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Seville - I don't know what it is that makes this city in southern Spain so magical.  It may be the shining sun, lively city streets, flamenco, maginificent architecture, friendly people, a legacy of historical events in the past.  Perhaps all of the above plus more.  I must also add very high temperature in the summertime as I know it first-hand and remember it as almost unreal.

 

While I was walking on a narrow alley in a quaint old Jewish quarter of white-washed houses, a trio of musicians appeared from nowhere.  Playing the guitar and singing, they walked past me quickly and turned around the corner.   I was intrigued by the sight and sound, and kind of walked behind them to follow.  I turned around the same corner but they were nowhere to be seen and no sound to be heard as if they had disappeared.  Too much sun led me to hallucinate?  Or have they gone back to the medieval time?  Another magical moment in Seville.

 

 

Street Musicians, Seville, Spain I

 

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Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 11.5 x 15.5 inches (29 x 39 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

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"En Andalucía me siento como en casa"- so I was quoted in the recent interview by a journalist from InSevilla, a digital newspaper of cultural events in Seville, Spain (April 29, 2013).  The article of my interview was just published in time for my watercolor workshop there.  Clearly the interviewer was someone knowledgeable of watercolor painting and there were very good questions.

 

The interview was made possible by my dear friend María José Barrera Garrido, an artist and a teacher who is well respected widely in Seville and its surrounding region.  She is having a watercolor painting exhibition in May at Plaza de Armas in the city of Seville.

 

Since the original article is in Spanish, here are their questions and my answers in English that appeared in Keiko Tanabe, acuarelas universales:

 

InSevilla: In this course (referring to my workshop) you deal with three principal objectives: atmosphere, light and shadow.  Are these keys to a good watercolor?

 

Keiko: When I'm inspired to paint something, what attracts me most is the quality of light and atmosphere in the subject.  I believe that fluidity of the medium of watercolor is perfect to capture that.  In my course, I teach some methods and techniques useful for this effect.  To me, a good watercolor painting is, first, one that shows the artist's full grasp of the medium, and second, one that resonates with the emotions the artist wanted to communicate.  A good painting doesn't have to be impressionistic.

InSevilla: Generally watercolor painting represents realistic landscapes.  Do you think it could be used as well to paint expressionist art, like dreams, nightmares, less figurative art?
 

Keiko: Of course.  In fact, I always think that a painting, in any medium, should speak something about the artist's emotional truth.  Whether it's a realistic landscape or a spiritual abstract painting, an artist should be aware of his inner voice and create a work that transcends a mere depiction of the subject.

InSevilla: Many people say light in Seville and Andalusia is different.  Do you agree with that?  What different features do you see?
 

Keiko: It's so strong and intense that the play of light and shadows often creates a scene that is full of passion and drama.  I only know Andalusia in the summertime so the light may be different in other seasons.  In San Diego, California where I live, I see some similarities in the weather, architecture and other cultural aspects, so I feel at home in Andalusia.

InSevilla: Do you think watercolor painting is valued as it deserves?  It seems it is like a second-level art compared to oil on canvas. 

 

Keiko: In general, that's how it's been perceived in many parts of the world, as I understand.  However, that traditional view may soon be regarded as outdated.  Today, largely thanks to the internet, the world is discovering more than ever many watercolor paintings of high quality.  I am hopeful that will change the general perception of the medium and raise the level of watercolor paintings as a whole.

InSevilla: Basically, what are the pro and cons of watercolor painting versus other techniques?

Keiko: Watercolor is relatively low maintenance because it is portable, odorless and dries fast.  For this reason, it may be best suited to do quick sketches with on location.  Technique-wise, its characteristic of being rather unforgiving may restrict the creativity of an artist.  It may result in having to do careful planning prior to painting.  I feel, however, watercolorists should try to enjoy the process without worrying too much about the result or even take advantage of its elusiveness.

InSevilla: Who are the best watercolor painters now and which artists do you like?  Any Spanish painters?

Keiko: There are many watercolor artists from the past and the present whose methods and styles have inspired and influenced me along the way.  I especially admire artists whose work evokes emotions as if they were soulful music or exciting drama: John Singer Sargent, Robert Wade, Mary Whyte and Alvaro Castagnet, to name a few.  As for Spanish artists, not really a watercolorist but Joaquín Sorolla's works attracted me very much for his figures draped in light.  In watercolor, Laurentino Martí and Manolo Jiménez are among my favorites.  I also want to add that I liked many works exhibited by Spanish artists in the Muestra internacional de acuarela Ciudad de Dos Hermanas (2012).

