Over the course of several years of study Ritsuko produced a charming body of work. She was occasionally accompanied by her husband Tommy Taneda, himself an accomplished watercolorist.

Ritsuko began studying with me in 2003, and continued for another five years. With Ako's encouragement she hired me to design a website for her work, which can be seen here. One can read her Artist's Statement there, which I quote in full:

The Japanese have a deep appreciation of the landscape, and celebrate its seasons. Much Japanese poetry comments upon the details of nature as a means to illuminate the subtleties of human feeling.

However, my most significant personal influence has been the painters of the European tradition, especially from the period of the Impressionists. 

But I suppose that it cannot be helped that I am unconsciously influenced by my Japanese cultural heritage, and the idea that painting should convey a feeling of the whole of life.

As with many of my former students, I still hear from Ritsuko occasionally.