SketchTravel – Exploring a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan

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(Edited)

The temple complex of Chuson-Ji


An ink sketch with watercolor added

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We took the train south from Hokkaido, Japan due to the storms. Arriving at the town of Hiraizumi, we drove a rental car to the beautiful mountainous UNESCO site of Chusonji Temple. In a light rain we walked the grounds, visiting the museum and purchasing incense. A small crew was working to remove a large fallen tree, which was blocking the path to one temple.

Traveling with a companion, I like to do a fast cursory light pencil sketch of interesting scenes. Then I continue working on it later. The final result is a pencil or pen and ink sketch. Sometimes I add color to them using watercolors. I use a portable watercolor kit and several additional mixing trays. In this case I drew the temple, and only later added the color to it.

Chuson-ji was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. It is considered an important center of Buddhist culture, with its ancient stone monuments, lush gardens, and scenic walking paths. It was founded in 850 AD by the Northern Fujiwara clan. We got tickets to go through the Golden Hall, an intensely decorated building all in gold leaf.

SketchTravel


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4 comments
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Beautiful! If only I had the time to go out into the nooks and crannies of the coutry to find some things like this. You have great style here.

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Thanks @mobbs - It is always fun to do sketches on my travels. In Japan, traveling is easy because my wife is Japanese. I live getting out of the cities and seeing the countryside, where every town has its shrine.

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