July 20th, 2024

Happy Saturday! For those of you who are used to getting this bright and early (at least in the US) each week, I apologize for the delay. Life got in the way yesterday and dinner out with the fam took priority. BTW if you’re a fan of cookies and have a Whole Foods near you, fill up a bag of random ones from their bakery and thank me later. The wife and I ate way too many last night but it was worth it. And I think I made a dent burning off the calories this morning at the gym 😄 

This week we’re heading to the far East for another classic woodblock printer. The practice of meticulously carving wood to create the print exemplifies the level of detail and care that Japan is known for and is just one of the many reasons I’m fascinated with their culture.

Artist Spotlight - Hiroshi Yoshida (1876-1950)

Career

Hiroshi Yoshida was born as Hiroshi Ueda on September 19, 1876, in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. His father, Ueda Tsukane, was a principal of a local school and an amateur painter, which exposed young Hiroshi to art from an early age. He was adopted by the Yoshida family at a young age, which is when he took on the Yoshida name. Showing a keen interest in drawing and painting from a young age, he enrolled in the private Fudosha School in Kyoto at fourteen, where he studied under Tamura Soritsu and later at the Kansai Bijutsu-in (Kansai Art Academy) in Osaka.

His early work was influenced by the traditional Japanese style, but he quickly expanded his horizons. He moved to Tokyo and studied Western-style oil painting under Koyama Shotaro, who was known for his Western techniques. This experience would later play a crucial role in his woodblock prints, blending Western realism with Japanese aesthetics.

In 1899, Yoshida traveled to the United States, where he exhibited his works in Boston, Detroit, and other cities. His exposure to Western art and culture deeply influenced his artistic perspective. He made several trips abroad, including visits to Europe and India, which broadened his horizons and introduced him to diverse landscapes and cultures. These travels greatly enriched his art, allowing him to incorporate a global perspective into his works.

His interest in woodblock printing was ignited in the 1920s when he began collaborating with Watanabe Shozaburo, a prominent publisher of shin-hanga (new prints). However, Yoshida soon broke away from Watanabe to gain more artistic control, leading to his self-publishing endeavors. His wife, Fujio Yoshida, and later his sons, Toshi and Hodaka, also became accomplished artists, making the Yoshida family a significant name in the art world.

Yoshida's woodblock prints are renowned for their meticulous detail and vibrant colors. He was particularly fascinated by landscapes and seascapes, capturing scenes from Japan, the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia. His series such as "The Twelve Scenes of Tokyo" and "The Inland Sea" showcase his ability to blend natural beauty with an almost photographic realism. Yoshida’s technique involved an innovative approach to the traditional ukiyo-e method, often working on location and creating multiple color proofs to achieve the desired effect.

In his later years, Yoshida continued to travel and produce new works, constantly seeking fresh inspiration. His prints from this period exhibit a refined mastery of color and composition, with a particular focus on capturing light and atmosphere. He remained active in the art community, contributing to exhibitions and maintaining a studio where he trained future generations of artists.

One of Yoshida’s lesser-known endeavors was his exploration of the shin-hanga movement’s counterpart, sosaku-hanga (creative prints), which emphasized the artist’s involvement in every stage of production. Although he is primarily celebrated for his shin-hanga works, his experimentation with sosaku-hanga underscores his versatility and commitment to artistic innovation.

Hiroshi Yoshida passed away on April 5, 1950, but his legacy endures. His works are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Tokyo National Museum. Yoshida’s influence extends beyond his prints; he played a crucial role in bridging Eastern and Western art traditions, paving the way for future generations of artists to explore and integrate diverse artistic practices.

Contributions to the Art World

Hiroshi Yoshida was a pivotal figure in the shin-hanga (new prints) movement, which sought to rejuvenate the traditional Japanese woodblock print by incorporating Western techniques and sensibilities. His innovative approach to woodblock printing involved meticulous attention to detail, vibrant use of color, and a strong emphasis on naturalism and realism. These elements helped to breathe new life into a traditional art form that had been in decline.

