Have You Googled Your Name Lately?
3/31/2012 5:43:40 AM
A recent conversation with my student revolved around names artists use. He said he was thinking about adopting a more English-sounding name. This talented young man recently came from Europe and he thinks his name is rather long and not easy for Americans to remember and pronounce. I said having a unique name was to his advantage. I'm not sure if he was completely convinced but I said it wouldn't be an issue and even going by initials might be just enough for him if he became well established.
He then asked whether I ever thought about changing my name in America. [...]
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Lago Maggiore IV, Italian Landscape Painting
3/27/2012 2:43:31 AM
Isola dei Pescatori is an island on Lake Maggiore and easy to get to from the town of Stresa. It is so small, about 380 meters by 100 meters, we can survey its entire length in a few seconds as our boat approaches the island.
As its name implies, there used to be a community of fishermen here. Compared to nearby islands known for elaborate gardens or a baroque palace, on Isola dei Pescatori, it is still possible to feel traditional way of life from the past. Although we may see more tourists walking on narrow streets on the island today, old [...]
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SouthwestArt Magazine Watercolor Portfolio
3/23/2012 3:56:57 AM
I am pleased to be included as one of the 10 watercolor artists to be featured in Southwest Art magazine (April, 2012).
In the latest issue, the magazine focuses on artists working in mediums other than oil, which is predominantly the choice of medium to be considered by shows and galleries across the U.S. It is quite an honor for me to be among the 10 watercolor artists who "capture the world in a demanding medium where - unlike oil paint - second chances are rarely available," as noted by the magazine editor.
Nine other artists included in the watercolor portfolio are Stephen [...]
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Lago Maggiore III, Italian Landscape Painting
3/21/2012 10:49:31 PM
I was looking out the window from a train into Northern Italy when I had a glimpse of the picturesque town of Stresa by Lake Maggiore. I remember the amazing colors of blue green water as a backdrop of red, sun-lit roofs of the houses and lush green landscape there. From the fast-moving train I was able to enjoy the almost dream-like view for only a few seconds, but the image was so ingrained in my mind I was determined to get off a train there if I ever had another chance.
A few years later, very unexpectedly my wish came true [...]
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My Workshop in Dallas, Texas
3/17/2012 6:07:24 AM
When they talk about the Texas hospitality, they are telling the truth. It was such a pleasure working with 27 very enthusiastic artists who took my workshop in Dallas this past week. Most of them were from the Dallas area and members of the Southwestern Watercolor Society (SWS), but some students traveled from other cities and states. I was delighted to learn some of them had been following my art online for several years. I also did a demo for the members of the SWS at their monthly meeting on Wednesday night. Cheryl Devoto, one of the local artists whom I [...]
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White Lovers II, Japanese Landscape Painting
3/13/2012 6:31:07 AM
For many people, last month's Valentine's Day may be a thing of the past. However, in some Asian countries, the whole thing doesn't really end until March 14, which is called White Day. In Japan, for example, it is expected that you know the unwritten rules: if you're a man and received chocolate from a woman on February 14, you are supposed to reciprocate one month later by giving her something equally nice or better. I think it's safe to say the overall tone of this practice is fairly light-hearted, which is enjoyed more like a game by most people.
Depicted in [...]
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Japan - One Year Later
3/10/2012 5:27:00 AM
I still remember a sense of numbness I felt when I got a phone call one year ago from my mother back in Japan. Rapidly she told me about a massive earthquake, fires, tsunami warnings, no phone connection with other family members. Right after that on March 11, 2011, I watched in disbelief a series of even more horrific events on TV that hit the coastal region of my homeland.
In the past year, we heard numerous reports of the dead and disturbing discoveries at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. So I was relieved every time I heard an encouraging story of [...]
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2ème Salon International de l'Aquarelle 2012
3/9/2012 9:16:10 AM
I am pleased to announce my first participation in the Salon International de l'Aquarelle. The second edition of the Salon will take place in the city of Caussade, France, March 17 through April 1 this year.
I have been invited to exhibit 12 original watercolor paintings, including several new works that have never been shown anywhere before. My works hung in the show are mainly French landscapes and cityscapes and some Japanese landscapes.
Sarlat, France II
Click here for an enlarged view of this painting.
Media: Original watercolor on paperImage Size: 15.5 x 11.5 inches (39 x 29 cm)
Frame/Mat: No
Purchase: Sold
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Paintings of Bozcaada, Turkey
3/5/2012 4:48:04 AM
When we travel and live without routine for an extended period of time, things that were enjoyable at the beginning of the trip can be felt more as a nuisance or stress. This can happen to anyone including the most adventurous type, and a remedy may be a 'vacation' from your travel.
A small island of Bozcaada seemed like a perfect place for that - just to relax without worrying about anything that's associated with day-to-day hustle of traveling. One of the two Turkish islands in the Aegean Sea, Bozcaada has a long and tumultuous history but now it is a peaceful, [...]
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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 [...]
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