Japan Trip, Kanazawa

Thank you for waiting for the post. I’ve submitted the storyboard and all colour roughs of a picture book project funded by Australia Gov! Hurrah! Busy, but very happy and fun. Picture book illustration often requires painstaking efforts and research. Back to the topic, our Japan trip. 

After Matsushima, Libby Hathorn and I visited Kanazawa for research. I collected data on shrines and temples, too. This is a shrine. I began to understand the differences between Buddhism temples and Shinto shrines in architecture. Such information has become my references for illustration. 

As well as shrines and temples, I was very interested in old fashioned houses or Higashi Chaya and a famous garden, “Kenrokuen”, historical places and a Japanese castle. This place is called, "Higashi Chaya." Libby and I looked around Basho visited temple, an old samurai owned house and historical spots. They have become my great references. A guide kindly explained the facts very well and helped our understandings.  

Kenrokuen is known for the beautiful garden that has Basho's haiku spots. We walked through lovely trees, flowers and a sweet air on mosses. Unlike Australia, it's relatively humid. There were ponds, too. Landscapes are very beautiful.  

Now, I'm enjoying creating the images for the picture book in Sydney. I deeply thank you for the staff at Japanese hotels, a kind guide and lovely Japanese people who helped us. Libby and I will create an interesting picture book on Basho and children! 

Thank you very much for support! 

You, too, Friends, enjoy drawing and illustration. 

Happy Painting! 

Japan Trip, Kanazawa