tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29296545254942923772012-02-11T15:30:20.499-08:00Life, work in progress.japochinenoreply@blogger.comBlogger1771100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-71246408040961374502012-01-28T13:28:00.000-08:002012-01-28T13:28:00.427-08:00

Recording old things. The plastic ring box that contains my grandmother's wedding band and ring along with an antique mini crab key charm from San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. 4x6 sketch.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-15386133823355139682012-01-23T13:23:00.000-08:002012-01-23T21:21:43.780-08:00

The last homebaked carrot cupcake with cream cheese frosting. Food makes a small cooperative still life that rewards the artist. Lemon tart from Babette's Feast in Belmont Shores. A small treat once in a while can't be dangerous if I add more exercise. This was my first exposure to Argyle Sweater in the Los Angeles Times, Dec 27. I didn't get the paper scissor rock connection until I read it

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-33110023769482270342011-11-03T17:55:00.000-07:002011-11-03T17:55:00.390-07:00

Someone else's cup, their souvenir from a visit to the Norton Simon Museum in Stockbridge. It seemed like a good still life model before I fill it with paint brushes.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-23064584479446517962011-10-04T22:04:00.000-07:002011-10-05T09:13:32.616-07:00

"Take a little piece of my heart"Janis JoplinThree coin purses from Japan, gifts from three friends, left to right, plastic, leather, fabric.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-46785923298962616942011-09-27T09:27:00.000-07:002011-09-27T09:27:00.050-07:00

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-1812002305301620762011-09-20T21:20:00.000-07:002011-09-21T08:13:18.419-07:00

Magazine clippings and scraps get pasted on sketchbook covers to put a face on all the black books and to provide inspiration. Is Charlie looking at Georgia's painting for possible murder clues?

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-57753409644710650622011-09-15T21:15:00.000-07:002011-09-24T16:38:22.164-07:00

Painting a pink fluffy cupcake is more fun than actually eating one.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-56951776162121471702011-09-10T09:10:00.000-07:002011-09-10T09:10:00.543-07:00

Watercolor doodle painted itself while on a long phone call which came as I set up paints, water and sketchbook. I call this one "Conversations with Hattie". It is nice to listen to a favorite relative with stories to share.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-35889689508959127522011-09-09T21:09:00.000-07:002011-09-09T21:09:00.588-07:00

My neighbor and I were admiring my calla lily. She said it's a coronetta (?) in Spanish, blew an imaginary trumpet. I can see the palace guards blowing Calla Lily trumpets as Cinderella emerges from her pumpkin coach. Alas, my lilies have not returned after gravel was put down.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-20846715337823595892011-09-05T21:05:00.000-07:002011-09-05T21:05:00.559-07:00

In a jellyfish state of mind, June 2009. Volunteering a the an ARt Miles event atthe aquarium has me thinking of fish creatures. Painted a full page of small jellyfish, cut into business cards embellished with beads and slipped into a clear cellophane envelope.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-34021607420548006332011-09-01T09:01:00.000-07:002011-09-01T09:01:00.220-07:00

Spontaneous fun splashes inspired by pastry photo on Carol Gillot's parisbreakfast blog. Always a sweet luscious zero calorie treat. Small watercolors to go with my morning coffee. "Be Mine" instead of the usual Be Mine seemed to paint itself. Small watercolor sketches Feb. 14, 2011

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-76911618581124622312011-08-31T20:31:00.000-07:002011-08-31T21:12:40.629-07:00

Feeding Starbucks coffee grounds to my garden and lemon cake for me. The coffee has improved the hard clay soil after a few weeks.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-72942423507023993572011-08-30T20:30:00.000-07:002011-08-31T11:29:11.204-07:00

Section of front yard converted from lawn to garden with curved sections of gravel, sedum, yellow and magenta ice plants with Spanish lavender bushes.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-50194182883367557132011-08-28T08:28:00.000-07:002011-08-28T08:28:00.129-07:00

Spontaneous paper collage that arranged itself, speaking in color and shape when there are no words, a letter to Vincent Van Gogh. The following is an excerpt of Van Gogh's letter to his youngest sister, Willimien, written from the south of France. "Here I need no Japanese woodblock prints, because I am here in Japan. This is why I only have to open my eyes and paint the impressions that I

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-73963830000388247192011-08-25T08:25:00.000-07:002011-08-25T08:25:00.400-07:00

