Gold leaf is often used in traditional Japanese painting, and I'm a big fan! It brings an extra dimension of depth. I also just love shiny gold stuff!

While this gold colored foil isn't real gold leaf, I tried hard give it an antique texture and patina that feels real and antique. I am very pleased with the results! 

I had a strange, almost religious experience while working on this piece. I had watched the film over and over, to painstakingly reconstruct the castle's interior. Just as I was finishing the artwork, I visited the Ghibli Theme Park in Japan. There, I was allowed to enter the park's reconstruction of Howl's Castle. The real physical reconstruction is incredible - perfect in almost every way. Because I had studied the castle's interior so closely, I knew where every detail should be, and when I looked, there it was! I admit I cried a little, to walk into that magical setting in real life. If you can ever make it to the Ghibli Park, I highly recommend you get inside that castle! 

Figuring out a cut-away approach to the castle was a challenge, but I really enjoyed the process. I felt like a kid again as I explored all the little rooms, like I was playing with a big, fancy doll house - so fun! I hope that you'll have the same enjoyment as you explore this piece on your wall.  

The art style in this print is inspired by Yamaguchi Akira. If you're not familiar with his works, I encourage you to look him up! I tried to include lots of action, humor and detail. I'm very pleased with the results!

This print measures 16x20, and is bigger than my usual print size by about 50%. It fits perfectly in a 16x20 frame, which is easy to find at any frame or craft shop. 

 The captions read:

魔法美男子 - Handsome Young Wizard

Archival pigments on acid-free art paper

Every print is signed by the artist

Measures 16x20 inches

Die stamped, textured gold foil

Fits perfectly in a 16x20 frame (standard size)