Since April 2020 I have posted on Facebook a painting each day as a brief diversion from the lockdowns and other bad news this year. Neglecting my weblog, I’ll post in the coming days some of my better posts.
“Mentaki Water House”, 15×30, oil on canvas
Back to Kobe, Japan for today’s offering from the Neff Studio ‘Pokey’. In the old sailing days, sailors from around the world loved docking in Kobe, drink the “Kobe Water”, and load it on the ships. The water was such good quality, it would not spoil even when crossing the equator. This scene is the Mentaki Waterfall, which has a small dam and intake house to supply water for Kobe, and is just a few minutes walk from the Shin-Kobe Shinkansen Station (bullet train station).
Since April 2020 I have posted on Facebook a painting each day as a brief diversion from the lockdowns and other bad news this year. Neglecting my weblog, I’ll post in the coming days some of my better posts.
“Cataratas do Iguacu”, 36×72, oil on canvas, diptych
Let’s go to South America!!
Today’s offering from the studio ‘calaboose’ is Iguassu Falls in South America. Considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, we visited the falls in 2012. I did several studies on site, and then came back to the studio to produce my largest painting ever done. An international art magazine wrote an article about the entire experience and development of the painting…
Hokkaido is the northernmost, second largest, and least developed of Japan’s four main islands. The winters are harsh with lots of snowfall, below zero temperatures and frozen seas, while in summer it does not get as hot and humid as in the other parts of Japan.With unspoiled nature, Hokkaido attracts many outdoor lovers, including skiers and snowboarders in the colder seasons. Hikers, cyclists, and campers come during summer and fall.It is considered to have some of the best snow powder in the world.
I just returned from a couple weeks in Japan visiting my son, who recently moved to Sapporo, the capital and largest city in Hokkaido.After 5 years living in SW rural Japan, he wanted a change of scenery so moved to northern Japan and one of the snowiest metropolis’s in the world. Sapporo hosted the first ever Olympics in Asia, the 1972 Winter games.
Soon after we arrived, we realized it would be raining in a few days, so we took advantage of the sunshine, rented a car, and drove around the Hokkaido countryside for a couple days.Our first daytrip was south of Sapporo where we enjoyed rural Hokkaido and visited a couple lakes. The lakes in this area are all caldera lakes, that is, they are ancient volcanos.
The first was Lake Shikotsu-ku. We spent some time at the visitors center (we were in a national park), and I did a quick 90 minute study, plus a drone flight.The lake is very reminiscent of Lake Tahoe, except without all the boulders along the shore.
Lake Shikotsu
We then went on to Lake Toya, which was just as pretty, but it was getting late in the day, so flew the drone, and then headed home.
The next day, Justin and I headed to the Shakotan coastal area.What a spectacular coastline! It is much like the coastal areas of California, but with little Japanese fishing villages scattered throughout. We drove to the fishing village of Shakotan, had lunch, and then backtracked to a place I had spotted on our drive there to paint.
Shimadomarigyo Harbor is a small fishing harbor along the coast with a view of Candle Rock, an unusual natural monolith. It was a beautiful view, but the winds were around 20mph with gusts up to 40.Even my tubes of paint were being blown away. I moved to a boat shed to get out of the wind, but it was still too much to handle, so I made a quick study to finish the painting later.
The final painting is at the top of this weblog entry. Here are a few shots of the area…
I was disappointed the strong winds prevented me from flying my drone and capturing this amazing place from above, so this area is definitely on my list for the next visit!
There doesn’t seem to be as many temples and shrines in Hokkaido as in other parts of Japan.My assumption is this is because Hokkaido was the last area where the Japanese people populated.Prior to that, the Ainu indigenous people inhabited the area.
However, there was a little Buddhist shrine a few blocks from Justin’s apartment, called Nantoku Shrine, so I spent a few hours painting it.
Nantoku Shrine
The shrine in the painting looks a little askew, so will correct that when I have time.
The next day was still nice, so I went back to the same place and did another painting facing a different way.
Cherry Blossoms
Overall it was a wonderful journey and we saw new parts of Japan. I was a little disappointed I wasn’t able to fly my drone more, but when we were at places where it is allowed, the weather didn’t cooperate.
