Here’s a Mitsume-kozō I painted for a yokai art exhibit for the San Diego Japanese friendship gardens and museum.

It’s available for viewing at the Inamori Pavilion- and it’ll also be shown during their Yokai parade on Halloween/Oct 31st.

Check it out on my Instagram HERE<—

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Thoughts and processes for cyberspace only:

I knew I wanted to do a a three eyed character similar to a Kawanabe Kyōsai painting from the edo period, but wanted to do something a little less “flat” like a traditional painting. My main reference was a photo of an old fisherman with a mino straw cape and kaka hat- but wanted to make him a little more mischievous, so gave him some scattered shogi pieces and the little crab.

My biggest struggles were probably figuring out his skin colour, the ropes and the ground he was sitting on, but I’m pretty happy with the result. Originally he was much more red but it had taken away from that “rustic” feeling.

I had bought a frame from Walmart and made a print at staples which is where I mailed it from. (If any artists are reading this, please be careful choosing your prints for texture and colour matching).

I think next time I get to do another yokai it’ll be a little more frightening or aggressive!!