We are thrilled to be returning to Japan in November!

Finding the essence of Japan is what this tour is all about.  Steeped in Japanese art is a love of landscape.  It is represented both poetically and realistically in traditional painting and we will allow our own styles to be influenced by the simplicity and romance of the landscape – contrasted now and again with the modern world and its noise, throngs of people and high-rise buildings.

On this Art Safari, we visit some of the loveliest areas for landscapes and culture.

We paint Mount Fuji floating high above Lake Kawaguchiko, sketch the temples and shrines of Kyoto, as well as moss gardens, geisha districts and markets.

We include a small amount of wildlife with the adorable snow monkeys wallowing in the thermal baths, and with the help of our superb local Japanese guide (whose English is perfect) and we will also meet contemporary Japanese artists and visit art galleries.

We travel to Japan in November during the ‘autumn-leaves-viewing’ months.  In many ways, this time of year is more colourful than the Spring blossom time (and also less crowded).  Colours range from brilliant yellow, to lime greens, to reds, oranges, pinks and magentas.  The November light is crisp and bright and amazing for painting, especially Mount Fuji, but also for the rest of the country.

Everywhere you look in Japan there is superb design, thoughtful juxtaposition of objects and colour.  Being there is a lesson in the visual arts, but also in consideration for space, contrast and positioning.

On our travels, we will learn more about our own painting, open up to new ways of thinking and looking at things, and create a record of our travels in our sketchbooks, perhaps for future paintings or simply just to keep wonderful memories alive…

This is Mary-Anne’s fourth visit to Japan, and she is really looking forward to returning, especially as this is her first visit since before the pandemic.  As you may recognise her artwork bears the influence of Japanese simplicity.

Our itinerary is moderately fast paced – we have tried to fit in many highlights, but also balance this with some longer intensive painting periods.