Categories: FlowersPaintings!

Koi Circles

Here is my newest addition to my Lotus series: “Koi Circles”

Koi Circles. 24″ x 36″, Oil on Canvas, © 2016 Cedar Lee

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

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

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

White reflections on the water’s surface hint at the movement beneath.

Detail: Koi Circles. 24″ x 36″, Oil on Canvas, © 2016 Cedar Lee

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

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
Koi Circles. 24″ x 36″, Oil on Canvas, © 2016 Cedar Lee

 

 

 

Cedar Lee

Recent Posts

4 Colorful Mini Paintings of Nature in Portland, OR

Here are four colorful mini paintings inspired by Portland, Oregon's nature scenes. This small painting,…

6 days ago

Two Birch Forest Paintings

One of my dear collectors recently requested a custom painting featuring paper birch trees. She…

2 weeks ago

Winter Redwoods | California Forest Art

This misty painting of an old-growth redwood forest in Northern California is called "Winter Redwoods."…

1 month ago

Winding Upwards | Painting of Tall Tree in the Sky

This tall and narrow painting, titled "Winding Upwards" depicts a tall and twisty tree reaching…

2 months ago

Summer’s End | September Sunflower Painting

This painting, titled Summer's End, celebrates the change of seasons with the image of the…

2 months ago

Spring Puddles | Portland Oregon Art

This painting, inspired by the beautiful streets of Portland, Oregon in the spring, is 30"…

2 months ago

This website uses cookies.