Paintings and Stories of a Watercolor Landscape Artist Living in Japan
January
Beautiful Sunrise over Oita River
I saw a beautiful sunrise over Oita river. The colors were so incredible. And I soon sold this painting. Maybe I should paint more beautiful skies.
February
Japanese Road Crossing on a Sunny Day
I really love to paint crossings. The mix of patchy lines, textures and light is mesmerizing for me. I am also interested in light catching edges of buildings and giving them an incandescent appearance.
March
A View of Beppu Bay
I was delighted to find this scene. It was actually right next to a busy road. But it is still a beautiful scene. I love it that they left that tree. But I doubt that it was on purpose.
April
Simple Snow Scene
I painted this snow scene with one brush and just 3 paints. And the truth is it’s a lot better than many of my other paintings done with numerous brushes and about 8 colors. The lesson. Keep it simple. And this especially applies to watercolor where suggestion and minimalism makes for the best works.
A Rickshaw in Yufuin
I find the rickshaws in Yufuin very interesting and very challenging to paint!
May
Bird’s Eye View of a Rural Japanese Road
On a family trip near Ota in Oita prefecture we walked around a reservoir and I saw this wonderful view from the top of the reservoir embankment. And this painting sold very quickly which is nice!
June
Traditional Japanese Street in Taketa
This is a beautiful traditional Japanese street in a town called Taketa. This is a very interesting town with the remains of a huge castle – only the walls are left but they are very high. And there is a cave where Christians use to hold secret prayers because of fear of persecution. A very interesting place and with some beautiful parts.
July
Wisps of Laughter and Water
I find this water jet feature wonderful. It is almost surreal to watch the children running through the mist and hear their laughter.
August
Painting of a Cow in a Field at Evening Time in Ubuyama
Ubuyama is a beautiful countryside area. On the day we went there was a beautiful sunset. And I was surprised to see cows roaming the fields which is a very rare site in Japan.
September
Japanese Firework Display by Oita River
Every year our city has a firework display by the river as part of a 3 day festival event. In recent years I’ve been unable to go because of trips back to England. But luckily this year it was delayed due to bad weather and I could see it. I guess I’ve always know that a firework display could make for a good painting but this was the time when I got the courage to actually try and paint a firework display.
October
Painting of Tanoura Beach at Evening Time
This is an artificial beach between Oita city and Beppu City.
November
Watercolor Painting of a Café in the Countryside
Lovely cafe in Kuju called Mizushi no Mori where I did an exhibition.
December
Elevated Railway Line
Dramatic view of an elevated railway line next to my daughter’s nursery school. I like this structure and all those poles and lines. I also like the ramshackle house and overgrown foliage below.