nihonga
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Gallery
(all
prices are in Canadian dollars)
To order,
please go to the Contact Page. Prices do not include
shipping or taxes.
Although some of these works can be seen in galleries in the
Victoria area
(Sooke Harbour House Hotel, Peninsula Gallery), studio tours are
also welcome
and can be arranged by contacting the artist on the Contact
Page.
New
Irises and Gold Reflections
The irises are lined up, some taller, some shorter, as if in a parade with the abstract patterns of golden light reflecting off the pond green with fecundity. The gold in this painting is actual gold leaf, fitting - I hope - for my largest work to date.
Size: 56cm x 137cm (unframed)
Price: $3,200.00 - Sold
Mt. Baker & Waves
I have always wanted to paint the ripples of the ocean and I was finally lucky enough to have several continuous days of calm weather and smooth seas. The waves and their junior ripples change almost instantaneously and the constantly moving colors are nebulous and almost infinite. I had hoped to express the duality of the unceasing motion of the ocean combined with the majestic calm of that magnificent mountain known as Mt. Baker. My final image was resolved one day when I was on a sailboat and saw the mountain in the background and the never-ending sea to the fore.
Size: 53cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $2,500.00 (framed) - Sold (different version is currently being painted).
Courtship Dance
Courtship Dance #2
These rare birds , with their white feathers and red crowns, are called either Japanese or Manchurian Cranes. In winter, these large birds arrive in Japan and are known for their elaborate courtship dance, which I wanted to capture. Their grace in movement and flight is deservedly legendary. Since cranes are a symbols of long life and celebration, I tried to mirror that aspect in the electric blue and gold of the background.
Size: 53cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $1,500.00 each (framed) - Both sold
New
Snowy Courtship Dance
These rare birds , with their white feathers and red crowns, are called either Japanese or Manchurian Cranes. In winter, these large birds arrive in Japan and are known for their elaborate courtship dance, which I wanted to capture, shown here in the elegance of the snow. Their grace in movement and flight is deservedly legendary. Cranes are also a symbol of long life and celebration.
Size: 38cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $1,500.00 (framed)
Shadow & Light
One day at Elk Lake it became very clear to me that nature is as valuable as any jewel or treasure created by man. The interplay between light and shadow caught my eye immediately and I felt compelled to paint this magical scene.
Size: 53cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $1,500.00 (framed)
Hydrangea #1
I enjoy experimenting by painting similarly composed hydrangea but in different colors. Although the flowers (or more correctly, calyces) are almost identical, their slight and subtle variations are the secret, I believe, to their attraction.
Size: 27.3cm x 24.2cm (unframed)
Price: sold
Hibiscus
I wanted to paint a hibiscus to remind me of two specimens in particular: a bewitchingly spectacular one I'd seen in Mexico and the more subtle variety that I have growing in my garden.
Size: 27.3cm x 24.2cm (unframed)
Price: $340.00 (framed)
Deep Blue Iris
The iris is another of my favorite flowers. In this painting, I was trying to express the beauty of the opening petals, the imagery similar to that of people engaged in joyful conversation.
Size: 27.3cm x 24.2cm (unframed)
Price: $340.00 (framed) - sold
Cosmos
#2
The cosmos is perhaps most attractive when winds stirs it in a light breeze. This study of pink cosmos was done on a light silver background of washi (Japanese paper) and was intended to suggest autumn. Whenever I look at cosmos, I'm always reminded of my mother. The cosmos has always been one of my favorite flowers.
Size: 27.3cm x 24.2cm (unframed)
Price: $340.00 (framed) - sold
Irises
Laevigata
This painting is of a marsh where irises stand grouped in front of a wooden walkway placed there for the flowers' admirers. I added crushed gold dust with a sand-like texture to the petals to give this work what I hoped was a feel of classic, Japanese beauty.
Size: 44.5cm x 38cm (unframed)
Price: $1300 (framed)
Orchid
The orchid is a dignified, noble-looking flower. The contrast and comparison between the red and yellow is nothing short of wonderful and led me to paint this glorious flower.
Size: 27.3cm x 24.2cm (unframed)
Price: $340 (framed)
Peony
Some say that the peony is the one of the most regal of flowers and generation after generation, myself included, have found deep affection for this stately flower. Imported into Japan in the 10th century, it is as dazzling in its range of colors and textures today as it was so long ago. I have tried to bring out the flower's colors and intrinsic dignity in the background color since I, too, have fallen for the peony and anticipate that I will paint many more in the future.
