Journey Home IX, Japanese Landscape Painting

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 find some old things the same as they were but they, too, make me wonder how long they stay that way.

In Journey Home IX, these old wooden houses were the last ones around in this small section along a busy highway as more and more were being replaced by high-rises. They looked a kind of cozy with snow on top and a small garden in the back, providing a peaceful view to people living in tall apartment buildings nearby. Sadly, though, when I was in Kyoto last month, they were gone. There's a price to pay for any transient beauty, but this was a big one for me, emotionally.

Journey Home IX

Click here for an enlarged view.

Media: Original watercolor on paper
Image Size: 29 x 10.25 in.
Purchase: Sold

Comments

6 Responses to Journey Home IX, Japanese Landscape Painting

Congratulations again, Keiko. I visited Kyoto several years ago. It's a beautiful place, perhaps very different now from when I went... Your lush watercolors capture the essence of places so eloquently.

Posted by Diane Hoeptner · via ktanabefineart.com · 202 months ago

Thank you, Diane! I''m glad to know you had a good time in Kyoto. Changes occur there like everywhere else, but people in Kyoto try very hard to keep traditional landscapes/cityscapes (strict height limits to buildings, for example).

Posted by Keiko Tanabe · via ktanabefineart.com · 202 months ago

I enjoyed the story about this little row of houses. Progress just doesn't always seem like progress does it. It would sometimes be good to leave just a little bit of the 'old' to remember where we came from.

I so enjoy your paintings. You have the wonderful ability to make others feel as though we are there.

As usual, well done.

Posted by Marsha Robinett · via ktanabefineart.com · 202 months ago

Hi Marsha, it is such a pleasure to have your comment here. You're absolutely right that we need a remnant of the past to feel truly connected to our roots. Thank you for your kind words as well.

Posted by Keiko Tanabe · via ktanabefineart.com · 202 months ago

You know I love this painting, Keiko! I feel the most fortunate person in the world, able to see this stunning painting each day. What a glorious gift you have in enabling us to see not only the sweep of beauty in a landscape, but its uplifting light on the houses, roads, fields and mountains.

Posted by Judy Prince · via ktanabe.fineartstudioonline.com · 197 months ago

Hello, Judy! It is my greatest honor you have included this painting in your art collection. By doing so, you have given me a joy of knowing that art does connect people even if we're from different backgrounds. Thank you!

Posted by Keiko Tanabe · via ktanabe.fineartstudioonline.com · 197 months ago

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