Demonstration Art

The first illustration below uses senbyō-hō (line strokes) to provide a close-up look at ginkgo leaves.

When ginkgo (ichō) leaves begin to turn color in the fall, they do so by losing their chlorophyll (which provides the green color) from the tips of leaves first, revealing the rich yellow color underneath. This process is shown in the gansai (color) painting below. The leaves are done using sokuhitsu (slanting strokes) and the mōkkōtsu-hō (boneless) technique. Instead of loading the brush with different shades of sumi, it is loaded with multiple colors.

The painting below is virtually identical except for exclusive use of shades of sumi.

The next painting is of a full ginkgo tree. Notice the pyramidal shape. The model for this painting is located at the San Diego Zoo in a small Japanese garden area, located down a pathway to the right after you enter the zoo. Look for a sign on the right just after the restrooms. I took artistic license with the scene, something that will be immediately apparent if you go there to see it. Regardless, it should be easy to find if you look for it.

Here is my demonstration painting, ichō with woodpecker.