Size: 41cm x 31.8cm (unframed)
Price: $650.00 (framed)- sold
Moonlit
Hydrangea
I awoke one night because of the brightness of the full moon. As I looked out the window, I was drawn to the magic of the moon and the way its light was playing off the ocean's rippling surface. I felt the moonlight striking me as well and I felt like I was flowing along with the ocean and the streaming light. I have always loved hydrangeas and I decided to combine two of my favorite things in this one painting.
Size: 53cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $1,500.00 (framed) - Sold (different version is currently being painted).
Golden
Pond Irises
This painting is of irises and a sun-painted golden pond. Growing near the water, the irises stand in magical clusters. As people stroll along the wooden walkways, the irises are an inspiration for Haiku poems and recall more classical times. It is this image that I have tried to evoke in this painting.
Size: 53cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $1,500.00 (framed) - Sold.
The
Setting
Sun
The day is often at its most beautiful as the sunset nears its finish. This painting of a scene from my studio window was intended to show the glow of the sun off the water and the golden nature of the light. The interweaving patterns of the day change from one day to the next. The colors of this piece are intended to show nature's evolving hues and by looking at this painting from different angles, the work itself also changes.
Size: 45.5cm x 38cm (unframed)
Price: Sold
Joseph's
Coat
The high-fashion color and the eye-catching design have always impressed me about the Joseph's coat - also called an Amaranth - and which led me to do this painting. It's as if the Joseph's coat has been purposely dressed in the three primary colors as it readies for the autumn, its season in time as well as in color. The later in the fall that it gets, the brighter its colors, providing us with one last glimpse of vivaciousness before winter sets in, a mood I hoped to get across in this work.
Size: 27.3cm x 24.2cm (unframed)
Price: $390.00 (framed) -sold
Spring
This is spring depicted inside a wooded glen. Although it may surprise you, this scene is from Tokyo, one of the largest cities in the world. This oasis is shown on a gorgeous spring day when the chestnut trees' buds had yet to burst forth. At the foot of the trees, the faint purple flowers all bloomed in perfect unison, calling our attention to them and rewarding our eyes. A spring day is surely one of our greatest treasures. I began this work in Tokyo and finished it in Canada.
Size: 72.7cm x 60.6cm (unframed)
Price: Sold
Winter
Camellia
Waiting for spring, the winter camellia holds out against the bitterness of the longest season. As if refuting the cold, the winter camellia keeps its blossoms and even blooms anew. Every time I look at one in winter my admiration grows. Its life force is strong and for this reason it has long been a flower much respected and, whenever I paint it, I hope that I can be as strong and resilient in my own life. As a flower that evokes a feeling of poignant sadness, the camellia is a fixture in the tea ceremony, in flower arrangement, and Nihonga (traditional Japanese painting).
Size: 41cm x 31.8cm (unframed)
Price: $650.00 (framed)
Pier
This is the scene I saw every day from my studio window when we lived on Piers Island, in BC's Southern Gulf Islands. The blessings we receive from the sun, the ocean, and the mountains are not merely physical but spiritual as well. As we look at them in awe, we receive strength and feelings of wonder as we recognize in them the power - and sometimes severity - of life and nature. As I looked out on this scene, I realized that nature is our teacher. While painting this I felt like I was in a dialogue with these monumental works of the earth.
Size: 53cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $2,500.00 (framed) - Sold
New
Pier
at Sunset
We lived on one of the smaller of the Southern Gulf Islands in BC for three years. Although this island is studded with viewpoints and breath-taking scenery, this particular view was probably my favorite since it combined the familiar and the exotic. This was the view from my old studio window and it was here that I made the decision to continue painting for the rest of my life.
Size: 53cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $2,500.00 (framed)
Mt.
Baker
& Cosmos
The subject of this painting is Mt. Baker, as seen from Sidney, and cosmos flowers. In Japan, the cosmos is often referred to as "the cherry blossom of the autumn." It is also thought that when the cosmos bloom forth all at once that we suddenly recall our childhood and the nostalgia is piquant and almost tangible. These flowers evoke gentleness and an almost fragile loveliness. When we look at them, we can almost feel ourselves caught by the gentle wind and blown about like the flowers themselves.
Size: 53cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $1,500.00 (framed) - Sold (different version is currently being painted).
