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Spring is Almost Here

3/18/2020 3:03:40 AM

Springtime is just around the corner. What does this season represent to you? As someone who grew up in Japan where a new fiscal and school year starts on April 1, I equate it to a new beginning when I can set new goals and discover new hopes. For people in Japan, spring is definitely a time to look forward to a bright future ahead. Being hopeful for a better future has never been so treasured than this year when people all over the world are suffering from an unprecedented crisis situation. A sign of opening of cherry blossoms (sakura in Japanese) [...]

Journey Home 2017

12/13/2017 11:32:46 PM

I couldn't believe my eyes when I picked up newspaper on the first morning at my mother's, whom I visited after a year, in Kyoto, Japan last month. My father, a scholar of French literature and philosophy, deceased ten years ago, was mentioned in the front-page column. It was with the quote of Simone Weil, a French philosopher whose work my father translated into Japanese, about factory workers she chose to work with after quitting her teaching job: "The temptation to give up thinking altogether is the most difficult one to resist:one feels so clearly that it is the only way [...]

Springtime in Kyoto, Japanese Landscape Paintings

4/19/2015 7:36:51 PM

I travel around the world to conduct workshops, and no matter where I teach, I always enjoy painting the place where I happen to be at. But when it's in Kyoto, Japan (my favorite city and my hometown) and in the springtime (my favorite time), I was thrilled even before I got there. I just finished a 10-day plein-air watercolor course in Kyoto for a group of 18 people who came from many different cities and countries. When we all arrived there at the beginning of the month, cherry blossoms were in full bloom and the weather mild and pleasant. We couldn't [...]

Summer in Kyoto II, Japanese Landscape Painting

7/21/2013 10:29:52 AM

Old temples and houses, traditional gardens, centuries-old craftsmanship, finest authentic haute cuisine... Many first-time visitors arrive in Kyoto, with hopes of seeing and enjoying the image connecting to old Japan. Yes, it's there, and if you're lucky, you may even spot a geisha walking on a narrow alley in the old tea-house district. But what visitors (who arrive by train and most do) see first is the opposite of that image: ultramodern Kyoto train station and Kyoto Tower that resembles somewhat Seattle's Space Needle. As with any major landmark in other cities, Kyoto Tower was a controversial addition to the city's skyline [...]

Gion Festival, Summer Tradition in Kyoto, Japanese Landscape Painting

7/18/2013 10:29:36 AM

For people living in Kyoto, July means the Gion Matsuri Festival. Although in the city of Kyoto they celebrate so many events all year round, there's nothing like the month-long Gion Festival that culminates their pride in their historical and cultural heritage. It started as a religious purification ritual shortly after Japan's capital was moved to Kyoto in 794. Since then, the ritual has grown to showcase the pride and prosperity of merchants of the city that was Japan's capital for 1,000 years.A highlight of the festival is a parade of massive floats ornately decorated with various kinds of artwork. When [...]

My Solo Exhibition in Izmir, Turkey Closes on November 21

11/19/2012 4:23:39 AM

It's been wonderful three weeks since the October 30 opening of my solo exhibition in Izmir, Turkey. I am extremely grateful that I was invited to show over 60 original paintings of mine of Turkish and Japanese landscapes and cityscapes at the Izmir Painting and Sculpture Museum (İzmir Resim Heykel Müzesi Ve Galerisi). Many people, including my friends and their families, joined me at the opening reception, and many more have visited the exhibition in the days after that. I also spent three days painting in my workshop with talented painters who came from all over Turkey and overseas. Originally, my show [...]

Gion, Kyoto VII, Japanese Landscape Painting

9/15/2012 3:09:29 AM

I am pleased to announce that my work "Gion, Kyoto, Japan VII" will be included in the upcoming international exhibition of watercolors in Spain. Muestra Internacional de Acuarela to be held in the city of Dos Hermanas (near Seville) will be the first of its kind in the region, showcasing paintings by both Spanish and foreign watercolor artists who were invited by the organizers. Efforts to bring forth this exhibition have been spearheaded by one of the prominent local artists, Maria Jose Barrera Garrido. I had the pleasure of meeting her recently, and we had a great time painting together in Seville [...]