InSevilla: What is a big mistake that beginner watercolorists should avoid?

Keiko: It is often said that watercolor is the most difficult medium to handle, and that may be true to some degree.  First of all, I would like to tell beginners not to be discouraged by it because it is also very rewarding.  But before learning how to control the fluidity of the medium, I see some beginners needing to spend more time learning how to see things and how to draw.  In my course, I always stress the importance of developing a solid drawing skill and the ability to see perspective, contrast and spatial relationships.

InSevilla: Anything else you would like to say?

Keiko: I am looking forward to coming back to Sevilla soon and sharing the joy of watercolor painting with local artists.  Thank you for your time.

 

 

Sevilla, Spain IX

 

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Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 19 x 13 inches (48 x 33 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

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I am honored to announce that I've been invited to exhibit my watercolors in the Printemps d'Aquarelle 2013 to be held in Saint Cyr sur Mer (Var), France next month.  The third edition of the exhibition showcases works of 18 watercolor artists from France and other countries.  Multiple pieces of original watercolors that I'm planning to display will include new landscape and cityscape paintings of various parts of Provence.

 

I am also pleased that I will do a 3-day workshop "Capturing Light and Atmosphere of Provence," May 20-22, and a demo on May 23.  For more information and enrollment, please visit this page.

 

 

Le Vieux-Nice, France VI

 

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Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 15.5 x 11.5 inches (39 x 29 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

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On a sunny afternoon, several men gather in a little dusty square and chase and throw metal balls under huge plane trees.  People sitting in a nearby café watch this simple yet very engaging game called pétanque while sipping pastis.  Time passes slowly here and cicadas all around sing incessantly like a broken record... Isn't this joie de vivre at its best?

 

A scene such as this is repeated everywhere in the south of France when the weather is good - and it is most of the year.  While traveling in the French Riviera, I witnessed another game in Saint-Paul de Vence, a medieval hilltop village.  But this particular square is not just another playing field because of some famous players.  Actors Yves Montand and Lino Ventura were among regulars here.  They are both gone but may be still playing pétanque up there.

 

"Yves Montand, c'est la joie de vivre." - Julien Dassin, son of Joe Dassin, singer-songwriter

 

 

Pétanque (Saint-Paul de Vence, France) IV

 

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Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 15.5 x 11.5 inches (39 x 29 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

Purchase: Sold

 

 

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If I were to make a video of my travel bloopers, I should definitely include footage of my visit to Tai-O.  Tai-O, a small fishing village in Hong Kong, will be one that I will never forget because of what happened there.

 

I was already excited to see the village even before I arrived there, so imagine how I was when I got there.  In short, I lost myself in the sights and fell in a canal.  I wanted to get a perfect viewpoint and walked down the steps to get close to the water surface.  When I noticed the last few steps covered with moss, it was already too late.  I slipped and started going down in water, which was not too deep but mucky.  There was nothing for me to hold on to, so I kept slipping while desperately trying to keep my camera above the water, and by doing so cut my wrist on the stone step.  I still don't know what stopped me from sinking further but miraculously only my pant legs were soaking wet.

 

A friend of mine who traveled there together was horrified and ran to a nearby cafe to fetch a first-aid kit for my wound.  I truly felt sorry for her because my carelessness scared her.  To a small circle of my close friends, I am known for doing pretty daring things to find a better view or get to a perfect spot for a painting.  I think now she is one of those friends (but, dear friend, if you're reading this, I am really sorry..).

 

 

Tai-O, Hong Kong II

 

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Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 15.5 x 11.5 inches (39 x 29 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

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Hong Kong's urban areas are growing bigger so fast that the entire place may be soon dominated only by high-rise buildings, it seems.  This is happening not only in the heavily-populated downtown and surrounding areas but also out in what used to be a sleepy countryside.  So before it's all gone, I wanted to see an old village or two and find a remnant of the past.

Tai-O is one such place I chose to visit.  This small fishermen's village on Lantau Island is particularly known for stilt houses standing over the rivers that run through it.   During a day, however, it's far from being a quaint, sleepy place because many visitors come to see sights, tatse seafood, watch rare pink dolphins, etc.

