Artistic Composition at Sunam Park

Searching for a Scene from a Masterpiece

September 2— Despite the lingering late-summer heatwave, I set out in search of a landscape straight out of a painting.

Once I actually got out, there wasn't really a good spot with shade.

And truly, it was. With a perceived temperature close to 40°C (104°F), plein air painting is exhausting no matter how much shade there is.

Memories of doing plein air work in the scorching heat last year, practically swallowing the blazing weather for two solo exhibitions, still linger in my body—making me feel breathless, nauseous, and utterly drained of strength.

This year has certainly been just as sweltering as last year, if not more.

The geographical limitation of lacking high mountains, valleys, and rivers makes finding shade and resting spots difficult.

Having the sea, but lacking rivers and valleys, always leaves a sense of longing. Besides, going all the way to the Seomjin River is quite a distance, and given recent economic conditions, it's not a step I can easily bring myself to take.

Sunam Park, with its Beautiful Reeds

A few years ago, the pond and reeds harmonized so well and possessed such a unique charm that I had a pleasant time plein air painting here, despite the chilly weather in early-to-mid November.

With that anticipation, I turned my steps toward where the water from the nearby stream flows down.

Though it is a murky stream tidied up by artificial structures, it still has a distinct composition and feel to it.

A view that turned out much better than expected!

Of course, it's a landscape with a great composition for painting, not the kind of water quality where you can dip your feet in.

Still, wouldn't it be worth visiting at least once?

Before long, I definitely want to pack my gear, fill a canvas, and paint this wonderful scenery straight out of a masterpiece. . .

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