Kyoto Alleyway Sunlight (2025) Original Watercolour by Masato Watanabe

This piece is a quick watercolor sketch painted in my studio, based on a traditional Japanese alleyway. I was inspired by the sharp contrast between the bright sunlight illuminating the wooden storefront and the deep, quiet shadows stretching into the side street.
Unlike my highly detailed studio works, this sketch was painted with a focus on capturing the immediate atmosphere and the rhythm of the brushstrokes. The elements like the paper lantern and traditional roof tiles were captured efficiently to preserve the fresh, spontaneous feel of the medium.
I hope this sketch conveys the unique light and calm air of an old Japanese townscape.

Materials used:

Watercolor on Paper

Details:

• Watercolour on Paper
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 30 x 40 x 0.01cm (unframed) / 30 x 40cm (actual image size)
• Signed on the front
• Style: Impressionistic
• Subject: Landscapes, sea and sky