May 2026
I have been searching for the best vistas in East Asia for the past half year, so that makes me no stranger to stairs. Lots and lots of stairs. But no matter. Once at the top, it’s sometimes very much worth it, and there is nothing like the fresh energy of a beautiful view. The light and the wind are always changing, so my style has become more impressionist and spontaneous to go with the flow. It’s allowed me to use more Chinese styling in my paintings, which I”m very happy about.
Stairs have also allowed me to reach new heights of knowledge. After climbing some stairs to visit the National Palace Museum in Taipei, I now understand why the minimalist, line-heavy landscapes with very muted colors have been an enduring style for thousands of years. It brings a sense of calm that is completely opposite from the way I was taught to paint in Western watercolors. Less is really more.
My time in the flat areas of Osaka and Busan has also inspired me to explore waterscapes and to start balancing mountain views with rivers and beaches. Ultimately, that is the best combination, according to Chinese landscape philosophy, and in person viewing it, I agree.
My energy during this trip has mostly been spent on scouting, but I anticipate on my next trips that I’ll be able to revisit my favorite vistas and capture the feeling of those views even more.
Dec. 2025
Year two has taken my focus much more into the style of Chinese brush painting. Most of my work has been done exclusively on xuan and mulberry papers, which have taught me to appreciate the energy of brush strokes. There is but one chance to paint a clean brush stroke on this unforgiving paper. And so, everything from color mixing, water control, to length, pressure, and curvature of every brush stroke needs focus and confidence to turn out well.
Finding the right environment has been supremely important. I’ve found inspiration in the mountains in the SF Bay Area, in the flower fields in Hamamatsu, Japan, and most of all, on the peaks in Seoul, South Korea. My life has become similar to a Shaolin monk in training. Most days I hike up to the mountain peak to soak in the view and meditate before practicing my brush strokes like one would do Taichi.
After developing my artistic style a little more, I was honored to have two of my paintings featured by a premiere Japanese calligraphy store in May of this year.
Thank you for taking the time to look at my work! I hope your day is filled with the healing beauty of nature. 
Nov. 2024
This has been an exciting year in my watercolor journey with many firsts, including my first gallery exhibition, my first plein air experience abroad, and the launch of my website! Like the flowers I painted in Japan, cosmos or “autumn sakura” which sounds like “autumn baby”, I feel like I blossomed into a new me this past year. I’m pleased with what I’ve created so far and foresee many more great pieces to come.
Most of my paintings are available for sale.
Please inquire at [email protected] for details.