Process and Materials
My artistic process fuses the spontaneous energy of Asian arts with Western classical mastery. I begin each watercolor portrait with fluid spontaneity - letting vivid pigments intermingle organically wet-on-wet, unleashing each bird's distinctive essence naturally. This visceral approach avoids sketches, instead honoring their unbridled spirits as layers build, capturing raw beauty with authenticity.
Crucially, my process stems from meticulous habitat studies across the globe, not photographs. By absorbing birds' unique movements firsthand, I convey intense energy through permanent, expressive strokes. To further liberate their vibrant essences, I unleash traditional Gansai pigments from Kyoto - glossy, concentrated colors of unparalleled vibrancy underscored by fluid sumi-é brushwork lending textural depth.
These emboldened visions awaken with archival permanence on handcrafted Arches cotton rag paper. My limited editions cement original details through stringent in-house production, preventing fading over generations.
Natural Hair Brushes
I use high-quality natural hair watercolor brushes, in sizes starting from large to small, to achieve both sweeping wash strokes and short, precise strokes. Harmony Quill Brushes, handcrafted from the finest blue squirrel hair, are my go-to tools. Their unique ability to hold a vast amount of color and maintain a fine point enables me to create works with fluidity and intricate detail, capturing the unbridled energy and life force of the birds I paint.
Gansai
The Kissho Gansai 日本画材料 吉祥: 会社案内 watercolors and iron bowl paints I use are crafted from natural ingredients like oyster shells and semi-precious stones, embodying the Japanese tradition of creating pigments from the earth. I carefully select colors that align with nature's palette and my avian subjects, such as the vibrant "shu" (vermilion) for the cardinal's plumage, the deep blue-green "sei" for the heron's back, the muted gray "nibi-iro" (gray) for the sandhill crane's feathers, and the soft green "uguisu-cha" (bush warbler tea) for the surrounding grasses.
This mindful approach to color is central to my process. The pigments, sourced from nature, are used to depict the natural world, completing a meaningful cycle that imbues each painting with harmony and authenticity. Through the combination of traditional Japanese materials, color symbolism, and my artistic vision, I create timeless works celebrating the beauty and spirit of the avian world while honoring the profound connection between nature and art.
East Meets West
I employ the sumi-e approach to brushwork, which emphasizes the beauty of each individual brushstroke. This technique allows me to imbue each painting with a sense of life and energy, capturing the essence of my subjects rather than merely rendering a photographic likeness. My classical training and years of life drawing experience have helped me to balance the spontaneity of Asian brushwork with the anatomical accuracy and detail of Western art. By drawing from both traditions, I create works that unite the raw vitality of nature with the depth of artistic expression, resulting in portraits that feel both alive and carefully crafted.
Still Curious?
Dive into the details of my process and more in my Frequently Asked Questions.