The Second Annual Scottsdale Salon of Fine Art

3/1/2012 9:47:57 AM

Journey Home XVIII will be on display in the Legacy Gallery, Scottsdale, Arizona, April 20 - May 20. I am honored that the latest from my Journey Home series has been selected to be in the 2nd Scottsdale Salon of Fine Art. Artwork by selected artists is predominantly oil, and as one of the few watercolorists in the group, I am particularly delighted to participate in this prestigious show. Click here to see the show online. Journey Home XVIII Click here for an enlarged view of this painting. Media: Original watercolor on paperImage Size: 14.25 x 21.5 inches (36 x 54.5 cm) Frame/Mat: Yes Purchase: Through Gallery Please send [...]

North American Watercolor Artists (NAWA) at Strathmore

1/13/2012 7:31:25 PM

Last Sunday the Mansion at Strathmore was packed with our friends and visitors as the North American Watercolor Artists (NAWA) celebrated the opening of our first show in America, "Stepping Over the Line." The show was curated by Harriet Lesser at Strathmore. Click here to read the press release. The Mansion at Strathmore was built in a Colonial Revival style, originally as a summer house, and is now a beautiful and prestigious art gallery in the Washington, D.C. area. I feel truly honored and fortunate to have four of my paintings on exhibit, together with the other members of the NAWA: Kathleen [...]

Journey Home XVI

1/4/2012 1:49:04 AM

Every painting I create is an emotional response to the subject, so it is important for me to be able to feel connected to it from the outset. But it is sometimes difficult to go beyond the initial stage of my creative process if I already feel too strongly about it. When the intensity of such emotions is overwhelming, I have found that they don't allow my creativity to freely interact with the subject. Sometimes I push on and other times I don't. Journey Home is a series I started back in 2005 when I had just begun painting seriously. About a [...]

International Watercolors.com

8/19/2011 11:44:33 PM

By kind invitation of Roy Fuller, the Founding Editor of International Watercolors.com, I am very happy that I am now included as one of the artists on his site (click here to see my entry). International Watercolors.com is a website dedicated to watercolorists, both amateur and professional, and is designed to help them gain more exposure on the international art market. I am honored that Roy and his panel of jurors took the time to review my work and kindly extended an invitation for me to participate in the site and join other respected watercolorists. Another Day, Kyoto, Japan I Click here for an [...]

Road to Kiyomizudera Temple, Kyoto II, Japanese Landscape Painting

6/23/2011 2:25:48 PM

The air is hot and sticky. The late afternoon sky often threatens thunderstorms. With each passing day it gets more unbearable to stay indoors without an air-conditioner as the temperature soars. Outside ladies are walking with higasa (parasols) and in yukatas, more casual summertime kimonos. In quiet back streets, the sound of wind chimes brings back childhood memories. Traditional Japanese confectioneries around town are displaying minazuki, triangular-shaped sweets eaten only in June. And people crave for hamo (pike eel), a seasonal delicacy popular in the western part of Japan. And, this muggy weather sends me to my favorite tea room [...]

Kenninji Temple, Kyoto I, Japanese Landscape Painting

5/7/2011 3:13:32 AM

It was a peaceful day. As soon as I walked through a gate to enter Kenninji Temple, I felt I must have stepped inside a different world where one could forget about all the worries. Although it's situated right next to residential and commercial streets and quite close to the famous Gion geisha district, I didn't see many people inside the temple precincts. It's been almost 800 years since the temple was founded by Zen master, Eisai, making it the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. May peace prevail for another 800 years and more... Kenninji Temple, Kyoto, Japan I Click here for an enlarged [...]

