Day 22 of the 30 in 30 - Tourist in Seoul

Seoul is the 11th most visited city in the world.  Located in South Korea, I wouldn't have thought it would be a popular tourist destination, but upon reading about Seoul, I found that not only is it apparently beautiful, but the South Korean people are said to be kind and respectful of each other and visitors.  According to one visitors site, the South Korean's way of life is "Work hard, play hard", and Seoul is reported to have an active and fun night life as well as an amazing park system.  When you look at a map of Seoul, you can see a huge park that resides smack in the middle of the city. This scene, while not in that park, is located in the area of Seoul called Yongsandong, and is near their National Museum.  I liked the small pagoda like structure with the mountain rising in the background.  Also enjoyed painting this young lady, enjoying her day as a tourist.

Tourist in Seoul, oil on panel, 4"x18"
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Preparing for a new project

During the months of May and June, I don't have artwork in any major shows.  I am using this time to prepare for July, when I will have 2 important shows for me plus a juried exhibition I am entering.  Much of my artwork is based on photo and digital references so today I am looking through photos and doing a bit of research for one project I am working on.  It is a series of 4 larger paintings, figurative and narrative in nature.   I am often asked where I get my reference images from.

Truthfully there are many places, but a few of my favorite sources are: My own camera and cell phone... if you know me, you know I am always looking for and snapping reference pics.  Great reference photos can be taken just about anywhere;

Morguefile, an online royalty free image site.   I believe it is affiliated with Getty images, but all of the images on Morguefile are searchable, free and open to use however you like!

Lastly, Google street view.  Yes, you heard me correctly!  I am always amazed at what I find while wandering the globe in street view mode and many of my paintings have had a street view image incorporated in some way.

As a point of interest, while wandering around Berlin, Germany today (a city known for its street art, which I am fascinated by...) I found this little gem!  I don't know how yet, but this will be in a painting someday. :)

Berlin Astronaut street art, Mariannenstrabe, Berlin,
Google streetview screenshot

This is a painting I painted last year that uses imagery from Prague...  Titled "Moravska" this one sold in March.

This is the image I used as reference.

Thanks for reading!  Hope you enjoyed!