some more urban studies in Tokyo

a selection of quick sketches from Shibuya and Akihibara, Tokyo...love those wrapped buildings undergoing renovation and re-skinning, love those intricate light fixtures and of course love Godzilla...

Some urban studies in the Hibiya area...

An early sketch view of a Maki Fumihiko building, the exterior stair tower and landscaped areas...and a thin tower structure that fascinated me for years...I wonder if it is still standing?

Daisenya, Shizuoka, Japan

My first time to stay at an old historical inn or ryokan with an onsen was at a place called Daisenya, located in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan. The building was old and tembling with creaking floors and drafty spaces and so fascinating and allowed me the chance to study the way spaces were laid out, tatami mat orientations, and shoji window and door screen details. Sadly, I have heard that the inn was demolished and replaced with a far less interesting structure made of concrete and steel...

Some other views of Japan

Another sampling of some sketches from early years in Japan, revealing the wonderful spaces and details that you find during the exploration of the the country and the city of Tokyo and Nikko. The lower image shows a collection of outdoor fishing ponds where you can find an assortment of fisherman spending their hours casting and catching fish...

Onsen in Manza, Japan

One of the true delights and not to miss experiences on the island of Japan, is the onsen, the rotenburo, the outdoor hot spring pools. My first truly outdoor experience was in Manza, up in the mountains close to a number of ski resorts. There is nothing like soaking in a hot outdoor pool, with falling snow, and a bottle of sake. The two sketches show the outdoor pool scenario and a view of the indoor bath scenario for bathing, washing hair, and overall cleansing and refreshment. Here is a link to the Japanese web site, and it looks like the resort has been upgraded since I last visited in 1993.

http://www.manzaonsen.gr.jp/onsen/

Sketches from Hoover Dam

A selection of sketches made at Hoover Dam in November 2009, a majestic structure full of magic and strength...

The end of the year is now here, and the natural way to prepare for the new year is to go through the flotsam and jetsam of the past and decide what needs to be thrown into the dark oblivion. Three old and highly treasured sketchbooks have been found in my boxes and it is time to post some interesting sketches from Japan. My first visits to Japan in 1992 and 1993 were a wonderful eye-opening time, and as I look back, I am amazed at how many wonderful spaces and objects I had captured and observed. I will plan to add a set of sketches each week for the next few months...