Back in April I had the opportunity to attend a watercolor painting workshop in Japan! This long awaited trip was supposed to happen in May 2020 but alas. I had been so looking forward to going and was devastated but in the end it was the perfect trip at the perfect time! I’ve grown a lot artistically over the past few years and was ready to take on Japan. I was even lucky enough to have a friend come along for the ride, we were able to add on Osaka and Kyoto after the trip.
One of my favorite teachers and friend, Jun-Pierre Shiozawa, led the workshop and if you don’t follow him I highly suggest you look him up! We all stayed in Fujigaoka in a house that had a beautiful garden and a chef that made us many delicious traditional Japanese meals. I could go on about all of the delicious food we had for the rest of the newsletter! The house was perfect to work from, we had so much to paint in the garden!
Many of our days were filled with excursions around the greater Tokyo area. We explored the shrines, temples and other historic sites in Asakusa, Shibuya, Ueno Park, Kamakura, and Hokane. I loved seeing the Great Buddha in Kamakura! Another favorite was painting on a rainy and foggy day in Hakone. It was the day we were most likely to see Mt. Fuji but we honestly loved the moody weather even better. The paintings from that day are some of my favorites!
We had an incredible group of painters! New friends, old friends and some I knew online before going but had never met in person, it was such a fun experience furthering those friendships!
I am so very grateful for this life I get to live as an artist. Each experience is so special and I am constantly trying to soak in every moment. Thank you for being along for the ride!
A sunset sketch session at Osaka Castle!
Painting at Ueno Park in Tokyo
The paintings from our foggy moody day in Hakone.
Upcoming Events:
The Art League I have paintings in the July Gallery show and Gallery 75.
American Painting Fine Art - Washington, DC Their Washington, DC show is currently on display and I have a few pieces there.
The Byrne GalleryPaysages Francais My friend Laura Bollettino and I will be in a show at The Byrne Gallery in September and would love for you to join us!
Opening reception on September 13th Artist talk on September 21st
A quick sketch in a tea garden and bamboo forest in Kamakura.
