The art of watercolor waterscape 001

Ine, Kyoto, Japan VI, by Keiko Tanabe © 2015

Keiko Tanabe watercolor waterscape

This waterscape from Keiko Tanabe is really well balance. All elements from the painting bring our eyes back to the main element of the art work: the fisherman boat. Whether you follow the mountains line, the reflections on the water or the fishermen houses, your focus will be brought back to the fisherman boat. It is a delightful application of the famous rule of third. I also like the earth tones subtly contrasting with some cooler blue brush stroke in the middle ground. Finally the roof pattern of the houses provides a nice contrast to the loose strokes from the water reflection.  

Keiko Tanabe is a great watercolorist from Kyoto, Japan. She now lives in the USA, and is full time professional watercolorist since 2005.

Keiko says about painting on the spot:

"A painting done on location is my direct response to the landscape.  I attempt to capture the whole experience of being there.  For that purpose, I need to concentrate intensely to work fast.  I so enjoy getting absorbed in the environment when the inspiration cannot be any fresher.  As a result, the painting may look looser, more simplified or sketchy, and perhaps more impressionistic."

I think that it is just what we get with this Kyoto waterscape...

To find more about Keiko, visit her web site.