Last year, I went to a museum to view some Japanese art from the 16th - 18th centuries. Much of the art I wasn't all that interested in. All the while I wished to have the opportunity to see some Katsushika Hokusai art in the exhibition. At the very end of tour the guide on the phone-like audio device started talking about my favorite wood block print artist... Katsushika Hokusai. To see his work up close and personal is way better than just viewing them in a book. I was awestruck to say the very least. There was a lot of beautiful art there but, Hokusai's work was the real treat above everything else there. The art shown of his is not usually presented in books so many people would not recognize these prints as his if they were not already very familiar with his style. Most of the art in this exhibition was considered lost by the Japanese Government and most of the peaces were in private collections around America and a few in other parts of the world. Also, the museum had a book with all the art work from the exhibit for $40 to $60 which I didn't buy because I didn't have money to do so. :(

Awww i'm jealous!! i've never seen a real Hokusai close up! i have seen an old Japanese Woodblock print in a Gallery Archive but i cant remember who did it! how big was the print you saw? i can imagine the amazing textures! Hmmm maybe you could google the book? if you remember the name, it could be on online stores!!..and cheaper! i love that era of Japanese art. Especially Hokusai! So traditional

Glad to see some Hokusai love in the house. You've got balls for attempting this kind of stuff with Colors! I was thinking of trying some ancient Greek fresco studies but wimped out. Maybe I'll give it a shot after all. Nice one mate... and I hear you on the clouds! :)

@ boombox: there were 5 to 7 images of his to view and, they were absolutely gorgeous. :)

All the art in this exhibit was from private collections and the Boston Museum of Art. Unfortunately, I don't remember the names of any of the images. Sorry. Hokusai is my favorite too. A Canadian friend of mine hooked me with a book of his back in the day. I sent you an IM. Hokusai was an awesome artist. :)

I saw your DA page. I like the photos. So, you're working with PS 7, too?

@Munin - Thankyou! haha i know, i thought i'd give it a whirl on the DS as i need to learn more techniques and get to grips with the touch screen. Yeah you totally should, it doesn't hurt in trying! i'd like to see it. Plus - if you draw that brilliantly i'm sure it won't go terribly wrong!!! ;)

I love woodcuts! I was actually going to study printmaking this semester but the stars didn't line up right :-( Maybe in the future.

@jaswinger - i actually study printmaking at Uni. i havn't yet tried woodcutting as we havn't been shown. i've seen many examples of it though, and no other way really beats the texture to me (personally!) well i hope those stars change, hehe :)