100th Post Special: Hayao Miyazaki, master of colours

In my 100th blog post, I wanted to share with you the foremost creative inspiration behind all my miniature paintings. No it's not someone who has won numerous Golden Demons or other sought after miniature painting awards. In fact, the person in question, Hayao Miyazaki (see photo below) delves in a completely different genre namely anime. Why then is he my creative inspiration? 

Hayao Miyazaki, the creative genius behind Studio Ghibli

To touch briefly on his bio, Miyazaki is a Japanese manga artist and animator (among others) whose career has spanned over 50 successful years (and counting). He co-founded the now famous Studio Ghibli which has produced anime films such as Kiki's Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, etc. If you are unfamiliar with his works then at least know this, it is literally an explosion of colours. To me, Miyazaki is the master of colours in animation.

My Neighbour Totoro, my all-time favourite anime movie

From Up on Poppy Hill - a film directed by Miyazaki's son

When I paint, I always try to keep in mind the importance of colour combinations ala Mr Miyazaki. I am very much in awe of his fantastic use of colours to tell a story. He has a talent for colors that must be seen to be understood so do yourself a favour and catch one of his films. Personally, I have always been fascinated with colours. Growing up in a 'financially challenged' family meant my most treasured possession was a 36-colour pencil set by Staedtler. I loved it to bits. Ahh sweet memories!  

Kiki's Delivery Service - a film Miyazaki wrote, produced and directed

Spirited Away - a film heralding the return of Miyazaki after a temporary retirement

One of my dreams is to visit the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, Japan. Chances of that happening seem unlikely but if there is one thing I have learnt from Miyazaki's films is the importance of one's dreams. As a young boy, I dreamt of painting miniatures in a diorama. Well look at me now, an old guy with a shaky hand holding on for dear life to his paint brush (and dreams). 

Sign pointing towards Ghibli Museum - For me, it's more than 5,000 km away

Well that's it for my 100th post. Short and sweet. A small milestone in what started out as a creative outlet for both my writings and paintings. Here is to a hundred more. Cheers.