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The Land of Smiles, Thai Landscape Paintings

7/1/2014 11:03:40 PM

While I am on the road teaching or for an exhibition, there is something I try to do whenever I can find a little free time. That is going to a non-touristy, ordinary neighborhood where local people live. Even for a very short time, I like and enjoy "living like a local," walking on the same street, smelling the same smell, shopping in the same market, visiting the same park with people that live there... In such a place, especially in a non-English-speaking country, it is expected that only a local language is being heard. I must admit that I would rather [...]

From Plein-Air Sketch to Studio Painting

3/2/2014 10:16:52 PM

About nine years ago, I started out both as a plein-air painter and as a studio artist. As a watercolorist who paints in both environments, I have come to realize that there are unique qualities in each type of work. A painting done on location is my direct response to the landscape. I attempt to capture the whole experience of being there. For that purpose, I need to concentrate intensely to work fast. I so enjoy getting absorbed in the environment when the inspiration cannot be any fresher. As a result, the painting may look looser, more simplified or sketchy, and perhaps [...]

Recent Magazine Features

1/29/2014 3:13:21 AM

I am deeply honored to have my work featured in the 2014 March issue of Artists & Illustrators (published by Chelsea Magazine Co., Ltd., United Kingdom). Ms. Jenny White gave me an interview for my article. She asked me a lot of great questions about my thoughts on painting watercolor as well as teaching it. I hope you will enjoy reading it if you have a chance. Thanks to the article, one of my street scene paintings included in it "Bucharest, Romania I (2012)" saw the light of day. This work reminds me of my visit to this delightful city where I [...]

On the Road (3) - Spain, Interior Paintings

11/27/2013 3:31:13 AM

It is interesting to note how we spend a lunchtime differs from culture to culture. In the workshops I do in the U.S. and Japan, for instance, we take a fairly quick lunch. And it is not unusual to see some students painting, while nibbling a sandwich, throughout a lunch break, which lasts one hour or less. I went to Seville in southern Spain earlier this year to teach 2 workshops for local watercolor artists. Over there a lunchtime seemed to be taken a bit more seriously. In the morning, we worked from 10am to 1pm. Then, we had lunch. For one hour? No. [...]

On the Road (2) - the South, American Landscape Paintings

11/25/2013 6:18:24 PM

To me, traveling for a workshop often means arriving there just in time, getting the job done, and packing up to go home. Especially in the U.S., I rarely have extra time to do anything else. However, my workshop organizers and participants alike sometimes go out of their way to show me around their neighborhoods. In the region called the American South, I have done several workshops in the past few years. And in each place I was a happy recipient of the Southern Hospitality from people I worked with. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, the gallery staff took me straight to the Philbrook [...]

An Exhibition of All-Media to Begin in Bélâbre, France

10/3/2013 4:11:31 PM

I'm very pleased to announce the beginning of the 12th Rencontres Artistiques du Val d'Anglin, an all-media exhibition with French and international artists. I am extremely delighted to be invited guests of honor together with Eugen Chisnicean, a watercolor painter from Moldova. The show opens on October 4 and runs until October 13 in the town of Bélâbre (Indre), France. In addition to exhibiting 10 or more works each, we will also conduct a workshop and do live demos. Ploumanac'h, France II Click here for an enlarged view. Media: Original watercolor on paperImage Size: 14.5 x 21.5 inches (36 x 54 cm) Purchase: Please send me an email - [...]

Bucharest I, Romanian Landscape Painting

1/6/2013 4:45:41 PM

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 [...]

Tea House, Shanghai, China IV, Interior Painting

10/9/2012 9:37:56 PM

I am pleased to announce my participation in the First International Biennial of Watercolors that is currently being held in Narbonne, France. It is an honor for me to be among exhibiting artists who are known for their unique styles and therefore playing the leading roles in today's watercolor world. For this exhibition, I have chosen paintings from my last trips to Shanghai/Zhejiang province of China, including "Tea House, Shanghai IV." I am particularly fond of the historic tea house I depicted in this painting (click to read related post: Tea House, Shanghai I). The exhibition runs through October 28 in several different [...]

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 [...]

California Artist of the Year by Twin Cities TOSCA

2/2/2012 3:17:47 AM

Exploring TOSCA is a beautiful quarterly arts and culture magazine and the most comprehensive guide for art events in the Twin Cities region (Minneapolis-St Paul, Minnesota). Last year they launched the American Artist Series where one artist was chosen by the editor-in-chief to represent each state. In their current issue (winter), I am extremely honored that I am being featured with the title of "California Artist of the Year." (click to open pdf file to see TOSCA winter issue) Arts and culture thrive in this part of America's Heartland. I didn't know this but many sources point out that the Twin [...]

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 [...]

watercolor-world.com

12/22/2011 3:11:49 AM

I am happy to announce that some of my paintings are represented by watercolor-world.com, an online gallery of works by professional watermedia artists. Please visit the gallery's facebook page to become a fan and learn more about participating artists and their works. Clermont-Ferrand, France XI Click here for an enlarged view of this painting. Media: Original watercolor on paperImage Size: 21.5 x 14.25 inches (54.5 x 36 cm) Frame/Mat: No Purchase: Please send me an email for details. - Join me on Facebook and follow my blog on NetworkedBlogs. - Follow me on Google+.- Visit my gallery at Daily Paintworks.- Follow me on Twitter- FASO Artist Websites - Easy, Professional [...]