Breaking away from the traditional publisher-artist model, he established his own studio and took control of the entire production process of his prints. This move towards self-publishing allowed him greater artistic freedom and innovation. He was deeply involved in every stage of printmaking, from designing and carving to printing and marketing, which was relatively uncommon at the time. This approach set a new precedent for artistic independence and control in the printmaking world.

Yoshida’s legacy extends to his role as a mentor and teacher. He trained many artists in his studio, passing on his techniques and philosophy. His family, including his wife and sons, continued his artistic legacy, contributing significantly to the post-war art scene in Japan. The Yoshida family became an influential artistic dynasty, with each member making their own mark on the art world.

Style

Yoshida’s style is characterized by a high degree of realism and naturalism. He was deeply influenced by Western art, particularly the landscapes of European and American painters. This influence is evident in his precise depiction of light, shadow, and atmospheric effects. His works often capture the subtleties of nature, from the delicate hues of a sunrise to the intricate details of foliage.

He successfully fused traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western realism. While maintaining the flatness and simplicity typical of Japanese prints, he incorporated Western techniques such as perspective and shading to create depth and dimension. This synthesis resulted in a unique style that appealed to both Japanese and international audiences.

One of the hallmarks of Yoshida’s work is his vibrant use of color. He was a master of color harmony, often using a wide palette to capture the diverse hues of nature. His prints exhibit a keen understanding of color theory, and he skillfully employed gradations and subtle transitions to create mood and atmosphere.

He often worked on location, sketching and painting en plein air. This practice allowed him to capture the essence of his subjects with immediacy and authenticity. His on-site studies provided a rich foundation for his woodblock prints, ensuring that his depictions were true to life.

Yoshida’s approach to woodblock printing was both traditional and innovative. Here’s an overview of his process:

• Design and Sketching: Yoshida began with detailed sketches and watercolor studies, often created on location. These initial designs served as the blueprint for his prints.

• Carving: Once the design was finalized, he transferred it onto wooden blocks. Each color in the print required a separate block, which was meticulously carved by hand. Yoshida’s involvement in this stage varied, but he often collaborated with skilled carvers.

• Proofing and Testing: Yoshida was known for his thorough proofing process. He would create multiple color proofs, experimenting with different color combinations and printing techniques to achieve the desired effect. This stage was crucial for refining the print and ensuring color harmony.

• Printing: The actual printing was done by hand, using water-based inks. Yoshida frequently worked with expert printers who helped bring his visions to life. He was deeply involved in this stage, overseeing the process to maintain artistic control. The application of colors was done in layers, often requiring precise registration to align each block perfectly.

• Final Adjustments: After the initial prints were made, Yoshida would make any necessary adjustments, sometimes creating additional blocks or modifying existing ones to perfect the final image.

Influences and Lessons

Yoshida was heavily influenced by Western realist painters. His studies under Koyama Shotaro, a prominent Japanese artist trained in Western painting techniques, provided him with a solid foundation in Western art methods. This training helped him incorporate perspective, shading, and realism into his work.

While in the United States and Europe, Yoshida interacted with contemporary artists and was influenced by their approaches. The Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements, with their focus on light, color, and atmosphere, left a significant impact on his style.

Hiroshi Yoshida’s life and work offer valuable lessons in innovation, dedication, independence, global perspective, balance, and mentorship. His ability to seamlessly blend different artistic traditions and his commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration for artists and creatives across disciplines.

Style Representation

Collectors Corner - Steve’s Makerspace

Final Thoughts

Last week I mentioned working on a Piet Mondrian pen plot, which has been completed. I’m still dialing everything in and see room for improvement. The line width is a little off so that will be the first adjustment for future plots. Anyways, enjoy the red, blue and yellow flow lines 🙂 

As always, if you enjoyed this edition I would really appreciate if you shared it. Just hit the share button below. And if you’re not following me on X yet, I’d love to follow you back. I’m also on Warpcast!

On that note, I’ll leave you with a quote that reminds us to slow down and block out the crazy world around us:

Enjoy your weekend, friend!

P.S. If you have feedback I’d love to hear it! A reply to this email goes directly to me.

Disclaimer: links may include referral codes that provide a small commission to me at no cost to the collector; commissions are paid from mint fees that the platform charge for each transaction.