The opening ceremony was in a huge exhibit hall/ arena, filled with thousands of screaming and cheering Chinese artists. Ok, they aren't screaming in this pic.

Wow! I expected nothing like this! Apparently watercolor has an Olympic style venue and maybe I'm not the local favorite, but definitely the most sought after now. Since I was introduced I have been mobbed for autographs and photos. I mean really mobbed, like no escape, hundreds of pens and cameras in my face, everyone…

Tonight was one of the most incredible evenings! I was introduced and immediately befriended by the best, most talented watercolorists on this side of the earth. It may take me a while to get all the names straight, but I will never forget these gentlemen. We shared our artwork and stories for hours after dinner.…

Wow! It is really spectacular here. Aspen has nothing on this place. The drive up was dizzying, but worth the nausea. Lu Mountain is bustling with 2000 artists, sketching and painting all over the place. I already know my time here is too brief. I'm still very confused as to what my role is, but…

I am traveling with five watercolorists today, but none speak English much, so it is an interesting ride. After the flight landed in Nanchang we procured a minivan and are driving two hours to Jiujang, then up to Lu Mountain. The minivan has been alive with conversation the whole way, but none of it in…

Never knew how much that meant. Apparently it is a lot! There are tea markets everywhere and much of life here revolves around it. It is served in shot glass sized cups, and they keep coming until you are ready to burst! It is difficult not to be over-caffeinated all the time, and very difficult…

Four days wasn't enough time to see everything in Shanghai, but I gave it my best shot. I will definitely have to return someday soon. I would imagine that within a year the skyline will be significantly different. There is so much new construction going on and new skyscrapers are everywhere. The chaos of the…

Kids are curious about the only paleface on the train and generally stare until I acknowledge them with a smile or a quick shot with my camera. Many of them are studying English but never met anyone who spoke it! It's a lot easier to make a breakthrough with them than most adults. This cute…

Once I made it past the throngs of hucksters, vendors and tour guides, I found this place to be remarkably serene. There were hundreds of paintable places in this park. Waterfalls, neat bridges, bamboo forests, fragrant tea bushes, and beautifully designed bonsai trees were everywhere. The climb up to the tower is a workout, but…