitement that it was the two-year anniversary of her and her boyfriend. They made up plans to celebrate over the weekend, and one of the places they are going to visit is London Aquarium. I said, "Oh, there are couples everywhere on weekends. It's not fair!" She replied, "In the beginning I thought you are 20 years old, but you turn out to be 35. Go find a man!" I said, "OK, I'll do my best." (But the truth is that I am always home drawing.) Alas, this is the kind of dialog I have only with Shaggy, but now it takes place between me and British girls as well. On the up side, it means that I have totally accepted them, but it's really nothing to be proud of when they all know my problem. 

我同時觀察愛理的工作方式，她很大方地和我分享繪畫技法和畫圖理論，我趕緊抄下來。轉過頭維琪用了我沒見過的墨汁畫法，我也趕快把牌子抄下來，雖然那天我沒畫太多東西，可是這些技法都是我在家沒法見識到的。接下來特雷莎跑過來和我們閒聊，我吃完午餐後又跑去看艾登畫的樂高人，玩著玩著就輪到我們最後一組和露意絲討論了。

I observed how Elie worked, and she was generous enough to share drawing skills and theories with me. I quickly copied down the key points. When I turned around, Vicky was using ink drawing, which I had never used before, so I quickly wrote down the brand. I didn't draw much that day, but I had learned much more than drawing all by myself. Next Teresa came for a chat and I learned that she had meant to stay only for three months in the UK at first, but like what Barbara said, three months turned into a year and even more. After I ate lunch, I asked Aidan if I could take a look at his sketchbook. It felt that I was playing all the time, and soon it was our group, the last one, to have a talk with Louise. 

正如我自己所知，接下來我得畫跑鞋和空間的關係、光和影等等，反正畫本還有幾十頁嘛！

As I already knew, I have to draw the sneakers' relationship with the space, light and shadow etc. I am not worried for there are scores of pages in the sketchbook! 

去聽演講之前廣州少女欣和我談了一會兒，她去年就來到倫敦，但當時很不如意，到後來得吃安眠藥才能入睡，有一次還用藥過量睡了三天三夜，是老師去敲她家的門才把她叫醒。每個人都有故事，就像維琪雖然很活潑的樣子，但她十二歲才從烏克蘭搬到倫敦，她說媽媽突然想要改變，就支身來了，過一年才把她接來，維琪中午時一直問我欣的事情，我說我直接把欣叫來和她面對面聊，欣說她英文不好，我對她說儘量講沒關係，後來維琪又喃喃自語時我發現她有一段時間沒有朋友，都是自己一個人，難怪對於我們這些外國人會很有興趣。欣其實是個很直的孩子，她對我說：我本來就很喜歡你了，今天和你講話就更喜歡你。不是我愛說，我還真是少女殺手啊！

Before going to the lecture, Xin from Guanzhou had a talk with me. She came to London last year, but the foundation year wasn't smooth. Later she had to take sleeping pills to fall asleep. Once she took overdoses so that she slept for three days and three nights. Everyone here has stories to tell. Take Vicky for example. She is very outgoing, but she didn't come to London from Ukraine until 12 years old. She said her mom felt like having a change, so she came by herself, and it was not until the following year that Vicky came. Vicky kept asking me about Xin at noon, so I told her that I would ask the latter to talk to her face to face. Xin was afraid that her English isn't good enough. I wanted her to do her best because this was a good opportunity for making new friends. When Vicky murmured again, I realized that she was all by herself for a while. No wonder she is interested in foreigners like us. Xin is a simple and straightforward young girl. She said, "I liked you, but today after the talk, I like you more." Well, you can call me a "young girl killer!" 

走去演講廳的途中，維琪說：為淳，我們應該要做語言交換！你上中文課，我上俄語課！沒錯，因為上學校的外國語課還要繳265磅呢！

On our way to the lecture hall, Vicky said, "Weichuen, we should have language exchange! You teach mandarin, and I teach Russian! Exactly, after all, it costs 265 quids for us to attend foreign language courses at school! 

