Kanazawa (Ono), Japan
12/29/2010 8:15:53 AM
Ono, a small village with a fishing port within the city of Kanazawa, was very quiet. In fact, there was not even a soul walking when we got there in the late afternoon. The chilly drizzle and freezing wind were enough to send even townspeople indoors, it seemed. With nobody to ask for directions, we started exploring the town anyway, but we knew getting around could not be difficult in a small place like this. So we first walked along the Ono River that flows into the Sea of Japan.
Along the river bank, fishing boats that had been long back from [...]
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Takayama, Gifu, Japan
12/26/2010 7:15:13 AM
Over the mountains and past small villages, getting to Takayama can be an enjoyable trip in and of itself. During winter months, thick snow can be seen on the ground, and the frigid temperature can often be expected. A fairly large town in the remote region in the northern part of Gifu Prefecture, Takayama welcomes visitors with its unique charm that has especially attracted those looking for the image of Old Japan.
In all of these three paintings, everyday scenes in the old section of the town are depicted. The bright red bridge (Nakabashi) in the first painting, is one of the [...]
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Shirakawa-go, Gifu, Japan
12/21/2010 11:48:58 PM
When I arrived in Shirakawa-go, snow had lightly blanketed the entire village. Starting now for several months, the area will be buried in deep snow, covering thick thatched roofs, rice fields, river banks and mountain forests that surround the village.
Located along a valley in the very mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture in the central Japan, Shirakawa-go is known for its unique architectural style seen in many of their old farm houses. The style is called gassho-zukuri (gassho means "putting two hands together for praying," referring to the shape of the steep roofs; zukuri means construction style).
While I was enjoying a quiet [...]
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Road to Eiheiji Temple, Fukui, Japan
12/20/2010 2:59:53 AM
I've been on this road before and here I am once again on my way to Eiheiji Temple in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. My last visit here more than 6 years ago was around this time of the year as well. Winter has just begun in Fukui so the weather is far from the severest, but I have been spoiled by a year-round mild climate of San Diego. As before, I find myself shivering from the freezing temperature and occasional snowfalls.
Eiheiji is one of the most important zen temples in Japan and visitors come here literally from all over the world. Although [...]
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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
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Ghent I & II, Belgian Landscape Paintings
12/7/2010 5:30:55 AM
Saint Nicholas Church in the first painting and the Belfry in the second painting are both famous landmarks of Ghent for their architectural beauty and historical significance.
Soaring over the medieval skyline of the city of Ghent, the Belfry has served for centuries as a bell tower as well as a fortified watch tower. It looks just magnificent. No wonder it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed as the Belfries of Belgium and France).
The nearby Saint Nicholas church looks equally impressive. The town bells were placed in the church's central tower before the belfry was built in the 14th [...]
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Antwerp, Belgium IV, Belgian Landscape Painting
12/4/2010 1:23:01 AM
Ask anyone who grew up in Japan after the 70s about a dog from Flanders, chances are they will say how sad what happened to Patrasche and Nello was. Patrasche, a working dog and Nello, an orphan boy with artistic talent, lived in a village just outside Antwerp. They died together, cold and penniless, inside the Antwerp cathedral on one Christmas Day, after Nello's dream to see Ruben's masterpieces had finally come true.
"A Dog of Flanders" (read more) was a story written in the late 19th century in Europe and introduced to Japan in the beginning of the 20th century. It [...]
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Antwerp, Belgium III, Belgian Landscape Painting
12/1/2010 6:26:47 AM
As the main shopping street in Antwerp, the Meir is more crowded at this time of the year. For people looking for holiday gifts and Christmas decorations, it must be fun to walk on this street, with everything creating a festive mood, all the way to a town square where a traditional Christmas market is beng held.
St. Nicholas' Day (December 6) is just around the corner, and the children are waiting for Saint Nicholas or Sinterklaas to bring presents to them.
Antwerp, Belgium III
Click here for an enlarged view.
Media: Original watercolor on paperImage Size: 8.25 x 11.5 inches (21 x 29 [...]
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