British illustrator Lorette Roberts presents “Singapore, Sketches of the Lion City”, her first sketchbook of Singapore

Singapore, 6 October 2009 – British artist and illustrator Lorette E. Roberts announces today at Long Bar, Raffles Hotel, the launch of her new book “Singapore, Sketches of the Lion City” – a collection of sketches, paintings and illustrations of Singapore. Her previous five-bestseller sketchbooks feature Mainland China and Hong Kong.

In her sixth illustrated book and the first about Singapore, Lorette portrays the amazing and fascinating range of variations of the city. Her work features popular tourist spots – such as the Raffles Hotel, the Marina and Orchard Road – and unexpected ones – ranging from the farms at Kranji, hedgehog pastries or the Art Bridge.

“I started sketching this vibrant city from the first day of my visit, though it took my second trip to realise that there is substantially more to Singapore than good restaurants and wall to wall shopping!” said Lorette.

Through her vivid sketches, she gives her readers an insight on the life, culture and traditions of the various places of Singapore.

Armed with just pencils and watercolours, the renowned illustrator captured Singapore’s essence like a shutterbug. Lorette also added short descriptions along with her sketches for readers to better understand our colourful society.
She was particularly fascinated by the racial and religious harmony which gives Singapore her unique flavour.

“Singapore’s culture is very much like the Singapore Sling. The various cultures and traditions are like the different ingredients of the drink. When mixed together, the taste is one of the most pleasurable experiences,” said Roberts.

As part of her creative and humoristic touch, Lorette signs every page of her books with her trademark snail that everyone enjoys looking out for.

In conjunction of the official launch, Lorette will also conduct two Sketch Workshops at the alfresco Raffles Courtyard, Raffles Hotel. The sketch workshops will start at 4.00pm on Thursday 8 October and Saturday 10 October 2009. Available at $28 nett per person, inclusive of a Singapore Sling cocktail, both classes' duration are for two and a half hours. Lorette will teach participants “how to catch the moment” as she shares her expertise over a Singapore Sling.

Being a former botanical artist, Lorette was also very impressed with the profusion of flowers, trees and plants all over Singapore. Inspired by the verdant tropical landscape, Lorette has sketched a stamp collection book titled “Singapore – City in a Garden”. The stamp booklet will be launched in early November this year by SingPost.

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