New
German Iris
This type of iris is one we never see in Japan. My introduction to Canada was also an introduction to this stately color, an almost salmon-like pink.
Size: 27.3cm x 24.2cm (unframed)
Price: $340.00 (framed) - Sold.
Iris
The iris is one of my favorite flowers because it always seems to put my heart and soul at rest. The colors of the iris, falling somewhere between purple and blue yet encompassing all the traits of both hues, speaks of the flower's understated elegance. My objective as I painted this was to demonstrate that elegance and to somehow honor the flower and my love for it.
Size: 27.3cm x 24.2cm (unframed)
Price: $340.00 (framed) - sold
Rain
Hydrangea
This flower moves through subtle color changes, from a gentle green to pink and bluish purple and shades in between. It is this gradation that I love, and its detail. I have chosen to include rain in this piece because the hydrangea is well-suited to the rain. The image of rain is depicted with silver, a color created with ground mother-of-pearl.
Size: 27.3cm x 24.2cm (unframed)
Price: $340.00 (framed) - sold
Sea
Iris
I arrived in Canada in the summer of 1997. Our house overlooked the ocean and I noticed irises blooming here and there in gardens and elsewhere. Irises are very popular in Japan and I decided to combine this much-loved flower with the spectacular ocean of the Gulf Islands region. This piece that I managed to finish in one extraordinary 24-hour burst represents both my old and new homes. I painted this for the 1998 Sooke Fine Arts Festival and it was sold before the exhibition even opened.
Size: 53.0cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $1500.00 (sold)
Morning
Glory
When I see a morning glory, I am reminded of the summers I spent as primary-school child. With the long summer days ahead of me, I use to rise early and was rewarded for my efforts by the morning bloom of this radiant flower. Like the rose, the morning glory is said to symbolize love, but I have always thought it should include other qualities like generosity as well.
Size: 27.3cm x 24.2cm (unframed)
Price: $340 (framed)
Fragrant
Rose
The velvet yet glossy petals of the rose have always reminded me of the dresses worn by noblewomen in times gone by. Although it is impossible to paint a fragrance, by using variations in the background I hoped to provide a scent for the eyes and have the viewer recall some past, memorable roses they once gave or received.
Size: 27.3cm x 24.2cm (unframed)
Price: $340 (framed)
Silent
Solitude
The title of this painting is Japanese is Jakujo, a Buddhist term relating to a particular state of the heart after a time of sadness. I painted this after an event of sadness had visited my own life, the passing of a loved one. This painting represents the ability of humans to transcend pain and sadness. Mountains stand firm and unyielding despite whatever harsh conditions nature chooses to bring. At the foot of the mountain, lovely spring flowers bloom, telling us that life - whether for humans or other beings - is a cycle that repeats and repeats itself, regardless of whatever has come before. Silent Solitude was awarded first place (Mayor's Trophy) among the approximately 250 entrants at the Tokyo Kodaira Art Show in fall, 1996.
Size: 53.0cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: Not for sale
Canadian Geese
During my first three years in Canada, we lived on one of the smaller Southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia. During that time, we would often see Canadian geese families swim by, lined up in orderly fashion, one parent in front and one in the rear. Once we even saw the babies under attack by eagles but the youngsters never panicked nor disobeyed their parents' commands. The result was an empty-taloned eagle and an intact family. This painting depicts youngsters nearing adulthood and preparing to embark, like all of us, on the adventures of an independent life.
Size: 53.0cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $1500.00 (framed)
Crimson Forest
This is my impression of the sky burning up in late afternoon framed by silhouettes of trees just prior to dusk. My goal was to capture the energy of the light and the almost zealous quality of its colors. A version of this painting is included in the book Art of the Sooke Harbour House Hotel.
Size: 53.0cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $1500.00 (framed)
Dappled Morning
The morning sun shines gold off the autumn trees while a sea of clouds burns off in the distance. The pastel color of both land and sky was the attraction in painting this scene.
Size: 53cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $1500.00 (sold)
Sparkling Golden
Sea
In 2001, my husband embarked on a sailing trip from Sidney, Australia across the Tasman Sea to the Bay of Islands in New Zealand. I painted this when he was away in celebration of his successful and safe arrival in New Zealand. In the sky I tried to capture the adventures he and his crewmates must have experienced during their passage and the quiet, golden waves of the ocean represents the repetition that is joy. The hovering birds welcoming the boat into harbor are like me and our son, happy that all went well on the voyage.
