I-53 and I-58 in Kure harbor, August 1945.
“The real story behind this one ... is the painting itself!”
“You see, I wanted to do this one for a long time, but it was a little risky. I had seen a "technique" (or perhaps one might say, a "gimmick") used by Japanese propaganda illustrators during WWII. It appealed to me as being quite effective and attractive ... but a little bizarre. However, I have decided to give it a try.”
“Essentially, I have painted the foreground subjects as 'photorealistically' as possible, whilst the background (and the whole spirit of the piece) tries to capture the traditional (Meisho e) style of a Japanese woodblock.”
“(All you kids at home ... don't try this! It only seems to work with Japanese subjects ... and I take no responsibility for any repercussions you may incur ... such as ridicule from fellow artists, or worse ...!)”
30″ x 20″ oil on canvas.
“Kure, August 1945” by John Meeks.