Category: Genre – Land/City/Seascape

Posted on

A Road to Contemplation: Tekapo’s Stillness

Oil Painting – 87.5 x 58 cm

This oil painting captures the serene beauty of a remote spot near Tekapo Lake, where the road stretches endlessly without a trace of pavement, and the solitude is palpable. As I ventured through this desolate landscape in my car, I found myself completely alone, surrounded by the vivid blue sky and ever-shifting clouds. The image is imbued with a sense of quietude, with only a charming puddle on the unpaved road serving as a reminder of the natural world’s gentle presence.

In this tranquil setting, I couldn’t help but be reminded of a verse from the Khaggavisana Sutta: A Rhinoceros, which speaks of renouncing violence and the allure of solitude. The line “Go Alone Like A Rhinoceros’ Horn” resonated deeply with my experience as I wandered through this untouched landscape, free from the distractions of modern life. The painting captures the essence of solitude and the beauty of a solitary journey, encouraging us to embrace moments of quiet contemplation and self-discovery.

Renouncing violence
for all living beings,
harming not even a one,
you would not wish for offspring,
so how a companion?
Wander alone
like a rhinoceros.

For a sociable person
there are allurements;
on the heels of allurement, this pain.
Seeing allurement’s drawback,
wander alone
like a rhinoceros.

One whose mind
is enmeshed in sympathy
for friends & companions,
neglects the true goal.
Seeing this danger in intimacy,
wander alone
like a rhinoceros.

– from Khaggavisana Sutta: A Rhinoceros

Posted on

Street View: A Kaleidoscope of Colors

Water colour – on 300 GSM Paper (41 x 25cm)

This is my watercolor painting of a bustling restaurant area located near Tokyo, Japan, created in 2017. I usually prefer a realistic style in my paintings, but occasionally I use a looser style to emphasize the use of color.

The painting captures the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the area, with towering buildings that are bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. I depicted the locals making their way down the street towards the nearby bars, adding to the sense of movement and energy in the scene. The atmosphere is both peaceful and inviting, evoking a sense of relaxation and contentment. The colorful lights from the bars blend together seamlessly, creating a mesmerizing kaleidoscope-like effect that adds to the overall charm of the scene.

Posted on

A Drunken Snowfall

Watercolor – on 300 GSM paper (41 x 25cm)

In late 2013, I traveled back to Korea after my time in New Zealand and continued my travels around. While exploring, I spent some time in Japan, where my habit of drinking led me to seek out bars even at night. One evening, while wandering through the streets under the influence, I was awestruck by the sight of snowflakes falling from the sky.

The snow, along with the lights and reflections on the street, appeared to me as an artistic masterpiece. I made a mental note to capture the scene through a photograph and later converted it into a painting in 2017.

This painting still conveys the mix of emotions, drunkenness, and enchanting ambiance that I experienced at the time. The painting was executed in a loose style, despite my usual preference for tight realism. The colors used in the painting were nearly a perfect match for my personal taste, resulting in a piece that satisfied me greatly.

However, I ended up giving the painting to a friend and have since regretted that decision. Last winter, there was a heavy snowfall in Dunedin, and I missed the opportunity to capture it through a photo. But I learned my lesson and plan to take more pictures of snowy scenes in the future.