While living in Japan, it was in 1998 that I met a notable Nihonga artist who took me under her wing and taught me the secrets of this ancient and beautiful style of painting that dates back over a thousand years. I instantly fell in love with the brilliant colors, unique texture and vibrant natural shimmer found in the crushed mineral pigments.
Becoming an assistant and apprentice of Atsuko Miwa, I subsequently became influenced by her lifelong teacher, a nationally renowned master Nihonga painter, Takayama Tatsuo (1931-2007).
I also deeply admire and aspire to the work of Kaii Higashiyama, who is known for his soft landscapes. I share his deep reverence for nature and aspire to also communicate this appreciation through painting, in addition to photography. Additionally, I have been inspired by Ikuo Hirayama who is known for his evocative works of Tibet and the Silk Road.
My mentor, Atsuko Miwa, continues to show her work and has participated as a judge at the annual Nitten - The Japanese Fine Arts Exhibition, held at the National Arts Centre, Tokyo. She is known for her vibrant portraits and pioneering technical style.
While still practicing with various mediums, such as oils and pastels, I have found the inherent beauty Japanese colors render unsurpassed. Consequently, Nihonga remains my preferred choice and true means of passion.
The pigments are derived from crushed minerals, semi-precious stones, shells, corals and other sources from nature. Gold and silver are also often used either in powder form, or thin leaf or flakes. Minerals are heated and ground to change the tone of their natural color. Colors are identified by particle size: the finer the powder, the lighter the color.
The beauty of Nihonga lies in it's rich color, ethereal hues and unique texture. The intricate layering process, the brilliance or natural shimmer of pigments, of which can be seen when light is focused on the painting, and the special texture created as a result of the very fine sand-grain pigments are all characteristic of Nihonga.
If you would like to find out more about traditional Japanese painting or are interested in commissioning a painting using any media, please contact me directly.
Sunflowers (miwa)
Nihonga, or Traditional Japanese painting.
18" x 21"
Water based paint, or Iwa Enogu. Pigments are derived from crushed minerals and various sources of nature.
A traditional board covered with washi paper is used.
'Sunflowers' was jury selected in 2003 for exhibit at the Setagaya Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan.
Nihonga, or Traditional Japanese painting.
18" x 21"
Water based paint, or Iwa Enogu. Pigments are derived from crushed minerals and various sources of nature. A traditional board covered with washi paper is used.
For me, this painting most closely illustrates traditional Nihonga, as it is in reverence of nature and I tried my best to capture the quiet beauty of the natural world.
The technique I chose for the eucalyptus leaves was inspired by a master Nihonga painter whom I deeply admire, Uemura Shoko, although I have decades or lifetimes more study before I come close to his mastery.
'Gentle Heart' was selected for a juried art exhibit at the Setagaya Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan. October, 2005.
Nihonga, or Traditional Japanese painting.
18" x 21"
Water based paint, or Iwa Enogu. Pigments are derived from crushed minerals and various sources of nature.
A traditional board covered with washi paper is used.
'Enchanting Night' received a Silver Award at a juried art exhibit in 2006 at the Setagaya Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan.
Nihonga, or Traditional Japanese painting.
17.5" x 23.5"
Water based paint, or Iwa Enogu. Pigments are derived from crushed minerals and various sources of nature.
A traditional board covered with washi paper is used.
'Sunflowers II' was selected for a juried art auction in 2006, held at The University of Women's Club Vancouver-Hycroft. Vancouver, British Columbia.
Zou, or Elephant in Japanese.
Nihonga, or Traditional Japanese painting.
16" x 12.5"
Water based paint, or Iwa Enogu. Pigments are derived from crushed minerals and various sources of nature.
A traditional board covered with washi paper is used.
'Zou' was selected for a juried art exhibit in 2008, at the Setagaya Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan.
Nihonga, or Traditional Japanese Painting.
21" x 18"
Water based paint, or Iwa Enogu. Pigments are derived from crushed minerals and various sources of nature.
A traditional board covered with washi paper is used.
'Still Life with Lilies' was selected for a juried art exhibit in 2007, at the Setagaya Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan.
Oil painting
12" x 16'
While staying at Fuji guesthouse in Nippori, Tokyo, Japan, I often saw this beautiful white cat sitting in his owner's bicycle
basket outside of their house, across from the entrance to my guesthouse.
I took a few pictures of this cat sitting in the basket and later referred to the images to create this painting after returning to Canada.
Acrylic painting.
16" x 20"