Once again, I was honored to have a painting in the Yosemite Renaissance Exhibition. This juried art show opens at the Yosemite Museum, and then travels around California for a year.The show also starts around the time of year for the annual Firefall event in Yosemite Valley, and I don’t need much of an excuse to visit!
The opening reception was Friday, February 22 this year, so I arrived a day early, Thursday afternoon.Lodging prices in Yosemite were quite high for winter season (possibly because the Firefall is getting ever more popular), so for the first time, I elected to stay outside the park in El Portal, which is right at the entrance.
After checking into my motel, I headed into the park. A series of recent snowstorms had hit the area, and it was like driving around in a winter fairyland. I wouldn’t have much time to paint, so just drove around for a few pictures, then headed to the Firefall.I won’t go into that experience here, as I posted a weblog entry you can read here.If you haven’t seen my short Firefall video, you should watch it:
I won’t go into detail on my visit, but it was very cold, barely getting above freezing most days, so my painting activities were a bit limited.Plus, with all the recent heavy snow, many pullouts and parking lots were unavailable, and those available quickly taken up by the unusually large winter crowds.
Here are a few pictures from the trip. Click on the thumbnails to get a larger picture and description.
The Firefall
The Firefall
The Firefall and me
A classic view of Half Dome
From Tunnel View
Sentinel Rock
Painting Bridalveil Falls
Bridalveil Falls study.
A study of the Merced River as it tumbles out of Yosemite Valley.
Painting Cathedral Rock. It was so cold, didn’t get very far on this one.
Painting Cathedral Rock. It was so cold, didn’t get very far on this one.
I stopped by the Yosemite Railroad exhibit in El Portal for the first time. In the old days, this is the way you got to Yosemite.
My work hanging in the museum
My work hanging in the museum
Yosemite Renaissance 34 will be on display at the Yosemite Museum from February 23rd through May 5th, 2019. The Museum Gallery is open daily 10 am to Noon, and 1 pm to 4 pm. The 2019 Traveling Exhibit will be displayed at the following venues. We will confirm specific dates and times as they become available.
Kings Art Center, Hanford, CA. (June through July)
Carnegie Art Center, Turlock, CA. (August through October)
Gallery 5 at Gallery Row, Oakhurst, CA (October through November)
What a spectacular display of mother nature! Here’s the story…
I recently visited Yosemite National Park for the opening of the Yosemite Renaissance show where I have a painting hanging in the Yosemite Museum. More about that in a later blog.
While there, I was fortunate for the second time to witness the ever more popular (and crowded) firefall. You can read about the old manmade firefall in years past and about today’s yearly natural phenomenon on my blog entry here. This year was even more spectacular than I experienced several years ago, and many have said one of the best in years. Due to the heavy snow in Yosemite Valley, we had to work for it a bit more by having to walk over a mile for the best vantage point…but well worth it!
The recent snows added another dimension, and when the wind blew the icy crystals off the shoulder of El Capitan, the entire cliff lit up as if fire in the bowels of the earth emerged.
I was painting along the California coast yesterday, and of course, flying my drone. I stayed until sunset and captured some amazing aerial shots around Half Moon Bay, and north towards Pacifica at the Devils Slide area and the new tunnels. It inspired me to throw together this more artsy video which includes shots from yesterday, and others from the past year. I think it is my favorite drone video so far…
I recorded other amazing video while painting, so stay tuned for more spectacular viewing, and maybe a painting!
I was asked several times, both at Petra, and others who saw the painting online if it was for sale. I don’t sell my sketches I do on trips such as this, so one long time friend asked me to do a commission, exactly the same as the plein air I did on site. The first one was painted in acrylics, but the commission piece in oil, shown above. They turned out very similar.
You never know who fans of your paintings might be. Here’s the story…
Our recent tour of the Holy Land was a jam packed nine days from early morning to night, plus three days going and returning. We were usually on the road by 7 am, and sometimes earlier. Each evening routine was: take a shower, eat, then flop into bed, usually by 9 pm. I was with 66 friends and others from my area, occupying two tour buses.
This blog isn’t a travelogue, but here is a short preview/trailer for a video I will be producing in the next several months…
I kept my paints handy on the tour bus, but only once did I have a chance to paint, and that was in Petra, Jordan. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra is an ancient city carved into the sandstone cliffs of southern Jordan. Many might recognize it in such films as Indiana Jones, Arabian Nights, and The Mummy returns. Being the son of a Christian minister, I have heard about it, and wanted to visit all my life.