M's loft in Emeryville. A short walk to the trendy Bay Street shopping area, a refreshing relaxing spot near the bay without the congestion and traffic of San Francisco and with a user friendly parking structure and next doorto IKEA, a place for light breakfast and decorating ideas.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-1997715119791521862011-08-22T08:22:00.000-07:002011-08-22T08:22:00.116-07:00

I don't think about posting sketches from my backyard because I see gardening chores that needs to be done. But the giant nasturtium along the fence and the pastel tops dancing in the summer wind seemed too seductive not to sketch.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-30847851909097207942011-08-15T20:15:00.000-07:002011-08-16T08:44:34.038-07:00

The sushi bar's green plastic carousel travels around the counter to deliver food to patrons. Rush Limbaugh is to my left, pounding on the counter, making my order of tempura deep fried shrimp and yam slices jump and leap towards me to the rock music of "Barracuda". Someday, I'd like to meet the person that writes my early morning dreams. Cartoon and dream sketched in February.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-20826914963096066802011-08-14T20:14:00.000-07:002011-08-14T20:14:00.258-07:00

Omelet, cooked in a dab of butter as recommended by Julia Child, avocado strip garnish. Sourdough toast with olive oil and garlic, topped with diced tomato. If I paint quickly, the model feeds me lunch.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-1389953167161835642011-08-11T23:11:00.000-07:002011-08-12T17:07:52.934-07:00

Playing with shapes while watching Numb3rs. Inspired by a Laurel Burch earring. Some of the fun spilled on the page.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-91718890532610657972010-11-06T13:26:00.000-07:002010-11-07T10:02:45.792-08:00

Shapes and colors of La Jolla, ocean views, shoreline, fun, nice food. Watercolor on paper. Burning hot sun cast shadows through a doorway. Summer in November in downtown Long Beach. Brush pen in moleskine pocketbook.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-35873917775233133292010-10-08T17:10:00.000-07:002011-08-14T17:33:16.807-07:00

One doorway leads to another. Some thoughts float into the room. Tiny bit of a large Asian theme collage. Three pieces of an incense burner became more interesting when broken. In a Japanese garden sketching, I looked up and saw delicate fern like leaves.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-494047154138013012010-06-19T17:06:00.000-07:002010-06-19T19:08:43.252-07:00

Vincent Van Gogh's letters to his youngest sister Willemein during the last four years of his life, living in Arles, France. The countryside, people, landscape, colours, seasons and the difference in light inspired and gave him joy.Painting at night, picking colors in the dark. He found joy during a creative period in his life. A happy ending depends on where you end the story. "I believe that

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-16873747950606480202010-03-17T17:10:00.000-07:002010-03-17T21:08:21.789-07:00

Buyer's remorse. Returned sweaters that looked better on the hanger.Bedtime sketching whatever caught my eye. Alice grew taller sketched on foam core to the left, watching a show on my laptop, reading Typhoon Lover (mystery) and Stephen King's autobiography, an Edward Goreyish childhood. The Aquarium used to have an ethereal display of sea snakes.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-26359642671133422992010-03-04T19:32:00.001-08:002010-03-05T09:57:38.844-08:00

Photo of previously posted fried egg in moleskine. Ginger plant. Acrylic on 18 x 24 canvas.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-54018218051720322602010-02-24T17:10:00.000-08:002010-02-24T17:10:00.452-08:00

Watercolor of downtown Long Beach city streets from the 17th floor. Mind's eye view of night lights. Acrylic on paper. Missing the fall colors of liquid amber trees.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-51864535910744321092010-02-02T10:52:00.001-08:002010-02-13T08:23:12.715-08:00

Green Flower, acrylic on paper. Pears, watercolor.Man at table, acrylic on paper. Sometimes, images paint themselves.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-84834647487962385922010-01-30T01:30:00.000-08:002010-01-30T21:02:52.942-08:00

Acrylic on paper.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-12863589212842323372010-01-26T13:26:00.000-08:002010-03-20T12:10:20.865-07:00

Rene Magritte's painting, graphics for two very plain naked doors. Split the painting and added my own to the bottom half of doors. Doors face each other across a small entry, an Alice in Wonderland desire to want to know what is behind each door. Left or right?Splashed moss green stain used on the stairs onto paper for a spontaneous cat.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-74519966213434483922009-12-20T12:12:00.000-08:002010-01-26T10:07:29.797-08:00

