Cocoon Tower in Tokyo

It's a school for fashion and design. The building is one of the coolest I have ever seen.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mode_Gakuen_Cocoon_Tower

In Japon

 I bought some snacks here.

 A view from Taikanso, where a renowned artist, Yokoyama Taikan, used to stay.

 A quiet temple. I actually painted inside the property:)

Nishi-Honoji. A big temple.

 Togetsukyo. A famous bridge in Kyoto.

Bamboo walkway. I imagine China will look like this, and there will be Panda in between bamboos.

San Gabriel City Hall

I was interested in the architecture as much as the vertical composition. I was going for the rhythm that spirals up. I like how the stairs go up through the arched hallway.

From Griffith Park.

Fantasy Art Contest Result

I participated in Fantasy Art Contest. I wasn't able to win, but it was a good experience. Here are the winners' work. http://www.kfsnet.co.jp/contest/win/2012/fantasy/?id=2 The top winner's work looks like Pixar's upcoming short La Luna, but I guess that's what's interesting about art. I am still not able to figure out the secret after all these years.

Rose Bowl

The hardest thing to paint near Rose Bowl is to find a good spot. I was able to paint on one of the tables on the field right after soccer match finished. The strong sun light was on the hillside garden and the houses.

A Noise Within Theater?

I am not sure what this theater is called, but it is across Americana and pretty big. The emergency exit stairs are so rusted and wimpy that makes me wonder if any one have ever used.

Valley Village Park/ North Atwater Park

I painted on location and touched up in my studio using photos I took. I like to get the mood or impression on location, but something photos are helpful to figure out the relationships of each color.

LA Historic State Park

This is a nice view from the park looking towards a bridge and a mountain behind. The bridge is Broadway Blvd going over LA River. I just watched the movie IN TIME, and the bridge was in the movie.

Happy New Year!

I wish you all have a great year:)