啊，因為這些少女們，我真喜歡上學啊！

Ah, because of these young girls, I really love going to school! 

後記：今天畫了十個小時以上的畫，已經打破之前的記錄了！

PS: I drew more than 10 hours today. Well, I have broken my previous records! 

htc

這兩天畫圖畫到要成仙了，所以這是我六年來第一篇沒有影像的記錄。

I have been burying myself in drawing over the past two days. Here is the first entry in six years without any image.

中午聽完演講走回家的路上，擦身而過一黑人女子，她撿起掉落地上的手機自言自語說：好險，這才買了一年多呢！我問她手機是否沒事，她指著大大的htc說：這是全世界最好的手機！我馬上很驕傲地回答：這可是我國家的品牌呢！有時候明明很清楚事實，還是要確定一下，我便問：比iPhone好嗎？她說：那當然，iPhone很脆弱耶！她說七年前她就開始注意htc，但當時英國沒有進口，她當時就很想要買，接著她和我說htc各款手機的特色，我整個就要飛上天了！要是雪紅姐知道倫敦特派員的報導，尾巴也會翹起來說：蘋果算什麼！

After the lecture this noon, I passed by an African British lady on my way home. She murmured to herself upon picking up the cellphone that fell on the ground: I bought this a year ago! I asked her if her cellphone was alright. She pointed at the three letters htc saying: This is the best cellphone in the world! I couldn't wait to reply, "It's from MY COUNTRY!" Sometimes when you know well a fact, you still want to confirm it, so I asked, "Better than iPhone?" She went on, "Of course, iPhone is very fragile!" She said that she had noticed htc seven years ago, but at that time it was not available in the UK. Then she explained to me the different types of htc cellphones. I was almost floating in the air. If Cher Wang, the president of htc, knew the report of the London correspondent, she would be in cloud nine and dismiss iPhone right away!

everyday joy / 小喜悅

今天是自修日，不過早上出去聽了印刷工作坊的介紹，每天只要出門多多少少都會遇到好事，我要條列式記錄下來。

Today is a self-study day, but this morning I went out for the induction of the printmaking workshop. As long as I go out every day, good things happen. I am going to record my small happiness here: 

一、一早去到學校，只見貝絲和維琪，我很喜歡這兩個小少女，她們總是很開心地和我打招呼聊天，看到我瘋狂可怕的作品也直說喜歡，在班上看到她們兩個就不覺得孤單。接著特蕾莎也來了，本來我以為她是冰山美女，後來發現她完全不是，有時候對自己沒什麼信心，可是她的整個氣質很迷人。

1. When I got to school in the morning, there were only Beth and Vicky, who are my favorite young girls. They always greet me and chat with me happily. Even when seeing my crazy, horrible works, they tell me they like it. I don't feel so lonely when they are around. Then Teresa came. In the beginning I mistook her for an unapproachable beautiful young lady, but later I found her to be not so at all. In fact, she sometimes doesn't have confidence in herself, but she is indeed very charming. 

二、在印刷室看到1850年生產的機器，現在依舊可以使用，不禁心生感動，還有聞到油印的味道，精神便抖擻起來。

2. When I saw the printing machines made in 1850 still in service now, I was totally in awe. Also, the smell of printing really lit up the fire in me.

三、小喬一到學校就說：我昨天坐公車回家經過坎貝爾公園站看到你下車耶！每天我都會和小喬哈啦一下生活或創作，這讓我覺得自己是有朋友的。

3. When Joe saw me, he said, "I saw you get off the bus at Camberwell Green on my ride home yesterday!" Every day I talk to Joe about our everyday lives and schoolwork and art. He makes me feel that I do have friends.