 

One might assume that it is easy to find a traditional fishing town in Hong Kong, but the truth is no, especially now it seems development is the name of the game there.  I didn't see a pink dolphin, but I felt pretty lucky to be able to see a traditional way of life in Tai-O .

 

 

Tai-O, Hong Kong I

 

A larger digital file available on request

Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 inches (21 x 29 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

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I met up with my friends in Hong Kong's busy Central district one morning.  They had invited me to join them for authentic dim sum breakfast at an old tea house, and I was full of anticipation to see the place and taste what they think was the best in town.

 

As we passed a small bakery near the entrance of the tea house and walked upstairs, I felt like I was instantly transported back in time for several decades.  There was a huge dining hall with traditional Cantonese flair, brimming with local people who gathered to eat breakfast, meet friends or just read newspaper.  A couple of female servers were walking among them to offer tasty steaming dishes on dim sum carts.  Large fans and bird cages hanging from the ceiling added more charm of Old Hong Kong to the scene.  And an antique wall clock told time that seemed to go a little slowly here.

 

My friends ordered several signature dishes of the house for me to try.  Some were siu mai dumplings and they were all cooked to perfection.  I can say that the old-fashioned atmosphere truly enhanced the whole experience of dining here.  Rapid urbanization has replaced a number of traditional places like this in all over Hong Kong.  I just hope this tea house will survive and continue to delight our senses for many years to come.

 

 

Dim Sum, Hong Kong II

 

A larger digital file available on request

Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 inches (21 x 29 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

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If you visit Hong Kong, you have to do dim sum for an unforgettable culinary experience.  And if you do it at an authentic tea house with local friends, that's even better.

 

My dear friends who live in Hong Kong took me to one of the oldest and most popular dim sum restaurants in town for the ultimate culinary and cultural experience.  There are do's and don'ts in a place like that: if you don't know the rules (and obviously their language), you are not going to get any of those steaming goodies, or even a seat.

 

Thanks to my friends, I enjoyed several small dishes, seated among local regulars in a huge dining room that hasn't changed much for almost 100 years.

 

 

Dim Sum, Hong Kong I

 

Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 11.5 x 8.25 inches (29 x 21 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

Purchase: Sold

 

 

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You don't have to spend a long time to understand why scooters are everywhere in Macau.  In addition to being the most densely-populated area in the world, Macau has many narrow streets between buildings, hills, and limited space for parking.  It seems to be just the most convenient mode of transportation for local people.

Every day scores of tourists flock this small peninsula city.  The lure of world-class casinos, shopping and dining is undeniably strong.  I have no idea how many of them actually rent a scooter to get out of a casino, but even a fraction of them could be a big number to crowd city streets even more.

 

 

Street, Macau I

 

A larger digital file available on request

Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 11.5 x 15.5 inches (29 x 39 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

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Come to this square in Macau with no prior knowledge, and you may wonder if you're in a small town somewhere in southern Europe.  Some of the buildings around here, built in the Portuguese colonial style, are painted in bright colors and facades are decorated with white railings.  There are other things such as lamp posts, scooters parked on a street and even some of the sweets sold around here, help create an atmosphere that is definitely more European than Chinese or Asian.

 

If it's too hot or humid, people-watch from a bench under a big shade tree or walk up a little on the hill of the A-Ma Temple to feel the ocean breeze or grab an ice cream from a vendor who's always there - you can't miss his colorful umbrella.  No matter how you spend it, a lovely day can be easily had here.

 

 

A-Ma Temple Square, Macau I

 

A larger digital file available on request

Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 inches (21 x 29 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

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At the suggestion of my dear friend in Hong Kong, I started my visit to Macau at the A-Ma Temple.  It is one of the oldest buildings and historically a very important temple located at the southwestern end of the Macau peninsula.  I was intrigued by the fact that the site of the temple was where the Portuguese sailors had landed almost 400 years ago and that the name Macau came from this temple.  The story goes like this: upon arrival, the Portuguese sailors asked native inhabitants where they were.  The local people told them the name of the temple which sounded like Macau in their language but the Portuguese thought that it was the name of the peninsula.

 

From the top of the steps leading up from this gate, one can have a view of the sea and boats sailing up and down the river that runs between Macau and the mainland China.  This is a perfect spot to worship Mazu, the goddess of the sea who protects sailors and fishermen.

