Artist friends

February 12, 2012

I met Ismail Kadir in China in 2008 during the International Watercolor Masters Invitational. He is the best watercolorist in Malaysia, that is… when he’s home. I’ve never seen him at home though. I’m in southern Thailand now, probably a four hour drive from Ismail’s studio, and somehow couldn’t coordinate my schedule to drop in [...]

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Thailand’s Islands

February 11, 2012

The Sea Gypsies that operate the long tail boats in the Andaman sea have made a great life for themselves, ferrying travelers between the hundreds of small dots of land in the turquoise water. Some of the islands jut straight up out of the water with sheer cliffs topped by lush jungle. They make for [...]

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Ferries, islands and dreams

February 11, 2012

Sitting on the ferry to Ko Phi Phi I am reminded of many such water crossings I have had in my travels. Orcas Island, Wa and Ocracoke Island NC have been among my favorites. My family used to hitch a ride with the National Park Service boat to Horn Island regularly when I was a [...]

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Southern Thailand

February 10, 2012

The small spit of land that is Southern Thailand is a most beautiful gateway to Malaysia, and a fun place to play! We landed in Krabi a couple of days ago and have been walking the beach and boating through the mangroves, much like we did in Punta Gorda, Florida a couple of months ago. [...]

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The best part of any adventure

February 8, 2012

Site seeing is the reason I come to a place like Cambodia. I’m looking for things that will inspire me visually. Cambodia certainly accomplished that goal and exceeded my expectations by a mile. However, the sites were only one of the best parts. I have really come to appreciate the interaction with strangers and locals [...]

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Cambodia rocks

February 8, 2012

As much traveling as I have done, you’d think I would get tired of it, but the opposite is true. The more I travel, the more I want to travel. Wanderlust is a habit for which there is no cure. Cambodia has been great. We have explored as much as possible in just a week, [...]

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Sunrise over Angkor

February 6, 2012

Up before the sun every day is the norm for me. I can never seem to witness too many sunrise or sunsets. Each one is a surprise, even if it comes at a predictable time. The best light occurs in early morning and around twilight. When I am exploring a new place these are the [...]

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Ta Prohm

February 4, 2012

Those fantasies of adventure that Hollywood instilled in us as children are fun to imagine, but more incredible to actually experience. Want to feel like a Tombraider? Come to Cambodia and trek thru the jungle temples around Angkor Wat. The most amazing visuals await the intrepid adventurer. I’m in love with Ta Prohm, although it [...]

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In my element

February 3, 2012

Three days of travel to get to the other side of the world and finally I feel like I am in my element again. Perhaps too much time in the studio makes me dream of new views, new scenery. As an artist it is so important to fill the inspiration reservoir with first-hand experience, despite [...]

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“Repose” 36×22" watercolor by Paul Jackson

January 26, 2012
Thumbnail image for “Repose” 36×22" watercolor by Paul Jackson

Some of the simplest compositions can be the trickiest to paint in watercolor. When you pull it off, it looks easy. When you don’t, it can look disastrously overworked very quickly. To truly experience this painting, you have to see it in person. Some things just defy accurate photography.

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