四、在圖書館查每周五的印刷工作坊時發現，三週的工作坊裡我有兩週和艾登重覆！不過後來我發現德瑞克的時間表有點混亂，他決定重新設計一次。

4. When I looked up the timetable for the printing workshop in the library, I realized that Aidan was in the same group with me for two weeks out of three weeks of workshop! But later I found that Derek's timetable was kind of messed up for the last few weeks, so he decided to rewrite it.

五、走回家的路上，對面突然有人對我揮手，是很優雅冷酷的傑瑞米，正因為如此我感到驚訝地開心。

5. On my way home, someone on the other side of the road waved at me. It was the elegant and cool Jeremy. I felt surprised in a good way.

六、去超市買東西排隊付帳時，前面的男子背著一個很特別的側肩包，包包是用厚紙板做成的，我忍不住稱讚了一下，我們便聊了起來，之後大家又各自邁向彼此的路，搭訕我也會嘛，但很有格調地不會留別人的電話或臉書。

6. When I was waiting in queue to check out in the supermarket, the man in front of me carried a very cool messenger bag, which was made of cardboards. I couldn't help giving him a compliment, and then we started to chat. In the end we went on our separate ways. Well, I know how to hit upon others, but I don't go overboard to ask for their telephone numbers or FB accounts.

七、回到家就收到潔西卡的信，裡面的格式很有打給鄰國外交官的風格。

7. I received Jessica's letter upon arriving home. The format reminds me of a formal letter typed and addressed to a diplomat of our neighboring country.

八、小雪和阿長打電話來，阿長一副希望我冬天就回家的樣子，背後有小方和阿楷嬉鬧的笑聲。

8. Mom and Dad called, and the latter utterly wished I could go home in winter. In the back were Von and Kai playing and laughing.

九、我一邊放爵士樂一邊畫作業，第一次用碳筆用得這麼高興。

9. I did the weekly assignment and listened to jazz music at the same time. I had never enjoyed using charcoals so much.

十、下定決心出去買固定劑，結果缺貨！幫我省了六七磅！

10. I finally made up my mind to go out and buy the fixative, but it was out of stock! Well, this saved 6 to 7 quids for me! 

十一、晚餐吃熱熱的白飯配煎牛肉，我邊想：「怎麼會這麼幸福呢？」

11. I had steaming rice and stir-fried beef for dinner. "How can I be so lucky..." I ate and thought so to myself...

critique / 互評日

這個星期太興奮了，連睡覺都睡不太著，早上想，難道我水彩有那麼差嗎？六點多起來畫昨天介紹的書店。今天早上又雀躍地出門去，德瑞克說明本學期要交的功課，包括每周專題的筆記、最後要生產出來的報告，還有就是接下來四個星期要緊鑼密鼓畫的速寫本。星期四會有兩位助教進來─傑克和露意絲，但其實他們都是全職的插畫家和設計師，傑克一開始問：有人不喜歡畫畫嗎？特雷莎很誠實地說她怕自己畫不好，傑克說畫畫是人類表達情感的本能，孩子們都喜歡畫畫，只是長大到某個階段就不畫了。

I am so hyper this week that I can hardly sleep. This morning I thought to myself, are my watercolor paintings so awful? I woke up at 6:40 to try the watercolor version of ARTWORDSBOOKSHOP. This morning I left home in a gleeful mood again. Derek explained the assignments we should hand in this term, including the notes for every week's lecture, the paper due at the end, and then the sketchbook(s) we have to draw in during the following four weeks. Every Thursday two tutors Jake and Louise will come in, but they are both professional illustrators and designers. Jake started by asking, "Is there anyone who hates drawing?" Teresa was very honest to admit that she is afraid of not drawing well. Jake said that drawing is mankind's instinct to express their emotion. Children all love drawing, but at a certain point they stop doing it. 

去年面試時不太懂教授要的是什麼，代辦中心的人員說校方想看到的是研究和發展想法的過程，並不想只看到最後的成品。今天助教們很仔細地解釋，他們希望學生能夠用繪畫去探索自我，並且不要只限於一種表現方式，最好各方嘗試。

Last year when I was interviewed, I couldn't quite figure out what the professor was looking for. The agent told me that the school hoped to see a sketchbook full of research and development of ideas instead of final pieces. Today the tutors explained very carefully that drawing is a means of self-exploration. We shouldn't limit our style. It'll be so much better to try all.