 

 

A-Ma Temple, Macau I

 

A larger digital file available on request

Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 11.5 x 8.25 inches (29 x 21 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

Purchase: Sold

 

 

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I got contacted by a Turkish watercolor artist who lives in Bodrum.  I happened to be in a nearby city with my friend and we were traveling down to Bodrum the day before.  The Bodrum artist heard that I was in the neighborhood and offered to show me around the Bodrum Castle by the ocean.  Did I know her?  Yes, but we were only facebook friends and had never met in person.

 

On a very tight schedule with only 30 minutes to spare, I met up with her for a very quick tour of the castle and a conversation, literally, on the run.  It was so nice of her but frankly I was suprised that she was willing to show me - virtually a stranger - around her town.  Yet it's also true that this kind of encounter is happening to me more often lately as I travel and visit a far-away place where I have online friends.  In some cases, these casual meetings can lead to true friendship or important business opportunities.  Online social networking has its pros and cons; however, I'd like to believe a lot of good things can happen that broaden our horizons and even help our business.

 

 

Bodrum, Turkey I

 

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Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 11.5 x 8.25 inches (29 x 21 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

Purchase: Sold

 

 

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I had already fallen in love with Turkey on my first visit there.  There were many reasons but especially because of the friendliness of Turkish people I met, I quickly became fond of this fascinating country.  When my Turkish friends from Izmir took me to a lovely village of Birgi, I was touched once again by the warm hospitality not only from my hosts but also from total strangers.

 

Birgi has many old houses and buildings with the historical significance and thus has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, I heard.  My friends and I were walking on a street, taking pictures here and there when an old woman who lived nearby came out.  We exhanged a few words and then she invited us to her home.  For the next half an hour or so, we were treated to a pleasant conversation and sweet fruits in the sunny front yard with her and her husband.  Needless to say, I became a bigger fan of Turkey after that visit.

 

 

Birgi, Turkey I

 

A large digital file available on request.

Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 11.5 x 8.25 inches (29 x 21 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

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Narrow streets in the historic center of Tire were bustling.  Cars, scooters, shoppers, vendors, cats and dogs - all seemed to be out and about, and the town was so full of life.  It was a market day for which Tire is widely known in the region.  I was visiting there for the first time with my Turkish friends from Izmir who took a day off to show me and another friend one of the loveliest regions of Western Turkey.

Tire is about a one-hour drive inland from Izmir.  Once we got there, we strolled, stopping here and there, visiting local artisans' workshops and mosques, admiring old buildings, tasting some snacks... how I love a slice of life experience like this!  Thank you, Koray, Tinas, Sule, for a wonderful day that I will always remember.

 

 

Tire, Turkey I

 

A large digital file available on request.

Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 inches (21 x 29 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

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"Just send me money and a photo, and I will make a painting (of it) and send it back to you."  This was a sales pitch I overheard an artist say to his student.  This happened years ago and I was within earshot of them.  I admired the artist's work.  Did his statement surprise me?  Yes, it did immensely - I was simply in awe to think he could paint anything.  There was no doubt that this artist had talent, skills and experience to handle any subject matter to turn out a beautiful work of art.  I so wished I could say that myself as a beginning painter who struggled with every painting I was making.  But then I had to question his attitude: How could he paint something in someone else's photo?  Chances are that he didn't know or even feel anything about the subject.  Would it be ok to paint something just for money?

As years went by and I gained more experience as an artist, this question became one that I had to ask myself, too.  Commissions, for example, are usually done with someone else's photo.  In my indoor workshops, too, there's often a situation where a student shows me his photo and asks me to paint it.  Sometimes I see the inspiration in the photo instantly but other times it doesn't come so easily. 

I believe now, with or without a photo, in the end, it is the way of seeing with an artist's eye that matters.  The biggest challenge is that it may take a lifetime or two to develop one but that's what makes an artist's life - we try to see the world with an artist's eye and strive to capture the intuitive feel of things around us.

 

 

Adatepe, Turkey I (workshop demo; from a photo - not mine)

 

Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 17 x 23 inches (43 x 58 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

Purchase: Private Collection

 

 

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One evening during my stay in Mons, Belgium for the Aquarellades exhibition, I went out for dinner with my French artist friends.  The night was still young and we were shown around town by a local person who was also a volunteer for the exhibition.  In the historic center, there was a good number of people walking around us even though everything seemed to shut down at 6pm there.  It was a very cold evening, the weather unsettling all day long.