"the greatest thing is just to love and be loved in return." Nat King Cole singing Nature Boy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq0XJCJ1SrwDoing mostly 4x6 sketches out and about, sketches of sketches and sketchbooks, sort an Escher thing, drawing myself drawing myself.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-61916798345187241112009-09-27T11:01:00.000-07:002009-09-27T12:06:54.200-07:00

japochinenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-44694382794042224482009-09-15T21:15:00.000-07:002009-09-16T09:45:07.060-07:00

Pardon my French. Letter to Rene Magritte. The second envelope painted watching the first episode of Red Shoe Diaries, messy lives. The woman's beauty stops at the surface. The Sea of Cortez where the beauty of ocean never stops.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-57224467491487657502009-08-11T17:24:00.000-07:002010-03-03T22:25:18.042-08:00

Some pages from a 4 x 6 Pro Art sketchbook begun December 2008 with my one inch ceramic Santa and his little house that he stays in during the off season. The paper isn't the best for watercolor and the Uniball pen does bleed through a bit, but the size and texture is comfortable to sketch while standing. The lone pyramid is the in the opening of CSI Las Vegas. The wall of cobras is from Luxor.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-57329617169942382592009-07-12T19:01:00.000-07:002009-07-12T19:49:01.379-07:00

Tea time. Watercolor and sumi ink. Vintage silk doll made in Japan. Didn't need a potholder but couldn't resist the appliquéd fabric shapes. The petite bowl turned out to be antique lacquer which began to crack when I floated a passion flower in water. In its former life, the bowl probably had a flattened doll's head, a silk tassel. The bowl is painted with a kimono design. My favorite thrift

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-28167017418939424682009-07-03T19:39:00.000-07:002011-08-24T18:02:50.902-07:00

The top photo is the temple at Luxor (Thebes). This front section was built by Ramses II 1213 BC. The two earlier sections behind this were built by Tutankhamen and Amen-Hotep, 1327 and 1352 BC. Imagining Egypt, A Living Portrait of the Time of the Pharaohs by Mark Millmore. Millmore creates computer illustrations of temples, structures and artifacts as they may have appeared

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-36871088741900488812009-06-20T05:10:00.000-07:002011-08-24T18:00:35.121-07:00

The wedjat eyes of Horus, the falcon god, all knowing. I started this sketchbook in March. Spent time reading about Egypt before all the faces came together as a people instead of individual statues and sarcophagi. Ancient life had a seasonal rhythm around the rising of the Nile, flooding of the fields, preparing for the crops that will feed a people for the coming year. The pharoah

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-78975200848766080682009-06-11T18:11:00.000-07:002011-08-24T17:58:57.740-07:00

Egyptian facebook. Pakap, overseer of cultivated lands and scribes. Tjayasetimu, 900 BC, singer of god's wife. Padiamente, 700 BC, attendent and doorkeeper of the god Re at Thebes. To the left is more of my antique necklace. Heart scarab from the 18th dynasty. The heart was considered to be the seat of intelligence. It was the only organ left intact during the mummification process. All

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-80935891755049960232009-06-05T15:33:00.000-07:002011-08-24T17:57:30.566-07:00

Egyptian sketch journal via internet photographs and lots of library research. 31 painted panels, 9 feet, in a small accordion moleskine. I am lucky to have a library with a wonderful rare book room. They have a Tuttle book that unfolds to about 9 feet, a continuous folding Japanese painted screen. Thinking about clothes to take to Egypt, my Lizard Island t-shirt, canvas hiking boots, an

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-23142345655611191442009-05-03T20:55:00.000-07:002009-05-03T20:55:01.614-07:00

Just playing with shapes and colors. 9x12 watercolor.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-62926365849868083732009-04-30T20:55:00.000-07:002009-04-30T20:55:02.003-07:00

Sketched the clown key tag last year and decided it would make a good recipe card. Slowly making a collection of sketched recipes for a postcard size album. The plastic pages protect the sketches. 3x5 inch watercolor. Thought this sheer voile blouse was fun.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-77532661195455993192009-04-24T17:55:00.000-07:002009-04-24T17:55:01.521-07:00

Long Beach's grand dame, Villa Riviera Hotel, built 1927 as coop apartments, on the corner of Ocean and Alamitos, faces downtown and acts as hostess to Shoreline Drive, access down to the marina and beach. Sketched giant nasturciums that climbed my fence, then added the Villa a few days later, two skyscrapers.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-4408179119095407252009-04-19T14:16:00.000-07:002011-08-15T08:30:31.494-07:00

Springtime in an urban setting can be like a scavenger hunt, keeping an eye out for a bit of greenery. In this instance, it was some red blotchy leaves on the sidewalk that came home to be painted. Watercolor and pen in a moleskine.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-75116059316939704492009-04-19T05:15:00.000-07:002009-04-19T05:15:00.761-07:00

Still in the mood for red after sketching Cheetos and Cola. Watercolor on molesine.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-91826285719825448972009-04-18T06:55:00.000-07:002009-04-18T18:29:07.895-07:00

Watercolor in moleskine. This compact watercolor set has a clear cover that doubles as a palette. The layers twist together into a compact travel set. Will fill an empty set with my own tube paints, two colors to a circle so I'll only need one layer. .

