Naoki Watanabe

I was born in Kagawa prefecture, Japan in 1964 and have been drawing pictures based in Fukuyama and Himeji since 2010. In Japan, there is a well-established field of "Nihonga," which involves painting on folding screens and fusuma, where animals and flowers in nature are carefully observed and drawn in detail. Nihonga places emphasis on effective composition that arranges simplified representations. As typified by manga, Nihonga often uses two-dimensional expressions rather than three-dimensional. Being Japanese, I feel that this style of expression tends to emerge even when I use painting methods that have been developed in countries other than Japan, such as oil painting, pastels, and watercolors. However, I prefer Impressionist paintings to Japanese paintings.

While leveraging my characteristics as a Japanese artist, I use Western painting techniques to create works that aim to express the diverse beauty of nature. My style is predominantly realistic, and I strive to capture the essence and beauty of nature in my work.

In addition to oil painting, I also enjoy creating pastel and watercolor pieces. I find that each medium allows me to express different emotions and create unique textures.

My love for art began at a young age,...

Awards:
1. "Ichimai no E (One painting)" Monthly Magazine, Best Work, 2017
2. Nichibi Exhibition, Jury Encouragement Award, 2017
Nichibi Exhibition, International Cultural College Award, 2017
3. "Ichimai no E (One painting)" Monthly Magazine, September issue, Excellent Work, 2017
"Ichimai no E (One painting)" Monthly Magazine, Annual Best Work, 2017
4. Hyogo Prefectural Artist Alliance Exhibition, "Minato Bank Cultural Promotion Foundation Award," 2018
5. "Ichimai no E (One painting)" Monthly Magazine, February issue, Excellent Work, 2019
6. "Ichimai no E (One painting)" Monthly Magazine, Annual Best Work, 2019
7. "Ichimai no E (One painting)" Monthly Magazine, 84th issue, Excellent Work, 2021

Exhibitions:
1. Nichibi Exhibition, Jury Encouragement Award, 2017
Nichibi Exhibition, International Cultural College Award, 2017
2. Kobe City Exhibition, Selected Work, 2018
3. Hyogo Prefectural Artist Alliance Exhibition, "Minato Bank Cultural Promotion Foundation Award," 2018
4. Hyogo Prefectural Exhibition, Selected Work, 2019
5. Himeji City Exhibition, Selected Work, 2022
6. Hyogo Prefectural Artist Alliance Exhibition, Selected Work, 2022
7. Hyogo Prefectural Artist Alliance Exhibition, Selected Work, 2023