American Watercolor Society 144th Annual International Exhibition

4/10/2011 6:24:25 AM

The American Watercolor Society's 144th Annual International Exhibition opened on April 5 in the Salmagundi Club in New York City. I am very pleased that my painting, "Downtown Kyoto, Japan XXI" was accepted into the show and is now on display through May 1. The jury of selection was chaired by Jim McFarlane and consisted of other nationally-recognized watermedia artists, Elaine Daily-Birnbaum, Don Getz, Carla O'Connor, Stephen Quiller and Janet Walsh. Having the opportunity to exhibit my work in such a prestigious show is an extreme honor for me. Downtown Kyoto, Japan XXI Click here for an enlarged view of this painting. Media: Original watercolor [...]

Spring in Kyoto, Japan IV, Japanese Landscape Painting

3/18/2011 4:30:28 AM

In about 10 days or so, the cherry blossom trees (sakura) will start blooming in Japan. A beautiful display of their pale pink flowers is a sure sign of the arrival of spring. I think, for many Japanese, spring is the best time of the year.April is also the beginning of a new fiscal and school year in Japan. It is a chance to make a fresh start for new hopes and goals. It is a time to look forward to a bright future ahead. Especially this year, after the recent disasters of epic proportions, I pray that spring will still [...]

Top 50 Watercolor Painters Blogs by Lisa Clark

2/9/2011 2:57:07 AM

Lisa Clark, the creator of Ultra Sound Technicians, a web-based resource guide for those considering a career in medical care, just posted on her blog a comprehensive list of Top 50 Watercolor Painters Blogs. Based on her extensive research, she chose several blogs in each of these categories: blogs by male watercolor artists, blogs by female watercolor artists, blogs by international watercolor artists (I'm happy to be included here), instructional blogs, and specialized blogs. I find it very interesting that she wrote about watercolor for her main readers who will eventually work in the healthcare system. Art and medicine may seem like [...]

2011 Signature American Watercolor Exhibition Opens Tonight

2/5/2011 10:39:03 AM

The 2011 Signature American Watercolor Exhibition opens tonight in the Janice Griffiths Gallery at the Fallbrook Art Center, Fallbrook, north of San Diego, California. The reception is held in the gallery 5-7pm, February 5. This is a unique watermedia exhibition where only artists with signature membership in major watercolor societies across the U.S. were invited to enter their works. I am honored that my 2010 painting Road to Kiyomizudera Temple, Kyoto, Japan I was one of 60 works selected by juror Linda Doll to be included in the show, which continues daily through March 27. San Diego 100 (#83) - Fallbrook A larger image [...]

Second Annual Signature American Watercolor Exhibition

1/2/2011 4:37:20 PM

I am pleased to announce that my work, Road to Kiyomizudera Temple, Kyoto I, has been selected by juror Linda Doll to be included in the 2011 Signature American Watercolor Exhibition. The exhibition will be held in the Janice Griffiths Gallery at the Fallbrook Art Center, Fallbrook, California, February 6 to March 27, 2011. Visit the FAC website for more details. (Update on 2/7/2011) This painting was awarded Joan Roche Memorial Award by the juror. Road to Kiyomizudera Temple, Kyoto, Japan I Click here for an enlarged view. Media: Original watercolor on paperImage Size: 21.5 x 29 inches (55 x 74 cm)Mat/Frame: Yes (30 x 40 inches)Purchase: [...]

The Way of the World - My Feature Article in Watercolor Artist Magazine

10/22/2010 7:45:22 PM

It all started with a surprise email from the editor of Watercolor Artist magazine back in March. Soon she connected me with Ann Emmert Abbott, a Cincinnati-based freelance writer and former editor of the magazine. After many emails, a telephone interview with me and an untold number of hours she must have spent going through my website and blog, Ann wrote "The Way of the World," a feature article about me and my work that has just been published in the December issue of Watercolor Artist. Back in April and May, I also worked with my photographer, Michael Campos of [...]

Finalist, Southwest Art 21 Over 31 Emerging Artists Competition

10/16/2010 3:04:22 AM

Southwest Art magazine has just announced the winners and the Top 50 finalists of their second annual 21 Over 31 competition. I am very pleased to have my work selected to be one of the 50 finalists out of nearly 3,000 entries (read more..). It is a great honor to have my painting included in this group of outstanding works. In addition to Toji Temple, Kyoto, Japan IV posted to the magazine's website, another one of my recent watercolors, Pacific Coast Highway III, is reproduced in the November issue of the magazine (page 107). Toji Temple, Kyoto, Japan IV Click [...]