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-18005678808929503792009-04-10T16:10:00.000-07:002010-03-03T22:15:30.183-08:00

That's a half pound brass belt buckle, a piece of sculpture found in a San Francisco thrift store. I've been looking at it for years, wondering what I was going to do with it. Sketch it of course! The back of the buckle says "Capt. Hawks Sky Patrol" "1977 and Novelty Co." Like to think the Captain is still out there, making more art.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-51839296201443452602009-04-05T17:40:00.000-07:002009-04-05T11:12:56.104-07:00

Good intentions, doing one sketch a day. The bento box was done 3-26, the salad 3-27. My art store got in a fresh supply of moleskines. But they only had the small ones with the perforated pages which takes the watercolor better. I'm not having any luck finding the book without the perfs. The sandwich in the bento box is chicken salad. Minced onion, celery, dill weed, salt, pepper,

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-77367751471781656512009-04-01T17:10:00.000-07:002009-04-03T17:36:34.220-07:00

I bought an inexpensive stack of small bento boxes, very handy for storing and serving small food portions for picnic and New Year's Day. I only recently discovered bento box lunches have become popular in France, a way of portion control for dieting and as an edible art form. Just Bento by Maki has yummy recipes and photographs. I enjoy arranging food most of the time. Sometimes it's just

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-9051355576200624592009-03-29T15:40:00.001-07:002009-03-29T16:57:38.015-07:00

Ran some errands and decided to add a mile walk and some sketching. Forgot my moleskine but had purchased some legal envelopes. At least I had something to sketch on. Parker's Lighthouse takes it roofline from an old building that used to be in the nearby old Pike amusement park. It may have been for the merry-go-round which is reburbished and in Shoreline Village, another subject for future

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-31497195645746823692009-03-25T14:34:00.000-07:002009-03-29T16:23:51.280-07:00

An antique dish, handpainted leaf pattern from Japan, probably 1940's. It's stamped JAPAN on the bottom. Cheetos and cola, treats to lure myself to finish the bookkeeping for tax time.Yesterday's breakfast of coffee and danish on another antique dish, heavy clear glass tea set probably from the 1920's. A raised bubble or popcorn pattern on the bottom. Bright orange Japanese cotton scarf with

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-13584737560284770162009-03-22T18:01:00.001-07:002009-03-22T19:37:04.485-07:00

Sandy and I did a sketchcrawl this afternoon at Shoreline Village, Long Beach, a shopping restaurant area with marina, views of the Queen Mary and the new Pike Place built on the grave of the wild and wooly old Pike amusement park. The rickety rides, ferris wheel and tatoo parlors began to disappear in the early 1980's. The new Pike opened a few years ago.The cold winds made people hurry by.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-76034418308847801462009-03-18T09:02:00.000-07:002009-03-18T17:14:00.142-07:00

This last 5 x 9 foot canvas was unfinished at the bottom, right side and several fish shapes in the middle. The Aquarium of the Pacific produced 30 canvases for Art Miles day last month, students, members and staff painted sea life and some created images to remind people actions have reactions on our environment. Adults had as much fun as the children. Art should be fun.The starfish holding the

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-22489294142038460812009-03-04T17:00:00.000-08:002009-03-04T17:28:13.651-08:00

SHAMBALA The Sacred Path of the WarriorBy Chogyam TrungpaPage 11 “The key to warriorship and the first principle of Shambala vision is not being afraid of who you are. Ultimately, that is the definition of bravery: not being afraid of yourself. Shambala vision teaches that, in the face of the world’s great problems, we can be heroic and kind at the same time. Shambhala vision is the opposite

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-12382921459082102342009-02-28T17:18:00.001-08:002009-03-29T16:24:36.223-07:00