Malibu I, California Landscape Painting

12/14/2011 2:47:52 AM

Shopping, wrapping, decorating, sending out holiday cards, entertaining... Is your to-do list too long, and you're feeling a little stressed-out? If you find yourself not really enjoying this special time of the year, then it's time to do something just for yourself. If you are a watercolor painter or love the medium, I may have a suggestion. Next Sunday I will be doing a painting demonstration and lecture in Los Angeles. Please come and enjoy as I finish off the 2011 watercolor seminar series organized by the Watercolor West. Sunday, December 18, 1-5pm Brea Civic Cultural Center, Los Angeles, California For more information and registration, [...]

Milano, Italy XI, Italian Landscape Painting

11/14/2011 10:58:50 PM

Not all sunsets are created equal. Some are more colorful, more dramatic, more poetic, more... well, beautiful. But then again, everyone's perception is different. If we ask anyone where they would go for a beautiful sunset, their answers will vary. I, for one, like spending that glorious last hour of sunlight, surrounded by the bustling cityscape. In Milan, Italy's trendiest city, I had one of those exciting moments -- The last rays of sunlight kissing the city's skyline good-night was simply irresistible beauty to me. I am pleased to announce that I will be a featured artist demonstrator at the Watercolor West [...]

Monterey and Carmel Beach Paintings

9/3/2011 4:28:39 AM

"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness." -- John Steinbeck (From Travels with Charley: In Search of America) In the U.S., when Labor Day comes around, we feel summer is coming to an end. Or at least some of us seem to be mentally programmed to believe so. At a day's end on this small beach near Cannery Row in Monterey, shadows thrown by the setting sun were getting longer every minute, looking as if they were playing with waves. Who said summer never ends in California? As days get shorter, we do feel [...]

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 [...]

Cours Mirabeau, Aix-en-Provence, French Landscape Paintings

4/15/2011 4:59:13 AM

Le Cours Mirabeau is a main thoroughfare built on the old ramparts in the city of Aix-en-Provence. Houses on both sides, constructed by wealthy families, are from the 17th and 18th centuries. Many are elegantly decorated and they are beautiful. I think Le Cours is one of the most attractive avenues in all of France, so it doesn't surprise me that it's always crowded with visitors and locals. When you arrive here and see busy sidewalk cafés, shops and restaurants, you may immediately feel like you are transported to the Champs-Elysées or the Left Bank in Paris. But this is Provence. Start [...]

New Watercolor Workshop in San Diego

1/30/2011 6:28:46 AM

I am pleased to announce that my new class has just been added to the San Diego Watercolor Society's workshop list. I'll be teaching "Landscape and Perspective" in the SDWS Education Center, May 9-11, 2011. Each day duing class I will also do one or two demonstrations, such as this painting (a demo from my recent workshop). For a class description and more information, please check out My Workshops and register online at www.sdws.org. Firenze, Italy IX Click here for an enlarged view. Media: Original watercolor on paperImage Size: 21.5 x 14.25 inches (54.5 x 36 cm)Mat/Frame: NoPurchase: Please send me an email for more information. [...]

San Diego Workshops

12/10/2010 8:28:34 AM

Last weekend I had so much fun with a group of 25 very enthusiastic students who attended my workshop at the Education Center of the San Diego Watercolor Society. I did four demos over two days and in between everyone was busy painting, learning, critiquing, exchanging ideas, socializing and inspiring each other. Here are some photos and some of my demo paintings. I am scheduled to do another weekend workshop, Capturing Light and Atmosphere in Watercolor, at the San Diego Watercolor Society in September, 2011. Register early at the SDWS website. Firenze, Italy IX Julian VII Barrio Logan, San Diego II Click [...]

VII Bienal Internacional de Acuarela 2009-2010 Chile

11/9/2010 12:02:35 PM

Napoli, Italy III Wonderful news came yesterday that two paintings I had submitted have been juried into the Seventh International Watercolor Biennial (VII Bienal Internacional de Acuarela, 2009-2010, Viña del Mar, Chile). A panel of jurors chose works from 31 artists out of 300 entries from the Americas, Asia and Europe. It is quite an honor to have my paintings selected to be in this exhibition that will open on November 30, 2010 in the city of Viña del Mar, Chile. Exhibiting artists are from Argentina, China, Mexico, Chile, the U.S.A., Venezuela, Japan, Guatemala, Uruguay, and Peru. Napoli, Italy III A larger image of this painting [...]

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 [...]

Puerta del Sol, Madrid, Spain

8/16/2010 2:21:45 AM

Despite what I said in my recent blog post, I love Madrid for its urban vitality and sophisticated cultural scene. The area surrounding the Puerta del Sol, a short walk from Plaza Mayor, is especially lively. Always crowded with shoppers, tourists, business people, students and onlookers, it seems everything takes place in this square, the most popular in Madrid, or in all of Spain for that matter. I even found a bear there. The bronze statue called "El Oso y El Madroño" (the bear and the berry tree) is a city's symbol and many locals adore it and use [...]

Pacific Coast Highway III, California Landscape Painting

5/25/2010 5:02:41 AM

I am thrilled to learn that one of my recent watercolor paintings won Third Place in FineArtViews BoldBrush Painting Competition (April 2010). This honor was given by judge Jennifer McChristian. I'd like to thank Jennifer for the time and expertise she contributed to judging this wonderful exhibition, and Clint Watson, founder of FineArtStudioOnline and FineArtViews, who makes possible this online exhibition for all artists and art collectors to enjoy every month. Pacific Coast Highway III Click here for an enlarged view. Media: Original watercolor on paper Image Size: 14.25 x 21.5 in. (36 x 54.5 cm) Purchase: Please [...]