This is my first (serious) attempt at emulating the Shin-hanga print style of the 20th century.. check out Kawase Hasui, you'll see what I mean. This was a commissioned piece for the 60th wedding anniversary of my own grandparents. It's loosely based on a photograph I myself took many, many years ago, of the two walking together on the beach through the falling snow - their backs are turned to us, as they walk away from this world, and into the next.

This is done in watersoluble oils, on a 16X20 masonite board, and it worked well. I originally tried to use Acryllics but hadn't properly coated the masonite board with enough gesso, and the paint dried in a few minutes, making any blending impossible. I'd use the oils again, they worked well.

As for the chop... well, it was given to me by a friend who recently returned from Japan. He assured me it says "Jamie", but since it's not written in Kana, I have my doubts...