It was a little disappointing we only had about three hours for our visit as most travel guides recommend at least a day and preferably two days or more. Several of us split from our tour group, and went ahead on our own. You can ride horses, carriages, etc. through the Siq, a narrow passageway to the city, but I decided to walk the mile and a half to Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), the first and most iconic structure.
Here are a few pictures as I walked through the Siq. Click on the thumbnails to see larger versions…
Walking through the Siq
Walking through the Siq
Yours Yours Truly walking through the Siq
Walking through the Siq
Here is the iconic picture of the 130 feet high Treasury when it first comes into view…
The Treasury comes into view while walking through the Siq
I really wanted to see much more, but since the time was short, decided to just stay there and do a painting. If I finished the painting, and had time, I could explore further. I found a low wall with a view of the Treasury where I could sit somewhat out of the way of the crowds, spread out my materials and begin painting. Click on the thumbnails to see larger versions…
Painting in Petra
Painting in Petra
My travel acrylic paint kit
All during painting, some of the local children and others would come up and rub shoulders to watch me work. Some tourists even wanted to buy the piece.
Things really got interesting when a donkey decided he liked to sniff around my paint kit. I didn’t mind the company, but was afraid he would start nibbling the paints on my palette or grab my paint kit and it would end up on the other side of the mountain. I kept shooing him away, but he was pretty persistent. I guess he really liked my work! Click on the thumbnails to see larger versions…
The donkey liked the smell of my paints
The donkey liked the smell of my paints
Well, he liked my camera, also
I’m just glad the nearby camels didn’t come over and spit on me!
I didn’t really finish the painting as it was soon time to get back to catch the tour bus. I also didn’t get to see much of Petra, but can say I brought back the only souvenir I know was actually made there…my painting! Below is the painting with some touchup/finishing in the studio.
Here I was riding my Harley around the Southwest again. I recently did an eight day trip on my 2003 Road King, traveling around parts of the Southwest. We visited Yosemite NP, Cedar Breaks, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Grand Canyon NP, Zion NP, and points in between. I also took my drone, and captured some aerial footage.
I won’t go into a travelogue here, but if interested, here is a short video of the trip–
Although painting was not a priority on this trip, I brought my acrylic travel kit just in case. We spent several nights near Zion National Park, and I had the opportunity do a couple painting studies.
It was quite hot, getting up around 100. We caught the shuttle bus at the Zion visitors center, and rode to the end of the line in the spectacular canyon at a place called Temple of Sinawava for my first painting. After scouting around, I found a scene and a rock I could sit on, then sat down to paint.
Yikes! I left my canvas pad and palette back at my motorcycle! So, it was all the way back on the shuttle to the visitors center and retrieve my materials, wasting about an hour.
I then decided to just stay around the Zion Lodge and do a painting, as I was going to meet my biker buddy there for lunch. To capture the scene I wanted, I had to stand in the hot sun to do the painting, and it was a chore to keep the acrylics wet on my palette as my misting spray bottle wasn’t working. It took a little more than an hour and managed to do a pretty good study, which is shown above.
My acrylic kit while painting near Zion Lodge
My acrylic kit while painting near Zion Lodge
After lunch, I rode the shuttle back to a stop called Big Bend and started another study. The shuttle stop had enough benches and shade to spread out and paint out of the sun. It was getting mid-afternoon, the hottest part of the day and even though I was in the shade, the acrylics were ‘skinning over’ as soon as I squeezed some out of the tube, which made it even more challenging.
Paint kit at Big Bend, Zion
Big Bend scene
Big Bend View, 10×8, acrylic, plein air
This one wasn’t as complete as the first, but I stopped because of the heat and challenging conditions. It turned out an OK study. Regardless, any day spent in Zion is a wonderful day, especially when you can sit and paint!
It was a nice sunny day, and I set up my easel across Highway 1 from the coastal hamlet of Davenport. There were a few fellow artists scattered around the area. Later, I drove a few miles up the coast to Davenport Landing, and found most of the artists were painting there.
I wasn’t intent on painting a masterpiece, but more a quick value study in the morning light. I probably spent more time flying the drone than painting, just enjoying the day. Below is the painting on my easel, maybe an hours work…a poor picture as I was photographing into direct sunlight.
