“When it comes to drawing a tree, people usually focus on the fact that there are a lot of leaves. But I advise them to observe the large silhouette of the tree, not the individual leaves,” Shibasaki told CNN.
Shibasaki, who previously worked as an artist and teacher, says he first turned to YouTube as a new medium to teach people painting in 2016, but the channel has found a new meaning with the outbreak of Kovid-19.
“I realized that there are a lot of people who say their hearts are healed, [or] “Those who just wanted to be good at painting were more excited to see my video,” says Shibsaki.
“So, my mind has changed. I hope to play a role in making these videos to improve people’s watercolor skills, but also to improve people’s hearts through painting.”
Shibasaki’s calm and encouraging tone has helped support people in these difficult times. Comments under his videos include: “You gave me the power to live today” and “You helped me forget my pain.”
Bob Ross of Japan
Shibasaki, sometimes referred to as “Japan’s Bob Ross”, watched Ross on TV as a child. “I have a lot of respect for him as a wrestler,” he says.
But while Ross typically paints mountain and river landscapes in North America, Shibasaki is inspired by its own surroundings throughout the Chiba country of eastern Japan.
Shibasaki’s most watched tutorial is a simple watercolor of a tree. Courtesy Harumichi Shibasaki.
“I wake up in the morning and open my window, feel the wind blowing, the smell of greenery, the sound of birds and the motion of the clouds – it all embraces me,” says Shibasaki. “I believe it is the basis of my painting and the value of my work.”
Born into a family of rice farmers, Shibasaki has always been a passionate painter, and as a young adult began teaching small groups and exhibiting his work locally. Now, social media has allowed it to reach people around the world.
“I believe there is no border of pictures, and I believe my success on YouTube has been proven,” he says.
Learning Tech at 70
As his 70th birthday approached, Shibasaki decided to unleash his talents on social media and launch a YouTube channel. With the help of his son, he learned how to use camera equipment and other technical skills. He says he now does 90% of the video production himself.
When his son told him about the ticket ok, Shibasaki – never afraid to try the new social media – looked at the platform and realized he represented a young pay generation of people who could reach out with his art.
As a proud grandfather, Shibasaki is not offended. But he is determined to stay with the times and stay young.
He says, “I have a sense of struggle to do creative things.
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