Have not been spending much time sketching, mostly simple contour line drawings then I saw Picasso's Girl Before a Mirror, 1932, and I had to paint it. The act of trying to paint this makes me look at shapes, line, color and appreciate even more what he has done. The model was Picasso's favorite mistress, at the time. I used Allposters.com and penciled in the watermark by mistake on her breast

japochinenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-63344634384304841722009-02-28T14:28:00.000-08:002009-02-28T14:28:00.947-08:00

"The Return of the Other Sock"It was a day like any other summer day. Warm, dry, lots of sun.An hour before sunset, he suddenly appeared, from out of nowhere. The white silky sock fell out of a folded pair of shorts.He had been missing for four months. Only worn once than vanished. She asked but he wasn't talking. They were a pair once again."For all the unmatched socks that hung around my

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-62969131740612183472009-02-12T17:10:00.000-08:002009-02-12T17:10:00.489-08:00

One of the canvases I prepared for Art Miles at the aquarium. I cut out fish shapes, taped them down, painted ocean swirls over them and the children painted them with lots of color and pattern. I had the sperm whale at the top doing a vaudeville routine, enters on the left, exits on the right at the same time. I look forward to seeing photos of the finished canvas. My favorite place to view

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-80809988931268088152009-02-11T17:55:00.000-08:002009-02-11T18:59:36.397-08:00

The Aquarium of the Pacific hosted the global Art Miles project. http://www.the-art-miles-mural-project.org/ I helped mentor the painting stations under the whale. The other painting stations were reserved for school and home schooled children, who came with sketches and ideas. I handled walk up children and adults. On the morning canvas I had outlined a herd of sperm whales across the top like a

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-62622690202631428462009-01-27T17:55:00.000-08:002009-01-27T17:55:00.644-08:00

I've always enjoyed Leger's cubist period during the 1920's and the very few watercolors I've seen. I've never been successful viewing any books on his work so I was thrilled to find 133 paintings online. I was so pleased I had to do a quick watercolor of the kitchen still life below. Went right into the above of three nudes. Both watercolors are on bristol board, 5x7 below, 7x9 above. Have

japochinenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-45948049376891045752009-01-21T20:45:00.000-08:002009-01-21T20:42:50.405-08:00

Hokusai's graphic interpretation of water feels fresh and contemporary. I sketched the lower left corner. Uniball vision pen and watercolor in moleskine. Below is the print from Hokusai, 1955 edition published by Charles Tuttle Company.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-20344625521032652832009-01-13T17:55:00.000-08:002009-01-13T17:55:00.605-08:00

The 24th view of a fiery Mt. Fuji."Despite his appeals to heaven for “yet another decade—nay, even another five years,” on the 18th day of the fourth month of the Japanese calendar “the old man mad with painting,” as he called himself, breathed his last. He was 89 but still insatiably seeking for an ultimate truth in art—as he had written 15 years earlier:"From the age of five I have had a mania

japochinenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-59056184517727474452009-01-08T17:55:00.000-08:002009-01-08T17:43:13.425-08:00

23rd view of Hokusai's 24 Views of Mt. Fuji. From a Shinto Shrine in Edo. Above the clouds and the firetower. Near, far, high, low, big, small. Fujiyama appears small in the distance until you notice the men working on the roof. Hokusai directs the eye in a circle. Uniball Vision pen in pocketbook moleskine.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-32953036690074701472009-01-07T16:55:00.000-08:002009-01-08T13:31:59.278-08:00

8 quick sketches made cozied up under the comforters watching CSI Crime Scene for the first time. Haven't owned a television for years but am enjoying the novelty of online TV shows and movies. After two sketches of episode 9 and 8 I sketched the bedroom from left to right. Some took less than 2 minutes. 7PM episode 9730 episode 8815 lamp818 lamp, opening, doorway820 other opening, armoire,

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-81012074201990302532009-01-04T08:46:00.000-08:002009-01-04T10:21:00.305-08:00

Forgot that I had taken a photo of this sketch in progress. I keep a little tablet to test my paint and smooth out my brush point. I've been saving the little pages, thinking someday I'll collage them like quilt pieces. Light barely sweet pastry with a thin swirl of Bavarian creame from Yamazaki bakery in Little Tokyo. I sketched the waffle full size so I could play with the texture. The

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-75177975000017234232008-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:002008-12-31T23:59:01.431-08:00

22nd of Hokusai's 24 views of Mt. Fuji from the Sumida River. Micron pen in watercolor pocketbook moleskine.Looking forward to the first day of a new year.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-79894505647458848942008-12-29T05:10:00.000-08:002008-12-29T05:10:00.802-08:00