National Watercolor Society 90th Anniversary Annual Exhibition

7/19/2010 3:19:43 AM

I am pleased to announce that the 10th of my Journey Home series has been selected to be in the National Watercolor Society's 90th Anniversary Annual Exhibition. The exhibition will be held in the NWS Gallery in San Pedro, California, October 31 - December 11, 2010. (update - added on August 24, 2010) This painting has been given the Merwin Altfeld Memorial Award by Christopher Schink, juror of awards. Also my application for signature membership in NWS has been approved. Journey Home X Click here for an enlarged view. Media: Original watercolor on paper Image [...]

Journey Home X, Japanese Landscape Painting

6/11/2010 5:50:09 AM

I am honored that I was chosen as one of the finalists and "Journey Home X" received the honor "Outstanding Watercolor" in the FineArtVIews Bold Brush Painting Competition last month. I'd like to thank Clint Watson, founder of FineArtViews and William Wray, judge for the competition for this very special recognition. Journey Home X Click here for an enlarged view. Media: Original watercolor on paper Image Size: 21.5 x 14.25 inches (54.5 x 36 cm) Mat/Frame: No Purchase: Sold [...]

Gokonomiya Shrine, Kyoto, Japan I, Japanese Landscape Painting

5/6/2010 1:44:49 AM

Gokonomiya Shrine, Kyoto, Japan I Gokonomiya, shrine of fragrant water. One thing we will want to bring when we visit this shrine is an empty bottle. In fact, on a stone path leading from the Main Gate to the inside of its precincts, we often see people carrying several of them. The reason for this is gokosui, or fragrant water that has sprung up here, on and off, since 862. People come here from all over to take it home, believing it will cure illness and keep them healthy. If water is too clear, it will not contain fish; people who [...]

Spring in Kyoto, Japan III, Japanese Landscape Painting

4/1/2010 1:24:45 AM

April 1 is one of the most important dates in Japan. A new fiscal year starts, and so does a new school year. As new recruits begin their working life, school children are busy getting to know their new classmates. These changes and many more are associated with cherry blossoms, or sakura as they're called in Japan. Along city streets, in school playgrounds and neighborhood parks, on mountains and river banks, sakura trees are everywhere, displaying their pink and white flowers in abundance almost always around this time of the year. To know exactly when the flower opens up [...]

Cold Day (Kyoto, Japan), Interior Painting

2/4/2010 12:53:54 AM

When it's cold outside and you need some company, would you want to go where everybody knows your name? That's probably why these men had gathered around a boiling tea kettle on a stove to shoot the breeze. I don't know whether I was guessing it right, but the very thought motivated me to do this painting. This is the inside of a rather modest tea house that I found when I went to Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan (click here to see another painting "Fushimi Inari Shrine I" that depicts the outside look of this house). In this [...]

Journey Home IX, Japanese Landscape Painting

1/21/2010 2:03:01 AM

I was notified yesterday that my painting "Journey Home IX" was chosen as the Finalist - Outstanding Watercolor in the FineArtViews Painting Competition (December 2009). This is quite an honor as entries came in hundreds and many were truly breathtaking fine pieces. Judge was Nancy Guzik. Here's where you can view all award-winning paintings (link). Journey Home is a series of paintings depicting everyday scenes of Kyoto, Japan, my hometown, that I feel the need to record. Living thousands of miles away from home, I am shocked to see some things look totally different when I return. It is comforting to [...]

Toji Temple, Kyoto II, Japanese Landscape Painting

1/8/2010 1:36:49 AM

Toji Temple, Kyoto, Japan II Toji Temple is located not so far from the Kyoto train station. Its pagoda, being the tallest wooden tower in Japan, is probably the most prominent landmark of the city and one of the most exquisitely beautiful structures. Toji was built around the time Japan's capital was established in Kyoto (it was called Heian-kyo) in 794. This and another temple stood on both sides of the Rashomon, the south gate to Heian-kyo, which, sadly, doesn't exist any more. The pagoda is also a nostalgic symbol, especially to those who call Kyoto home. It is not [...]

