Masakatsu Shimoda has been traveling around the world drawing portraits of people he meets in his travels. His travel destinations include Bali, Tibet, Nepal, India and Europe. His first journey to Southern Hemisphere started from the southernmost point of the South Island, New Zealand. He goes out to look for his model, an animal he wants to meet, for his first portrait of New Zealand where it is said to have four seasons in one day, very severe yet dramatic climate.

Even though he was able to find penguins, he observes them from distance as he senses their personal space. Penguins come back to use the same nest every year, and male penguins and female penguins take turns to warm their eggs every two days. He witnesses a pair-like penguins exchange loving greetings. Fascinated by their unchanging behavior from the time immemorial, he starts to work on his sketchbook. His first portrait of New Zealand trip completes.

A show time on the sky starts when the planet turns, myriad of stars shine in the night and fresh sunlight fills the morning. Down by the beach is a paradise of all lives. Dolphins and surfers are riding the same wave, kids are running around, and "the tough guy" also came to visit, wiggling its big body, full of curiosity. This is a planet for all. Let’s all have fun!

Walking through rainforest in New Zealand.
A forest full of brisk moisture,
with drops of rain shining on mossy trees.
Many magical artworks hide in nature,
a forest is like a big museum.
Even plant photosynthesis is an art of great creator.
All things in nature….what a beautiful work of art they are!