21st view of Hokusai's 24 views of Mt. Fuji from the Totomi Mountains. Micron pen in watercolor pocketsize moleskine.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-75771253921211619002008-12-28T15:37:00.000-08:002008-12-28T18:05:09.067-08:00

20th of Hokusai's 24 views of Mt. Fuji from Inume Pass. Micron pen in watercolor pocketbook moleskine. I included the sketch before I added more color to the mountain. 20th view

japochinenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-56508401310558754522008-12-26T10:10:00.000-08:002008-12-26T10:10:00.569-08:00

Like an elaborate scene from bunraku, the clouds are puppets playing a supporting role to Mt. Fuji. The waves are bent in a similar angle. The finger of land echoes the same curve, all movement in harmony. 19th of Hokusai's 24 views of Mt. Fuji from Shichirigahama. Micron pen in watercolor pocketbook moleskine.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-83761869149382607112008-12-24T17:52:00.001-08:002008-12-24T18:32:07.915-08:00

This is the extent of this year's decorations, a one inch ceramic Santa and his flip top house where he hibernates in the off-season. Other things took priority this month. Treated myself to this little sketch in a new small Pro-Art sketch book. Thick paper, okay for ink, not okay for watercolor. It soaks up the color and turns the color an antique less bright tint but I know that so I expect

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-49974751120642226722008-12-23T05:10:00.000-08:002008-12-23T05:10:00.778-08:00

Waves, waves and more waves. Hokusai's giant waves sketched in 3.5 x 5 watercolor moleskine and accordian moleskine. At the bottom is the Tuttle book of Hokusai's (24) Views of Mt. Fuji, printed in Japan, with it's protective slipcover box. The Amazon dealer described it as a 1967 edition but the inside page only lists the 1965 edition date (for those who enjoy old books). The paper is thin,

japochinenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-84230761906259228902008-12-22T14:22:00.000-08:002008-12-22T14:22:00.579-08:00

17th view from Lake Suwa."I lean heavily upon my staff. Live a little, die a little. I have reached my tenth station and I still do not know whether Fuji is giving me strength or taking it from me. Both, perhaps." From the 10th chapter of "The 24 Views of Mt. Fuji by Hokusai" by Roger Zelazny. A novella of less than 80 pages, 24 chapters.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-19418857048136648032008-12-21T15:18:00.001-08:002008-12-21T15:33:19.608-08:00

For my Cinderella moment I would like to feel like Audrey Hepburn in that dress and gloves from Breakfast at Tiffany's. The operative word is "feel". There is only one Audrey and no one could duplicate that inner glow. Acrylic on paper then cut into shapes.Mother and child collage from magazine scraps.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-14915472112519171352008-12-20T09:33:00.000-08:002009-01-03T09:00:05.052-08:00

Despite his appeals to heaven for “yet another decade—nay, even another five years,” on the 18th day of the fourth month of the Japanese calendar “the old man mad with painting,” as he called himself, breathed his last. He was 89 but still insatiably seeking for an ultimate truth in art—as he had written 15 years earlier:Excerpt from Encyclopedia Britannica"From the age of five I have had a mania

japochinenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-13124842143481160172008-12-17T17:55:00.000-08:002008-12-17T17:55:00.569-08:00

View of Mt. Fuji from Tsukudajima in Edo. The mailman delivered a box of holiday cookies from my stepmother, almond biscotti and crisp oatmeal raisin, my favorites. A treat for a cold rainy day. Need to get serious and bake up my own batch of almond biscotti for next week.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-34377588881987421982008-12-16T17:10:00.000-08:002009-01-03T08:58:33.057-08:00

View from Meguro in Edo. 14th of the 24 Views of Mt. Fuji. I've finished my sketches and have gone on to other prints of Hokusai. Now we're getting into linework that inspired Van Gogh. He copied several Ukiyo-e prints, one of geishas and Hiroshige's Sudden Rain.Van Gogh's letter to his sister. "When we study Japanese art, we see a man who is no doubt wise, philosophical and intelligent. And

japochinenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-21313038225745788072008-12-13T08:15:00.000-08:002008-12-13T08:15:00.091-08:00

Mt. Fuji from Koishikawa in Edo. A nice view, tea and rest on this journey.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-51481768924398148012008-12-12T17:55:00.000-08:002008-12-12T17:55:01.620-08:00

Always nice to reach the halfway point. 12th view from Lake Kawaguchi. Hokusai, at almost 90 (1760 - 1849), wanted another 10 years to accomplish more projects. He used thirty different names to sign his work and lived in almost 90 homes at one time or another. An aggressive man, unafraid to call attention to himself in sensational ways. In later years, he even signed his works "The Art-Crazy

