Masato Watanabe

My watercolor paintings are inspired by the meeting point between architectural precision and the quiet beauty of nature. For more than twenty years, I worked in architectural computer graphics and later created digital background art for the video game industry. Those years shaped my eye for structure and composition, but after working in the digital world for so long, I found myself drawn to the subtle unpredictability and spontaneity of watercolor.

After retiring from commercial work, I chose to devote myself entirely to fine art. I photograph urban scenes, traditional Japanese landscapes, and natural settings, using these references as the starting point for my paintings. Rather than copying a scene exactly, I focus on capturing its atmosphere, light, and sense of place.

My paintings are built through a series of carefully layered masking stages. I apply and remove masking several times to create soft gradations before refining the surface with a brush and adding the final details. I enjoy balancing careful planning with the unexpected qualities of watercolor, allowing precision and spontaneity to exist together in every painting.