露意絲介紹三種繪畫─觀察法的寫生、記憶法的繪畫和想像式的創作，接下來的數個禮拜會包涵這三方面的練習，例如下周一的行程就是去大英博物館寫生。

Louise introduced three kinds of drawing--observed, remembered and imagined. During the following weeks, the courses will cover all three of them. For example, next Monday we have a field trip to the British Museum for life drawing. 

傑克說一定要好好利用他們倆，因為他們都是在業界工作的人，而且我們付了高額的學費就要把錢的價值發揮到最大，小喬說：那可以虐待你們嗎？雖然有點冷，不過小喬是個蠻誠懇的孩子。

Jake said that we have to use them two because they both work in the industry. Besides, since we've paid high tuition fee, we have to get the money's worth. Joe kidded, "Can we abuse you?" Kind of cold, but Joe is a pretty sincere kid. 

中午吃飯的時候英國同學都各自散去，畫室裡剩下亞洲同學，我有種好像兩方都可以溝通、卻又都不屬於的感覺。很多人沒有做暑假作業，就是用一本速寫本研究「我的空間」的主題，最後用五張圖呈現，我這個星期一才知道，但一聽到時心裡其實有很多想法。助教幫沒有做作業的人指派去圖書館做功課，有做的人則參加互評會，我很想加入後者，所以吃午餐時誰也不找，趕快把圖書館的作業完成，我就要去欣賞同學的血汗之作。

During lunch time, most British students went on their own ways. Only some international students stayed in the studio. Today I had the feeling that I could join both groups, but I do not belong to either one. Many people didn't do the summer project, which is to use a sketchbook for research on the topic "My Space" and present 5 final images. I didn't hear about it until this past Monday, but in fact, I had so many ideas when I heard about it. The tutors assigned a task for those who didn't do the homework while those who did had to be in the critique session. I wanted to join the latter, so I didn't talk to anyone during lunch. As soon as I finished the task, I was going to appreciate the lovely works of my fellow classmates. 

果然俄國同學泰緹安娜的速寫本又再度吸引助教的目光，我已經把她定義成這個班的資優生，助教說翻一個人的速寫本就可以了解這個人，泰緹安娜的構圖線條和顏色都很有水準，我一定要從他身上學習。我現在清楚知道這裡要的工作模式了，就是拿到一個主題之後，我們如果想不出來要做什麼，得去博物館或美術館作研究，從中抓出一個有興趣的點，再往下發展。有的同學因為思緒零散，最後可能走到一個自己也做不下去的點，不過每個人都有優點，繪畫基本功沒有那麼紮實的人可能在說故事方面很擅長，這真是很豐富的兩個小時，而且基本上大家都很用功。

Again the Russian classmate Tatiana's works captured the tutors' eye. I define her as one of the top students in class. Jake said that as he looks through a person's sketchbook, he can understand what he or she is like. Tatiana's composition, lines and colors are really professional. I think I will learn a lot from her. I have gained a very clear comprehension of the work module here. After we get a topic, if we can't think of anything to do right away, we have to go to museums or libraries to do research, from which we search for a point that interests us and we go further from that point on. Some students get sidetracked and are led to a dead end without being able to know what they really want to say or do. However, everyone has their own strengths. For those who might not have solid drawing skills, they are good, say, in story-telling skills or creating a certain ambience in their images. These were two enriched hours for me, and basically, everyone is quite hardworking.

休息時間過後是每週專題演講，我們要走到另一個校區去聽課，因為這個演講開給各個學位的學生。我又一個人，於是我邊走邊拍照，也不錯。

After the break, it was the weekly lecture. We have to walk to the other campus for it because this lecture is open to students that study in all levels of programs. I was alone again, so I took photos along the way, which was rather nice.