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-84411788662563173632008-12-12T17:32:00.001-08:002009-01-04T15:48:06.689-08:00

.flickr-photo { }.flickr-frame { float: right; text-align: center; margin-left: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Hokusai's Mt Fuji and Warhol, originally uploaded by aiko-sumida. Andy Warhol would have eventually done Hokusai.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-36771862105881840022008-12-10T13:47:00.000-08:002008-12-10T14:31:51.012-08:00

Black page books hold clippings and scraps, sometimes arranged in collages, for visual stimulus and some are from travel and events like museum shows, Calder in San Francisco, Magritte in LA, Van Gogh in Amsterdam. Where I keep the things I will never wear, like outrageous apple green satin Jimmy Choo heels with tomato red undersoles. These binders are filled with plastic sleeves that hold

japochinenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-11508295513160240922008-12-09T21:55:00.000-08:002008-12-09T21:55:00.628-08:00

11th of Hokusai's 24 views of Fujiyama at Mishima-goe. Starting to feel refreshed with optimism that I can complete this journey, now that I am near the midpoint.Rendered with blue ball point pen and sumi ink. 3 1/2 x 5 inch pocketbook moleskine.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-18291880656837699702008-12-07T13:15:00.000-08:002008-12-07T14:45:42.100-08:00

My drawing space in what used to be a balcony until it grew up to be a room. The accordian moleskine begun in Monterey. My back is to the wall and the desk faces west into the room. Open space and nothing to distract my vision while I work. Minimal tools, micron pen, dip pen, sumi ink, Winsor Newton paintbox. I use the computer keyboard pullout table to store a paint tray, ruler. The little

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-82873453138689814792008-12-06T05:10:00.000-08:002008-12-06T11:57:45.343-08:00

Hokusai waxes lyrical, the wind bend the paths and people. Everything bends to the will of the wind except the mighty mountain.This is my journey, record the 24 views of Mt. Fuji through the mind's eye of Hokusai, sketch what is no longer there, except for Fuji-san. When I reach the 24th view, I will have found what I was looking for. Ukiyo-e, pictures of the floating world, portray the

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-39957989937495944572008-12-05T20:00:00.000-08:002008-12-05T20:00:00.535-08:00

The Stranger, an old black and white drama with Orson Welles and Loretta Young. The dramatic backlighting in this scene barely outlines their profiles. Paused it and sketched first in pencil then Micron pen. Filled the background on the computer. Just for fun, I sometimes use online movies for life drawing.I prefer the sketch without the black background. Maybe I'll play with a sepia wash.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-23284199884601102902008-12-05T00:05:00.000-08:002008-12-05T00:05:00.989-08:00

Under the torii at the Shinto shrine at Noborito. The 9th of Hokusai's 24 views of Fujiyama.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-41628648804882515242008-12-01T00:01:00.000-08:002008-12-01T00:01:00.401-08:00

Fishermen of Tagonoura, the 8th view.Pocketbook moleskine floating world journey of Hokusai's 24 Views of Mt. Fuji.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-24255409743461618072008-11-28T07:11:00.000-08:002008-11-28T07:25:50.083-08:00

7th view from the foot of firey Fujiyama. "tiger tiger burning brightin the forests of the night" Hokusai is showing me his 24 views of Fujiyama and I am recording his vision along the way to the next view. One view at a time in my moleskine.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-715101302366679822008-11-26T15:56:00.001-08:002008-11-27T12:35:03.688-08:00

Frans Masereel. 1889-1972, master woodcut artist of novels without words. Spent an hour in the library with the large Rizzoli book of his graphic images. My library has a rare books section. Made a pencil sketch in my pocketbook moleskine of Frans as a young man. Added his hero rising towards his idea/ideal sun symbol.Cineman8 has created some professional videos on youtube with surprisingly

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-77187365564279961722008-11-25T20:30:00.000-08:002008-11-25T20:30:01.078-08:00

The fisherman from Kajikazawa. Pocketbook moleskine journey of Hokusai's 24 Views of Mt. Fuji.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-15889783041619708842008-11-23T09:59:00.000-08:002008-11-23T09:59:00.706-08:00

Under the Mannen Bridge in Fukagawa. City traffic and Fujiyama is so distant.Pocketbook moleskine journey of Hokusai's 24 Views of Mt. Fuji.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-48651279710626678302008-11-21T18:07:00.001-08:002008-11-22T12:46:46.361-08:00

