Rider’s Lens: Patrick Astilla’s Illustrations

Words and illustrations by Patrick Astilla

I’m Patrick B. Astilla, and I was born and raised in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. I’m currently the chairperson and a faculty member of the animation program of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. Aside from that, I also do freelance illustrations and personal illustrations. I like drawing, painting, bicycles, and coffee.

• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

In terms of my background, I was working as a 3D artist/animator after college before I decided to study again and take up figurative arts in Los Angeles. I was very fortunate to have my parents’ support, and I think that’s where learned a great deal about illustration in general. During my stay there for a year and a half, I mostly drew and painted from life. And that is something that stuck with me to this day. It became my habit. Almost an addiction, actually.

• 
• 
• 

Since I’m more on the administrative side in my current work, I don’t get to draw for work that much anymore, so most of the illustrations that I do now are personal. I make sure to create them as much as I can during my free time.

Nowadays, most of my illustrations have something to do with bikes, daily life, or whatever interests me at the moment. My work has become an illustrated journal, in a way. I try to document things that I observe through images. Speaking of documentation, I’m also into photography. I mostly use my Ricoh GR since it’s very compact and inconspicuous. It’s great for street and candid shots.

• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

My relationship with bicycles has had a huge impact on my life. I grew up surrounded by bicycles. My parents own a bicycle shop, which is now being handled by my brother and sister. The funny thing is I only learned how to ride a bike after college. Riding a bicycle here in Manila, especially where I live, requires a lot of courage and cat-like reflexes. Even after college, I didn’t ride all that much, and it was only because of the pandemic that I started riding my bike regularly. I used to commute to work by train, but now I mostly commute by bicycle.

• 
• 

Being in the moment is something that I think is essential in today’s fast-paced world. The world is getting smaller, technology is getting faster, and we’re constantly bombarded with information and notifications. We worry so much about the future that we tend to forget to enjoy the present. Other than the workout that cycling offers, I believe cycling allows me to experience the present and live in the moment a little more. It’s something that I also experience when I’m drawing or painting from life. It lets you appreciate the mundane.

• 
• 

I recently self-published a book called “People Watching: Fundamentals in Drawing People from Life.” It contains mostly my thought process when I draw people from life and what techniques I use to draw them. This book project was about two and a half years in the making, and I started it a few weeks into the COVID-19 lockdown to keep myself extra busy. One project I’m dreaming of would be getting paid to pedal and sketch around the world. That would be a dream come true!

Patrick’s Illustration Tools

For field use, I typically carry around a small sketchbook and my watercolor set. This allows me to do quick watercolor sketches of the things and people that catch my attention.

• 
• 
• 

One thing that I always have is my pocket sketchbook and pen, which fits inside my wallet. This serves as my go-to sketchbook when I’m outside, and it’s where I mostly do my life drawings. I also do some digital paintings, and I mainly use Photoshop and Procreate for my digital illustrations. Sometimes, I like to combine these tools. I’ll sketch outside and paint it digitally when I get home. Best of both worlds!

Featured Illustration

• 
• 

I always pass by this huge and beautiful tree on my usual weekend ride. One time, I stopped there just to sit, sketch, and enjoy the peace and quiet that the place offers. I wanted to do an illustration out of that experience—my ideal weekend ride. My current job requires me to use a lot of brain cells throughout the week. A lot of meetings, problem-solving, planning, emails, classes, and other program concerns. So, it’s really nice to disconnect from all of it on the weekends. It gives me time to refresh and get ready for the upcoming week.

You can see more from Patrick on Instagram.

Related Content

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info...