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July 13, 2019

A Sketch Artist’s Guide to Shikoku

Asia Cultural Traveler Stories

Daily paintings from a pilgrimage on Shikoku Island, Japan

We are always amazed by our talented adventurers who return with stories expressed through different media. Gayle Roski recently embarked on our Hiker’s Journey to Shikoku, and was able to capture the essence of the pilgrimage through a collection of stunning watercolor paintings. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Watercolor illustration of a woman with a hat holding a notebook and pen in a misty mountain setting. Text above reads "Hikers & Pilgrims Journey to Shikoku" and below reads "May 19-31 2019 - in the footsteps of Kobo Daishi, guided by a talented sketch artist.

When we joined Hiker’s Journey to Shikoku, my goal was to complete one painting each day. To do that, I had to miss some of the hikes. I was envious of the pilgrims and their journey of letting go of their lives to find themselves transformed. I understood this process, and learned to open myself up during this unique adventure. It is magical what you find out about yourself—who you are, and where you want to go.

A watercolor painting of Osaka Castle surrounded by cherry blossom trees, detailed with an intricate decorative border. Captioned "Osaka Castle" at the top and dated "May '18," this piece looks like it was crafted by a skilled sketch artist, offering a visual guide to its beauty.
A watercolor painting by a skilled sketch artist depicts the Nankai Ferry with passengers, mountains in the background. The artwork is bordered with labels "Wakayama," "Tokushima," and the date "5-21-19," serving as a serene guide to Shikoku’s scenic beauty.
Watercolor illustration by a sketch artist depicting passengers on a bus labeled "The Pilgrims' Hired Journey to Shikoku." Some are smiling and talking, with green scenery visible through the windows. Text at bottom reads "On the Bus - Many Hours a Day - 750-plus Miles."
Illustration of several monks observing Kongobuji Temple at Koyasan. Trees surround the temple building, with a signed stamp, and date in the corner. The illustration text includes “Koyasan Shingon-shu Headquarters Temple.” A guide from Shikoku assists the monks in appreciating the temple's history.
Illustration of Kōbō Daishi seated in a meditative pose with candles and a halo, captioned with "Shingon Buddhism" and text noting his teachings on attaining enlightenment (774-835 AD). Ideal for both the devoted follower and the Shikoku Guide enthusiast seeking deeper understanding.
Watercolor painting of a Japanese temple named "Golden Well Temple," with a person in traditional attire, surrounded by lush greenery. The inscription indicates it's the third painting of "Kanzenji Temple" by a renowned sketch artist, inspired by the serene beauty of Shikoku.
A watercolor painting depicts a ropeway car traveling through lush greenery, heading towards a temple. The caption says, "May 22 Ropeway to Temple 21 - Great Dragon Temple." Experience the magic firsthand with our Sketch Artist Guide as you explore and sketch in Shikoku.
A watercolor painting by a talented sketch artist depicting the Iya Valley in Shikoku, Tokushima, with lush green hills, dramatic mountain slopes, and a serene river flowing through the valley. The handwritten text below describes the scene as if guiding you through this tranquil landscape.
Illustration of an outdoor Japanese public bath near Oboke Gorge beside a river on Shikoku Island. A person is bathing alone, and a wooden sign in the background indicates the location. Caption below reads: "A bath by myself in a Japanese Public Bath—sketch artist’s guide to Shikoku.

—Sketches by Gayle Roski, Hiker’s Journey to Shikoku. See more of her work on her website: gaylegarnerroski.com.

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