We came to La Grand-Place, the main square, and I was pleasantly surprised by everything looking perfect - it's beautiful, clean, safe and just the right size; buildings and towers have exquisite architectural features, some illuminated with soft light; cafes and restaurants are busy but no rowdy crowd in sight.

Our new Belgian friend showed me an interesting thing in front of the city hall, the most eye-catching building on the square: an iron statue of monkey.  She told me to touch the head of this little animal because it's a good luck charm.  I did, then I noticed that this monkey had so many gentle pats on his head before me as it looked very shiny.  I believe a painting demonstration I did in 2 days in front of a huge crowd went well thanks to this petit singe de Mons.

 

Dutch artist Gerard Hendriks, who exhibited in the Aquarellades, made this fantastic video about the exhibition (click here and enjoy)!

 

 

La Grand-Place, Mons, Belgium I

 

A large digital file available on request.

Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 13 x 19 inches (33 x 48 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

Purchase: Please send me an email for details.

 

 

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The second edition of Les Aquarellades, an invitational international watercolor exhibition that took place in Mons, Belgium, came to a very successful close yesterday.

 

I would like to take a moment to thank the organizers and volunteers who worked around the clock to take care of every single detail to produce a show that was impeccable in many aspects.

 

My thanks also go to participants of my workshop and demo who traveled to Mons from many cities and towns of Europe near and far, and thousands of visitors to the exhibition during the two-week period.

 

 

 

my workshop and demo in Mons, Belgium

 

 

Afternoon in Bruges, Belgium I

 

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Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 15.5 x 11.5 inches (39 x 29 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

Purchase: Sold

 

 

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I have seen many beautiful squares in Europe over the years and I just found a new one to add to a list of my favorites: La Grand-Place of Mons, Belgium.  In the historic center of the city, this square warmly welcomes visitors and locals alike at any time of the day.  What makes it attractive to me is that it's casual and yet so full of character.  It's so inviting I was drawn to this place whenever I had a few moments to spare during my short stay in Mons.

 

I made this painting as a public demo at Les Aquarellades, an international watercolor exhibition currently taking place in Mons.  Since the demo was inside the exhibition hall, I used my small sketch and memory from the night before to paint this.  Standing in front of a big crowd, lights and a video camera, I was a little nervous but as soon as I started painting, I felt like I was standing on this cozy square and felt calm.

 

Thank you, Fabienne Crepeele and Freddy Samain, the very brain and powerhouse behind Les Aquarellades, and their family and volunteers in Mons, Belgium to put together and stage this wonderful watercolor exhibition.  I am truly honored to have been invited to exhibit my works in the show, together with 45 artists from Belgium and other countries.

 

 

La Grand-Place, Mons, Belgium II

 

Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 18 x 24 inches (45 x 60 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

Purchase: Donated to generous and amazing organizers of Les Aquarellades

 

 

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Chocolate, waffles, coffee, beer, mussels, fries... Belgium has a lot to offer to satisfy a hungry traveler's appetite.  But one also finds a lot there that is simply a feast for the eyes - the Grand Place in Brussels, for example.  This is not as big as some of the other world's famous squares but what a beautiful square it is.

 

To feel the grandeur of La Grand-Place, one has to be standing in the middle of it.  To really understand the historical importance and power of merchants who thrived in this commercial center, one has to see and marvel at exquisite guildhalls.  Although each building may be different in size, style and appearance, it is amazing that all the buildings surrounding the square create harmony together on a very sophisticated level.

 

Once our eyes get enough satisfaction, it's time to satisfy our stomach.  Here or near the square, all kind of restaurants and cafes await.

 

 

La Grand-Place, Brussels, Belgium I

 

A large digital file available on request.

Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 11.5 x 15.5 inches (29 x 39 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

Purchase: Please send me an email for details.

 

 

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I am delighted and honored to announce my participation in the Les Aquarellades 2013, an international invitational watercolor exhibition.  It takes place in Mons, Belgium, about 50km SSW of Brussels, from today through February 10.