Size: 53cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $1500.00 (framed)
New
Black Peony
This painting has been drawn with ink in a style unique to the Chinese. Employing the same styles, many different flowers painted in black-and-white have been created by various artists in Japan. I myself look forward to painting in this style for my future works.
Size: 32cm x 41cm (unframed)
Price: $900.00 (framed)
New
Takakawa Falls
This painting is my attempt to capture the magnificent power of falling water. I hoped to capture the vivid imagery of the sound, the strength, and the strong currents of water in this piece of work.
Size: 56.0cm x 38.0cm (unframed)
Price: $1,500.00 (framed)
New
Hot Springs at Sunset
This painting was created for my husband. He has published a novel, fittingly titled titled "Hot Springs", and the scenery shown here is my attempt at capturing one such scene that appears in his novel.
Size: 53.0cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $2,000.00 (framed)
New
Mt. Baker & Waves #2
This is the second version of the same painting. For me, it has always fascinated me just how difficult it is to capture all the patters of the waves with the naked eye. So instead I have decided to imagine the flow of tides, and put it in in an actual physical form. This is the result of my efforts.
Size: 53cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $2,500.00 (framed) - Sold (different version is currently being painted).
New
Hot Springs
This painting was created for my husband. He has published a novel, fittingly titled titled "Hot Springs", and the scenery shown here is my attempt at capturing one such scene that appears in his novel. In contrast to the previous one that captured the sunset, this one captures the moment before sunset.
Size: 53.0cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $2,500.00 (framed)
New
Path of the Koi
This painting features two ornamental fish known as 'Koi', swimming under the petals of cherry blossoms. In Japan, the word 'koi' has two different meanings: one is 'fish', shown here in the painting, and the other means 'love'. This painting was my attempt at capturing both the fish and the love in a single picture.
Size: 44.5cm x 37.0cm (unframed)
Price: $1,500.00 (framed)
New
Snowy Courtship
Dance #2
This is the second courtship dance between the cranes in the snow. This work was painted in the hopes that the cranes will never betray their partner, continuing the relationship for eternity.
Size: 44.5cm x 37.0cm (unframed)
Price: $1,500.00 (framed)
New
Inn of Sparrows
A moment of peace between a friendly family.
Size: 43.5cm x 17.5cm (unframed)
Price: $500.00 (framed)
New
Intimation of Snow
This scene of the Rocky Mountains was taken during my cross-country trip across Canada with my camera, and inspired by the picture I have remade it into a painting. I was impressed by the evidence of powerful forces of weather when I took the picture from the bottom of this mountain, and attempted to portray this message into this painting.
Size: 53.0cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $1,500.00 (framed)
New
Irises in Rows
Irises are flowers that I love, and I paint them very often. This piece is one of the smaller versions of the many Iris paintings that I have painted before.
Size: 45.0cm x 18.0cm (unframed)
Price: $500.00 (framed)
New
Sparrow & Moon
A sparrow with its back to the full moon.
Size: 45.0cm x 18.0cm (unframed)
Price: $250.00 (framed)
New
Utamaro (Copy)
This item, called a 'hagoita', is used for a favorite traditional Japanese pastime commonly often played during the new years celebrations. The portrait written here is a copy of a Japanese painting authored by an artist named Utamaro. A brilliant master in the works of fine line art, painting this piece was a great learning experience for me.
Size: 47.0cm x 17.5cm (no frame, measured at widest point)
Price: $250.00
New
Hotsprings at Sunset #2
The second version of the 'Hotsprings at Sunset'.
Size: 53.0cm x 45.5cm (unframed)
Price: $2,000.00 (framed)
New
Horses & Mountains
Two horses who live in the grand landscapes of nature. The pinkish shade scattered in the field comes from a special stone my friend gave to me as a gift. I have used that stone and ground it into small pieces and used it as paint.
Size: 50.5cm x 40.5cm (unframed)
Price: $1,200.00 (framed)
New
On Horseback
Two people, taking a stroll on horseback through a field of flowers.
Size: 28.5cm x 20.5 (unframed)
Price: Sold
New
Tea Ceremony
A kimono clad youthful lady, ever in pursuit of the True Ways of the Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.
Size: 27.3cm x 24.2cm (unframed)
Price: $440.00 (framed)
nihonga artist kimiko. 2005. all rights reserved.