I love to watch the ocean. Waves come and go, and the more I stare into them, the faster time flies away.
I heard that when a wave comes, at that time a baby is born and when wave goes, at that time a person dies. I don’t know if it’s true or not. But it makes sense to me visually. And when baby is born, at fist baby breathes out and when a person dies, probably he/she breathes in.
Some people goes to ocean to pray for the year at Sunrise on New Year’s day in the East side of Japan. Watching the sun comes out from the ocean, it’s very special and splendid feeling.
Before I painted these paintings, I watched waves for hours as sketching, because when I sketch, I remember a scene better. Also as sketching, I design my painting, and I want to paint everything as deeply as I can, including all atmosphere which I felt there.
161. Ocean - watercolor, 11" x 30"
I painted “161. Ocean†in watercolor in 2003. It’s more difficult than in oil, because I can’t just add more paint to cover up mistakes. So, I planned carefully and painted, wet into wet, and sprayed water on the painting to create fascinating texture.
306. Ocean 2 - 36" x 12"oil on wrapped canvas
Oil is different. It’s very forgiving. So when I painted “306. Ocean II”, I painted more freely, and painted till done. After I painted, I felt so good. The result was the oil painting had a more spontaneous and realistic appearance than watercolor one. Their quality and nature are different. I love both of them. Watercolor is much finer pigment than oil paint. So, it’s too bad that it looks faded on the screen and fine details don’t show up as clearly. Whenever I run into the man who bought “161. Ocean†in watercolor, he mentions that he enjoys the painting every day.
Thank you for sharing updates of your pieces. I am a longtime admirer of your work, and appreciate your comments about the differences about painting in watercolor and oil. It enhances appreciation for your fine works. And your language is lovely!
I’m thrilled to see that you’ve started a blog. I just love your work and find myself lost often in your masterpieces. I have the privilege owning 4 of your prints: After storm at Ford House, Mendocino Headlands at Sunset II, To Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, and one similar to Big River in the Foggy Morning (it’s not on your site anymore and I can’t remember the name). You are by far my favorite artist and Mendocino is a town that has stolen my heart! Your recent painting Autumn Sunset took my breath away. I’m wondering though…why are all of your most recent paintings in oil? Have you decided to use oil over watercolor? I myself paint occasionally and choose watercolor as my medium. The vividness of your watercolors are just remarkable. I know you’ve now relocated to San Diego but I’m hoping you’ll pay many visits to Mendocino as to continue painting gorgeous landscapes of the headlands and ocean. The palm trees of San Diego, to me, don’t hold the same memorizing effect as the rugged beauty of the Mendocino coastline. Thank you for keeping your fans up to date on your work!!
Hi Katie,
Thank you for your sweet comment.
“one similar to Big River in the Foggy Morning (it’s not on your site anymore and I can’t remember the name)” Isn’t it “127. Big river in Fog”?
“Have you decided to use oil over watercolor?” I don’t decide to quit painting watercolor. Still I paint small ones in watercolor. Painting a big painting in watercolor, my way to paint, I paint on flat; it means that I have to bend over the paint all day for a week. It kills my back. Painting oil painting, I can paint as standing straight and during painting, my body is moving around, makes my body happier. Sometimes in San Diego it’s too dry, so paint get dry too fast for my technique.
I’m so glad that you like my “321. Autumn Sunsetâ€. That painting is in Oil. I hope that I can have a show at the Highlight gallery or some gallery in Northern California where you can come to see the original painting in person. And you will see the detail, which I can’t explain well in words. And the effect wouldn’t happen in watercolor. I love Watermixable Oil paint, which I’m using. The color is so vivid like watercolor and has more different possibilities. I’m exciting finding new appearance of paintings.
I appreciate you big support. I will keep up good works from my heart.
Mariko
Hi Christine,
Thank you for your kind comment and support.
I’m looking forward to sharing more and more with you.
Mariko