Spent most of the time walking along the coastline and through neighborhoods of beautiful well preserved homes. Did more walking than sketching, a bit intimidated how to fill this neverending scroll of paper. Decided to just have fun that's when the cat made its appearance.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-89289411519826628342008-11-21T05:01:00.000-08:002008-11-21T05:01:00.646-08:00

The Tama River in Murashino. This stop is refreshing, looking down at the placid water. 4th of Hokusai's 24 Views of Mt. Fuji.Pocketbook moleskine journey through Hokusai's floating world.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-80608852398649831062008-11-19T11:19:00.000-08:002008-11-19T17:28:33.859-08:00

Fuji from Hodogaya. View 3 of 24 woodblock prints by Hokusai. I am a bit tired at this view. Perhaps it's the exertion of the long journey for everyone. Pocketbook moleskine journey through Hokusai's floating world.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-58641757629009709882008-11-16T13:23:00.000-08:002008-11-16T13:23:00.465-08:00

2nd view from a teahouse in Yoshida on the eastern coast route.Pocketbook moleskine journey of Hokusai's 24 Views of Mt. Fuji.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-30999878213577412972008-11-15T15:33:00.000-08:002008-11-15T15:33:00.421-08:00

24 views of Mt. Fuji, out of over a hundred views, woodblock prints by Hokusai. This is the barrel maker in Owari. Pocketbook moleskine journey of Hokusai's floating world.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-16092087262457204732008-11-14T15:30:00.000-08:002008-11-23T19:52:45.049-08:00

Can't complain about the ocean location for jury duty. View from the 3rd floor in Long Beach, Ocean Blvd, looking west towards the oil refineries in Torrance. Speilberg used them, turned upside down, for the spaceship in Close Encounters. They do look more glamorous at night. Long Beach doesn't have the natural beauty of San Francisco but tourists find it attractive. Someplace else always

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-56775442026158403632008-11-07T17:10:00.000-08:002008-11-07T17:43:40.359-08:00

Something silly while I was using pears for models. A birthday card. I'm caught up with making sketches of Hokusai's 24 Views of Mount Fuji. A sort of journey in my head. Working on view 4 and still have to finish 2 and 3. Work in progress. How to deal with Hokusai's meticulous woodcuts especially in the much smaller size of the moleskine. Hope to finish the views before posting them.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-39756837259595904572008-11-06T17:10:00.000-08:002008-11-06T17:06:21.189-08:00

Santa Rosa hill country. Randy's house built on the side of a hill is full of things about him. Musical instruments, textiles from India, music, artwork, memories from the 60's. Lots of stories. He even had a sweat teepee at the top of the hill.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-13447879949556773832008-10-24T17:59:00.000-07:002008-10-24T17:59:00.279-07:00

Miss the vineyards and lush hills in northern California, the way vines and orchards form quilt patterns on the hills. I appreciate the nearness of the beach and add brighter colors to the concrete landscape of downtown Long Beach.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-5709780419063942592008-10-18T17:55:00.000-07:002008-10-18T17:55:00.183-07:00

Bits and pieces make up a life. Some people count fishes. Warm love. A breath of life.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-87980060256344923432008-10-17T17:55:00.000-07:002008-10-19T21:21:32.647-07:00

Pre-sketch for moleskine. I like it better than the one in the moleskine. Looser and more life in it. Mini bottle of Tabasco from a stay on the Queen Mary Hotel, small Wasabi tin, Japanese tea tin and old rusty Chinese Po Nee Tea. I thought if I sketched these then I would be more willing to let go of them, someday, maybe.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-82543497186783645772008-10-11T10:11:00.000-07:002008-10-11T14:00:38.946-07:00

Drew some things I found attractive, bits and pieces from various magazines. Strawberries from photo taken by kazumiwannabe. Blue ballpoint pen in moleskine.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-37753985129832064032008-10-10T10:10:00.000-07:002008-10-10T10:10:00.404-07:00

View into the bedroom, late afternoon breeze. Removed the door and two panels of obscure glass to open the space, let in more sun. Buddha, stage left, isn't really hanging out in the bedroom. Just imaginary.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929654525494292377.post-10517788324847917672008-10-03T17:10:00.000-07:002008-10-03T17:11:51.628-07:00

Hitchcock filmed "The Birds" at Bodega Bay. This church is in Bodega, about 5 miles south.

japochinenoreply@blogger.com1