Nishijin, Kyoto, Japan I, Japanese Landscape Painting

1/6/2010 2:45:20 AM

Nishijin, Kyoto, Japan I Nishijin is a district where professional weavers have lived and worked for centuries. The textile woven for kimonos in the unique Nishijin style has been revered and purchased by people who could afford it. It used to be that the sound of weaving coming from many houses could be heard around here in its heyday as if it was raining hard. But now there are only a handful of masters who preserve traditions of this ancient industry. Walking on a narrow street at Nishijin one late afternoon, I tried to imagine how it used to be. There [...]

Kitano Shrine, Kyoto II, Japanese Landscape Painting

1/2/2010 10:54:14 PM

Kitano Tenmangu (or Kitano Shrine) is known among Kyoto people as Tenjin-san. The shrine was dedicated to Sugawarano Michizane, a high-ranking government official and scholar during the 9th century, who had the title of Tenjin (Heavenly Deity), thus its name. In this painting, visitors to Tenjin-san are gathering around an incense stand to purify themselves - one of the rituals to perform after entering the shrine grounds. Kitano Shrine, Kyoto, Japan II Click here for an enlarged view. Media: Original watercolor on paper Image Size: 11.5 x 8.25 in. (on 12 x 9 in. paper) Mat/Frame: No Purchase: Sold [...]

Kitano Shrine, Kyoto I, Japanese Landscape Painting

1/2/2010 10:25:12 PM

One of the most important shrines in Kyoto, Kitano Shrine (or Kitano Tenmangu) attracts many visitors throughout the year. But the crowd is much bigger on the 25th of the month when there is a huge flea market on the grounds. I painted the North Gate of the shrine, on a market day last month. Because there was much less traffic there, compared to the main entrance on the south end, I was able to enjoy a moment of tranquility. In the soft wintry sunlight, the gate looked like it was cradled by trees of various sizes and species and their lush foliage. Kitano Shrine, Kyoto, Japan I [...]

Gion, Kyoto VI, Japanese Landscape Painting

12/31/2009 10:23:26 PM

This is a view of the Gion district just west of Yasaka Shrine, an area that has been developed in the Middle Ages mainly for visitors to this popular shrine. Inside the district, there are rows and rows of old wooden houses, many of which are traditional tea houses where geisha entertain their guests. Looking down from a nearby building, my thoughts wandered to older times in history... The sound of the Gion Temple bells echoes the impermanence of all things. (the beginning of Tale of the Heike) Gion Kyoto, Japan VI Media: Original watercolor on paper Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 in. (on 9 [...]

Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto II, Japanese Landscape Painting

12/31/2009 9:15:40 PM

A visit to a Shinto shrine (hatsumode) is one of the first things to do during the New Year's celebrations in Japan. Typically, most shrines are full of visitors for a few days after New Year's Day. People offer money or food and sake to the gods and pray for good health, safety, happiness and prosperity for a new year. I visited Yasaka Shrine a few days ago where I saw shrine workers busily preparing for the New Year's visitors in one corner. Other than that, it was pretty quiet and I could even hear shrine maidens' gentle footsteps. Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto, Japan II [...]

Downtown Kyoto X, Japanese Landscape Painting

12/30/2009 6:44:43 PM

A to-do list for the Japanese on the last day of the year is long. People usually spend an entire day cleaning thoroughly inside and outside their house, shopping and cooking for the next few days. All the hard work is done as a group effort among family members, so everyone can wind down by the evening when they get together to enjoy a late-night meal, which is, traditionally, a bowl of buckwheat noodles. And we wait for midnight when we begin to hear the bells ringing from temples from all over Japan. Downtown Kyoto, Japan X A larger image of this [...]

