Koi in Hawaii Pastel Phyllis O'Shields Contemporary Impressionism

Koi are the Image of Serenity and Peace. "
Pastel painted en plein air Oahu, Hawaii

http://www.oshieldsfineart.com/ please visit for more Koi images
Studio 704.394.7382

The history of Koi is as mysterious as they are beautiful. Popular conviction would have us believe that Koi are indigenous to Japan. In fact, they are even mistakenly called “Japanese Goldfish” They are actually from the Carp family.

Koi are believed to originate from eastern Asia, in the Black, Caspian, Aral Seas and China. Carp fossils have been discovered in South China dating as far back as 20 million years ago. Some varieties are known for their hardiness, which records claim can live for long periods of time if simply wrapped in wet moss continuously kept damp.

The earliest written records of Koi, or Nishikigoi, (Japanese for "brocaded" carp) were first described in writing from a Chinese book written during the Western Chin Dynasty, around 265-316 A.D. At that time they were described as white, red, black and blue.

Koi are believed to have been introduced to Japan with the invading Chinese and a first account of them being kept by an emperor in Japan, apparently dates Back to AD 200.

I hope you enjoy these images of Koi. I paint them en plein air from beautiful ponds in Hawaii.

Mahalo for visiting!

Phyllis  OShields Pastel Artist

Floral Pastel from Japanese Garden Sketchbook by Phyllis O'Shields Artist Contemporary Impressism

Floral Pastel from Garden Sketchbook Hawaii, Oahu, Kialua

Sketchbook  Japanese Garden - Oahu, Kialua, Hawaii

from my Sketchbook  Pastel  9 x 12 inches

Phyllis O'Shields Artist Contemporary Impressionism

Painted en plein air

This continuation  post continues exerts from my sketchbooks recording beautiful specimens from private homes gardens in the Caribbean and Hawaii.

 This particular Iris was found in the home garden of Mr T. Tanaka living on the ocean in  Kialua.  Mr Tanaka was from Japan originally  and had lived and brought up his family in Hawaii. He as since passed away but remembered by all of us with great affection and reverence.  His Japanese  garden lives on.  I lived down the block from Mr Tanaka on the ocean in Kialua and enjoyed many special peaceful hours spent in his reflection garden.

As typical in all islands culture Mr Tanaka grew many of the flowers of his native homeland and kept his special  memories alive that way.

 http://www.japan-iris.org/E_index.htm  This is a link to the Japanese Iris Society and they show many photos of special varieties.  I hope you will enjoy a  visit.

  Later I will post  paintings of Mr Tanaka's lily pond and Koi.

Studio 704.394.7382         Web Site  www.oshieldsfineart.com   

Iris Japanese Garden Oahu Hawaii Pastel by Phyllis O'Shields Artist Contemporary Impressionism

Iris Japanese Garden - Oahu, Kialua, Hawaii
from my Sketchbook  Pastel  9 x 12 inches
Phyllis O'Shields Artist Contemporary Impressionism

This post continues exerts from my sketchbooks recording beautiful specimens from private homes gardens in the Caribbean and Hawaii. This particular Iris was found in the home garden of Mr Tanaka living on the ocean in  Kialua.  Mr Tanaka was from Japan and had lived and brought up his family in Hawaii. He as since passed away but remembered by all of us with great affection and reverence.   I lived down the block from Mr Tanaka on the ocean in Kialua and enjoyed many special hours spent in his garden.

As typical in all islands culture Mr Tanaka grew many of the flowers of his native homeland and kept his special  memories alive that way.

http://www.japan-iris.org/E_index.htm  This is a link to the Japanese Iris Society and they show many photos of special varieties.  I hope you will enjoy a  visit.  Later I will post  paintings of Mr Tanaka's
 lily pond and koi.

Web Site  www.oshieldsfineart.com 

Studio 704.394.7382