Here is my newest addition to my Lotus series: “Koi Circles”
![Koi Circles. 24" x 36", Oil on Canvas, © 2016 Cedar Lee](https://www.artbycedar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Koi-Circles.jpg)
The viewer gazes down into the water to see two orange koi fish swimming in a graceful circle around the stem of the fully opened lotus flower whose petals are spread above the water’s surface.
This painting is simultaneously calming and energizing. For a feeling of focus and appreciation, meditate upon the circular movement of the image as you gaze into it.
![Koi Circles. 24" x 36", Oil on Canvas, © 2016 Cedar Lee](https://www.artbycedar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Koi-Circles-2.jpg)
I painted the water in tones of crimson, with violet shadows and yellow highlights. This unnatural palette gives the image a unique artistic flair and a joyful mood.
The painting continues onto the 2.5″ deep edges of the painting. Like all my paintings, seeing it in person is a three-dimensional experience.
![Painting wraps around edge: Koi Circles. 24" x 36", Oil on Canvas, © 2016 Cedar Lee](https://www.artbycedar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Koi-Circles-detail1.jpg)
The beautiful fish are full of personality. The thick texture of the paint follows their curved bodies and gently billowing fins.
![Detail: Koi Circles. 24" x 36", Oil on Canvas, © 2016 Cedar Lee](https://www.artbycedar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Koi-Circles-detail2.jpg)
White reflections on the water’s surface hint at the movement beneath.
![Detail: Koi Circles. 24" x 36", Oil on Canvas, © 2016 Cedar Lee](https://www.artbycedar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Koi-Circles-detail3.jpg)
The center of the blooming lotus flower is raised with thick texture.
![Center of Lotus flower: Koi Circles. 24" x 36", Oil on Canvas, © 2016 Cedar Lee](https://www.artbycedar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Koi-Circles-detail4.jpg)
Some of the petals overlap one of the leaves, casting a gray-violet shadow.
![Lotus petal shadows: Koi Circles. 24" x 36", Oil on Canvas, © 2016 Cedar Lee](https://www.artbycedar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Koi-Circles-detail5.jpg)
![Koi Circles. 24" x 36", Oil on Canvas, © 2016 Cedar Lee](https://www.artbycedar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Koi-Circles-detail6.jpg)