Downtown Kyoto IX, Japanese Landscape Painting

12/27/2009 7:01:16 PM

I liked warm reflections of the lights on a wet street that I painted yesterday. The inspiration led me to do another one today. The busiest shopping area of the downtown Kyoto, Sanjo displays an eclectic mix of both traditional Japanese and modern Western appearances. Walking westward from the Sanjo Bridge over the Kamo River, we pass by old wooden merchant houses that stand between Western-style stone buildings. Small alleys are reminiscent of the times in the past while main streets look almost European. Downtown Kyoto, Japan IX Media: Original watercolor on paper Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 in. (on 9 x 12 in. paper) Mat/Frame: No Purchase: Sold [...]

Downtown Kyoto VIII, Japanese Landscape Painting

12/25/2009 7:24:19 PM

Downtown Kyoto, Japan VIII The first rain since my arrival in Kyoto last week was freezing but it didn't dampen my spirits. As I was walking back to a train station after a little shopping in the downtown area, the rain finally let up. Sidewalks on main thoroughfares criss-crossing the downtown district were packed with people, as usual. But this time of the year, people carry more shopping bags and gifts, which doesn't make it easy to navigate through the crowd. I was in a hurry but an attempt to move faster would be futile... I have learned to go with [...]

Toji Temple, Kyoto I, Japanese Landscape Painting

12/25/2009 6:43:52 PM

Toji Temple, Kyoto, Japan I Built back in the end of the 8th century, Toji is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. On the 21st of every month, there is a huge outdoor market being held here, which is affectionately called Kobo-san, after a famous Japanese monk Kobo Daishi (or Kukai). On a market day, the grounds of Toji are crowded all day long with thousands of shoppers, sellers and tourists, but the December market is probably the most popular as people stock up on food for the New Year's celebrations. I enjoyed looking for antiques and sampling regional goodies while soaking up a festive mood [...]

Red Umbrellas, Kyoto, Japanese Landscape Painting

12/23/2009 7:38:39 PM

To the Japanese, red is a color of the sun. It also symbolizes a power that drives away illnesses and bad spirits while bringing in the good fortune. There is no doubt these huge bright umbrellas are working quite well for this little eatery that is doing good business. I wish everyone a blessed Christmas! Red Umbrellas, Kyoto, Japan Click here for an enlarged view of this painting. Media: Original watercolor on paper Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 in. (on 9 x 12 in. paper) Mat/Frame: No Purchase: Sold [...]

Fushimi Shrine, Kyoto I, Japanese Landscape Painting

12/23/2009 7:09:40 PM

As the end of the year approaches, the Japanese people begin to plan which shrine to visit on New Year's Day. Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the biggest and the most popular, located in the southern Kyoto. It sits at the foot of a mountain and walking on a trail leading up to the top is my favorite thing to do. Since it is quite a workout, a little break at one of the quaint tea houses along the trail is much appreciated. Fushimi Shrine, Kyoto, Japan I Media: Original watercolor on paper Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 in. [...]

Winter Afternoon, Kyoto I, Japanese Landscape Painting

12/22/2009 7:20:51 PM

It seems like a cold winter front that descended from the Siberia is here to stay. In Japan, they call it, metaphorically, fuyu shogun (literally meaning winter-time shogun or chief military commander). For someone like me who spends most of my time in the warm climate in San Diego, California, a freezing temperature is more than a surprise and I needed a couple of days to get used to it. Two days ago, there was a little snow falling. In this residential neighborhood in the suburbs of Kyoto, I captured a quiet moment on one winter afternoon. Winter Afternoon, Kyoto, Japan I Media: Original [...]

Downtown Kyoto, Japan VI & VII, Japanese Landscape Painting

12/18/2009 8:16:28 PM

I am back in Japan for the year-end holiday celebrations. My daily painting posting here may not be frequent in the next two weeks as I spend more time with my family and relatives while getting busy to prepare to welcome in a new year. I wish everyone joyous, peaceful holidays! Downtown Kyoto, Japan VII A larger image of this painting is available on request. Media: Original watercolor on paper Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 in. (on 9 x 12 in. paper) Mat/Frame: No Purchase: Please send me an email for more information. Downtown Kyoto, Japan [...]