I hope you enjoy traveling with me to Japan, seeing and experiencing a new and historical culture. Check out the entries above as we visit shrines, festivals and the everyday aesthetic that is Japan.
Below are a few of the images from my trip. I wanted to share with you why I painted them and the story behind it.
I hope you enjoy seeing them go from camera to canvas. They are for sale if you see a special one that speaks to you, let me know.
Japan is a country of rare beauty. A sense of quiet and  serenity filled the air, even amid the bustle of Tokyo, there seemed to be this ever present feeling that all was still and ageless.
There were so many images that warrant a painting, sometimes it is just the natural beauty of the place, other times I am inspired by movement or colors.
For Beauty, I photographed this Geisha in a parade in Asakusa, the oldest geisha district of Tokyo. This ancient area of the city houses the Sensoji Temple and was celebrating a festival that day.
Walking past escorted by the tradesmen of the area as well as the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia), the scene was one of colorful costumes, interesting dances and beating drums.
Beauty, acrylic collage, 16" X 20"
I was drawn to the colors of the kimono and the movement that seemed to bring it alive. Focusing on just one section with her feet, I wanted to depict that energy.
In the painting to the right, I have blended modern and ancient. Colorful washi paper covered with parasols depict the modern designs of Tokyo. The bright robe, aged newspapers and stamps to the right, signify the old Japan, that of tradition and ancient beliefs.
The pattern of the parasols is repeated to the left of the geisha with the word character for "Beauty" tying both together. The background brings in the colors of warmth through the use of browns and reds, giving a strong sense of composition to the piece.
A Visit to Nikko, Japan
One day we traveled to Nikko to visit a World Heritage Site. On the way you will pass the Shinkyo Bridge one of the most unusual in Japan. Legend has it that
when a certain saint tried to cross the rapids of the Daiyagawa River, two snakes formed a bridge for him to walk across.
I was in awe of the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The bright red bridge spans the clear blue water and gives a wonderful view of what old Japan looked like.
 Many years ago I found an old photo album from 1934 of a travelers tour of China. The black book was cracked and old, but filled with images that were beautiful. For this painting, I wanted a simple composition, allowing the focus to be on the landscape. So I replicated the old album color of soft black for the background . I trimmed the image in red to tie in with the bridge and added the Japanese characters "Beautiful Vista" to the painting as a finishing touch.
Beautiful Vista, acrylic, 12" x 12"
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