 

Four original paintings of mine, including this one, are on exhibit, together with works of other fine watercolorists selected for this show.  I will also have the pleasure of doing a 2-day workshop, Saisir l'atmosphere et la lumiere en aquarelle and a demo  during the event.

 

 

Venice Reflections XI

 

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Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 29 x 10 inches (74 x 25 cm)

Frame/Mat: Yes

Purchase: Available during exhibition.

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A Room with a View - when a young English woman and her cousin/chaperone didn't get a room with a view they had requested at a hotel in Florence, Italy, fellow guests from England, a father and his son, offered to trade their room.  Theirs had a view and the older man believed that "women like looking at a view and men don't."  The view in question was the one with the Arno River and cityscape of this Renaissance city.

 

The movie A Room with a View, based on the novel by E.M. Foster, was beautifully done, making viewers want to visit Florence and, particularly, stay in a room with a view at a hotel - like Pensione Bertolini, the place where the movie starts and ends.  Of course, a room with a view comes with a higher price tag, but in a city like Florence, it's probably worth it.  For a traveling painter, it can also be a perfect place to work.  After breakfast, just open the window and there it is, the first subject of the day.

 

 

Sunset, Florence, Italy II

 

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Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 19 x 13 inches (48 x 33 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

Purchase: Sold

 

 

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When the sky turns gold, it's time for farmers to wrap up their field work and go home.  In the scene I painted, two farmers are busily stacking up hay onto their wagon.  Something like this is quite a typical scene in the coutryside of Romania.

 

At the end of a long summer day in the northern part of the country, watching the sky at sunset is one glorious spectacle.  The colors slowly change from gold to orange to pink to purple.  What makes the sky so beautiful here must be clean air as the region is mostly rural with traditional villages, rolling hills and green meadows.

 

 

Day's End, Northern Romania

 

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Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 13 x 19 inches (33 x 48 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

Purchase: Please send me an email for details.

 

 

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In the historic center of Bucharest is a colorful cafe scene covering several blocks.  There were some impressive, interesting buildings of different architectural styles, and lots of people, locals and visitors, enjoying themselves on the streets.  The overall mood here was just as what one would expect to see or feel in any major city in Western Europe - lively, modern and cosmopolitan.  It is quite a contrast to a somber mood of gray, no-nonsense, concrete, communist-era buildings that share the skyline of Romanian capital.

 

I am pleased that this painting has been selected to be in the 2013 Juried Biennial at the Cannon Art Gallery, by jurors representing Southern California's most prestigious art institutions - this year by Scott Canty, director of the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery and Chantel Paul of the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego.  The exhibition will run from January 20 until March 9, at the William Cannon Gallery in Carlsbad, California.

 

 

Bucharest, Romania I

 

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Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 21.5 x 14.25 inches (54.5 x 36 cm)

Frame/Mat: Yes

Purchase: Please send me an email for details.

 

 

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If you're a salaryman (corporate businessman) working or visiting in Japan's capital, chances are that you have spent an evening under the train tracks at Yurakucho Station.  There you find numerous izakaya's, small, traditional Japanese eating places and casual drinking places.  After work, a number of businessmen are seen here drinking and socializing with their friends or co-workers over popular dishes such as yakitori.

This painting depicts an early evening scene around Yurakucho Station.  The area is getting crowded with businessmen who have just come out of nearby office buildings.  Are they heading home or are they here for chotto ippai (a quick drink)?  There's no telling, of course, but here at Yurakucho Train Station, the lure of akachochin (red lanterns hung in front of izakaya) is very real.

 

 

Train Station (Yurakucho), Tokyo, Japan I

 

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Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 29 x 10 inches (74 x 25 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

Purchase: Please send me an email for details.

 

 

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It's been already a cold winter in Japan, but over Christmas, even more freezing temperatures are forecast.  In Shirakawa-go, a village hidden deep in the mountains in Central Japan, the ground will soon be covered with an even thicker layer of snow and remain so until springtime.

At the end of February, it may not be quite spring yet, but I am looking forward to visiting Japan.  I am honored and privileged to hold a two-person watercolor exhibition with Mr. Kazuo Kasai, a respected Japanese watercolorist and owner of Yokohama Gajuku.

 

Our exhibition will run from February 27 until March 5, at Gallery Vita, Tokyo.  We will both have up to 15 works on view, and are currently working hard to create paintings for the show.

 

We will also be doing small workshops.  For more details (in Japanese), please visit this link.