這幾天氣溫下降很多，是秋天的天氣了，還好太陽始終沒離開我。

Over the past few days, the temperature has dropped. Autumn has officially settled in. Luckily, the sun has not deserted me. 

倫敦的雲迷人到不行，我拍了一個月都還不厭倦。

The clouds in the London sky are so fascinating that I haven't got tired of taking photos of it after almost a month. 

威爾森分校很小，不過建築古典，終於有點藝術學校的遐想。

The Wilson campus is very small, but the classical style gives the feel of what an art school should be like. 

走進去時有個同班的男孩說，演講廳裡一個人影也沒有，我們決定一起進去等，這個孩子很友善，他說：我認得你。然後我們就開始閒聊了起來，他叫亞當，不過也是平面設計組的，我趁機偷問他們下周去大英博物館的功課，據說每個人抽一個文化區，亞當抽到了希臘，然後也要用速寫本記錄，他還提到德瑞克要他們用四條線組成一個畫面，我也真想做他們的作業啊！

When I walked in the hall, a boy from my class told me that there was no one in the lecture hall, but we decided to wait inside together. This was a very friendly boy. He said, "I recognize you," and then we began to chat. His name is Adam, but he also belongs to the graphic art group. I took the chance to ask about their assignment for the British Museum visit. He said that everyone has to do research on a culture. For example, his is Greece. He also mentioned that they are asked to form an image with only four lines. Sigh, I feel like doing their assignment too. 

接著潔米艾登一群人也進來了，他們一路走上二樓的座位區，跟這幾個人在一起總是有冒險的感覺，樓上黑漆漆的，我和艾登說：這是要怎樣寫筆記呢？於是大家又走下樓，艾登問：你可以教我中文嗎？我答：這是很大的工程，得固定上課什麼的，然後他又問了一些中文書寫的問題。因為他都還蠻大方和我分享畫畫的心得，下週一去大英博物館時因為我們要帶各種紙去，我要送他一種紙，哈哈，大家來猜猜看！

Then another group of people such as Jamie, Aiden and Laura came in. They walked all the way to the second floor. It feels quite adventurous being with these kids. It was rather dark upstairs, so I told Aiden, "How do you make notes here?" We thus walked down again. Aiden asked, "Can you teach me Chinese?" I replied, "It's a huge task. You gotta have class on a regular basis." Then he went on to ask me questions about Chinese words and writing. Since he is very generous in sharing with me tips of drawing, I am going to give him a kind of paper when we go to the British Museum next Monday because we are required to bring all kinds of paper there. Everyone guess! 

因為大姐不能老跟著小男生，我最後坐到亞洲區，旁邊的小妹是廣州來的，演講開始前她拿出洋娃娃放在胸前，我筆記都不知抄到哪裡了，妹妹在筆記本上亂寫字，我很擔心地對他說：那個筆記要算分的，你要做筆記。他很無耐地只好寫一下PowerPoint上列的重點。平常英國人開玩笑我有不懂的地方，不過講到現代主義的流派我居然聽的一清二楚，雖然德瑞克講不到一個小時，但回家如果好好研究應該是可以耗掉好幾天的時間。

I can't follow these boys all the time, so in the end I was seated in the Asian area. The young girl next to me is from Guanzhou. Before the lecture started, she took out a doll and placed it before her chest. I was jotting down the notes like crazy, but she was scribbling on the pad. I told her with worries, "The notes are part of the assessment. You have to make notes." She looked rather helpless, but still managed to copy the key points listed on the Powerpoint pages. Sometimes I don't get what the Brits joke about, but when it comes to academic lectures, I found it easier than having some daily conversations. Though Derek's lecture didn't last longer than an hour, it will take days for me to do research on the art schools of modernism. 

明天不用上學，但我要好好讀書去啦！

Tomorrow is a self-study day, but I am going to bury myself in books and sketchbooks!