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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Following on from my Northumberland postcard (featuring a sketch of Lindisfarne Castle)… this new digital sketch was inspired by a story from a local family. They described to me the most atmospheric hike I could imagine, scaling the slopes of Mt Fuji at Night. Their tale of the lights bobbing […]
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I love the idea of measuring the year in smaller 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 dates to mark seasons, but instead, they divided up the year by natural phenomena. To […]
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I’ve always been fascinated with the landscape and culture of Japan. I wrote about it a little in my influences page here. It’s lovely to see that i’m not the only one… as the Mt Fuji painting created for my World Series has proved extremely popular. With the #Artistsupportpledge running […]
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Krabi is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand East of Phuket across Phang Nga Bay. The province is on the Strait of Malacca and is noted for its natural beauty. There are solitary limestone peaks, both on land and in the sea. Rock climbers from all over travel to Ton Sai Beach and Railay Beach. The beaches form part […]
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