Erin's Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Adventure // Japan in Bloom

No images? [Click here]( [Erin Hanson - Landscapes in Oil]( [ORIGINALS]( | [PRINTS]( | [B]([OOKS]( C H E R R Y B L O S S O M S in B L O O M I just returned from my second trip to Japan, this time to find inspiration among the blossoming cherry trees, known in Japan as "sakura." Japan's cherry blossom viewing is a centuries-old cultural tradition. During the few weeks of peak bloom, cherry flower festivals take place all across the country, with millions flocking to see the transient blooms. Often accompanied by picnics, parties, and saki, the viewing of cherry blossoms is called "hanami," which means "viewing flowers." I arrived in Tokyo over a week ago into rain and gray skies. The blooms had not reached full bloom yet. After covering the most popular sakura spots (and learning how to use the train system), we headed to Kyoto where the promise of sun beckoned. Kyoto was filled with hundreds of cherry blossom sites, and the white/pale pink Yoshino cherry trees were in peak bloom! By the end of the week, the darker pink weeping cherry trees were also blooming. I eagerly chased the sunlight and found enough inspiration to paint a thousand paintings. It was fun seeing many of the same gardens and temples I had visited when I last traveled to Kyoto to photograph the Japanese maple trees at peak fall color. I recognized many of the exact same maple trees I'd painted before -- but now they were covered in tiny, bright green maple leaves, like little stars forming veils of green filigree. My last stop was Osaka, where I discovered night-illuminated cherry trees at Osaka Castle. The entire trip was a magnificent journey, and I can't wait to get to my easel and start painting! Here are a few (very few!) photos from my trip below. Keep an eye out soon for a couple of paintings of sakura, before I get on another plane and head to the Caribbean for a completely different kind of scenery! Enjoy, Erin S T A Y i n t h e L O O P If you would like to be alerted about new cherry blossom paintings inspired by this adventure, please let Linda know. Contact: linda@erinhanson.com (503) 334-3670 [C O N T A C T]( [2024 Events & Exhibitions]( [Visit the GALLERY]( [Available Original Artwork]( [Facebook]([Instagram]([Pinterest]([Website]([YouTube]( The Erin Hanson Gallery 1805 NE Colvin Ct McMinnville, OR 97128 (503) 334-3670 Please contact us at info@erinhanson.com for more information. You are receiving this email because you subscribed to Erin Hanson's artist newsletter. [Unsubscribe](