These are small painting studies that mark the changes through the countryside over the course of the year. Inspired by an old tradition of identifying smaller micro-seasons. Prior to the Gregorian calendar; farmers in China and Japan broke each year down into 24 sekki or ‘small seasons’. These seasons didn’t use hard dates to mark the changes, but instead divided up the year by closely observing the natural environment.
These artworks hope to celebrate the variety of colour and the ever shifting weather patterns across the landscape…
A local seasonal study to share today. This avenue of Lime Trees can be found at Mottisfont Abbey in Hampshire. It’s particularly special at this time of year, as the Spring bulbs emerge. These delicate blue/mauve Chionodoxa, also known as ‘Glory of the Snow’, were always going to present a […]
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There’s definitely that sense of the season changing this week. We’ve had some lovely sunny days and the Spring garden that I can see from the studio is starting to come to life. Bulbs rising from the ground. Green shoots on the trees. My favourite Cherry (an ornamental tree we […]
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Risshū (立秋) means ‘the beginning of autumn’ and marks the start of the traditional autumn season on the Japanese calendar. It usually falls around the 8th of August. Although the weather can still be hot, certain chirping insects, changing foliage and cooler morning/evening breezes show those early signs that autumn is approaching. […]
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Koinobori, meaning ‘carp streamer’ in Japanese, are carp-shaped windsocks traditionally flown in Japan to celebrate ‘Tango no sekku’ or Children’s Day. Held on the 5th May it’s a national holiday in Japan. This day falls on the cusp between Kokuu (Grain Rains) and Rikka (Beginning of Summer). It is one […]
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As we head towards the start of Summer proper, here’s a Japan inspired landscape painting featuring the Hydrangea Garden at Yohena, Okinawa. Following the fascinating micro seasons guide we have reached Geshi. This colour study is inspired by one of the many ornamental gardens that celebrate the Ajisai (hydrangea); which […]
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I have been enjoying my walks (and occasional runs) around our local fields. I’m sure it’s rather cliché to say that i’ve been feeling inspired and rather challenged by the landscape. But seeing as my work usually involves some form of architecture or man-made structure… it’s strange to find myself […]
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