 

 

Shirakawa-go, Gifu, Japan X

 

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Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 11.5 x 15.5 inches (29 x 39 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

Purchase: Please send me an email for details.

 

 

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Exactly two years ago around this time, I went to a remote mountain village in Japan that I had always wanted to see.  Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture was on my mind for a long time and I couldn't believe my dream was about to come true when I was on my way there.

The amazing and almost surreal experience from that visit prompted me to do several paintings and I also wrote a couple of blog posts about the village (go to my old post).

Recently I met someone online who lives there.  His photographs and posts on his facebook page (Shirakawa-go) show the world what an incredibly unique place Shirakawa-go is.  From what I learn from him, the village is now covered in snow already.  It appears to be a long winter of deep snow for the villagers.

 

 

Shirakawa-go, Gifu, Japan IX

 

A larger digital file available on request.

Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 11.5 x 8.25 inches (29 x 21 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

Purchase: Please send me an email for details.

 

 

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If you choose Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, as a wintertime destination, you must be a winter sports enthusiast or have a very special reason to do so.  For years I've been spoiled by the year-round mild climate in San Diego, making me a cold weather wimp, so it took me some courage to decide to visit Hokkaido in December.  But my hesitation melted the second I saw a breathtaking view like the one in this painting.  In fact, with or without snow, Hokkaido is beautiful and well known for its unspoiled nature, vast open land, exquisite food and wonderful people.

I am excited that I will have a chance to visit this beautiful land next summer.  I will be teaching a 5-day workshop in the city of Hakodate in Hokkaido, July 29 - August 2, 2013.  Registration opened on December 1 and within 2 weeks more than half the class has been already filled.  If you're interested in joining us, please visit this link for more information.

 

 

Winter Wonderland, Hokkaido, Japan I

 

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Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 inches (21 x 29 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

Purchase: Sold

 

 

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As a Japanese living outside Japan, one of the things I miss most is events surrounding the New Year's celebrations - hatsumode, in particular.  It is the first visit to a shrine, one of the important things to do within the first three days of the New Year.

I would guess most people in Japan make it a habit of doing so each year regardless of their religious beliefs.  It may sound funny but it's a custom of the Japanese culture and, to many, that's a reason good enough.  What they do when they go to their favorite shrine is, pray for a good year ahead, make an offering, buy an omikuji (fortune written on a piece of paper) and generally enjoy spending time together with family members or friends.

I have fond memories from the past of going to Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto with my family.  Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura (in this painting), together with Fushimi Inari, are among the most crowded or popular ones in Japan for this sacred ritual of hatsumode.

 

 

Kamamura, Japan I

 

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Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 19 x 13 inches (48 x 33 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

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After I moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, Kamakura was my favorite place to go to for a little peace and quiet.  About 40 miles south-west of my new place in Tokyo, the small town, sometimes referred to as Little Kyoto, was my secret getaway to escape from pressures associated with living alone in a big city.

 

In Kamakura, I liked walking around with no detailed plans, just enjoying the ambiance of a picturesque town rich in history and culture.  It's no surprise a place like this attracts many visitors, and some streets are always crowded with tourists and students on a school field trip.   This temple (in today's painting), a little off the beaten path, was a must for me because I liked its natural setting with a secluded feel.

 

 

Autumn in Kamamura, Japan I

 

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Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 19 x 13 inches (48 x 33 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

Purchase: Sold

 

 

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It was a gorgeous sunny afternoon and I enjoyed strolling along my favorite beach.  The natural setting around here is so beautiful and I never get tired of visiting here.  In fact every time I come here, it is hard to leave.  Off the coast, surfers were getting good waves that day and they were also having a great time.

 

With the sun almost set and the air quickly cooling down, fog rolled in from the ocean, enveloping the craggy cliffs of the Torrey Pines Reserve.  It was getting chilly, almost time for me to go home -- but the thought didn't seem to come to the minds of some die-hard surfers.  Like they might be waiting for just one more good surfing wave, I found myself looking for an excuse to linger on: I will stay maybe until I see another train.

 

 

Torrey Pines Beach, San Diego, California XII

 

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Media: Original watercolor on paper

Image Size: 11.5 x 8.25 inches (29 x 21 cm)

Frame/Mat: No

Purchase: Please send me an email for details.

 

 

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