Handmade Paper Animal Paintings

This is a Gyotaku method painting of a fish on a textured mulberry paper background. This fish impression using minimal color is akin to a fossil. The fish is then hand painted in ...

In Japan they are known as Nishikigoi, or living jewels. These brilliantly colored varieties of the Amur carp have been selectively bred by family owned fisheries for generations. When I began this series of Gyotaku (Japanese fish printing) I studied the many varieties of Koi, each with their own unique colors and patterns. My particular favorites are the Tanchos which can be identified by the distinct red spot on their heads. To create these pieces I print common carp I catch myself with sumi ink using traditional techniques used by Japanese fisherman dating back the mid 1800's. I then tint the images using watercolor. In each piece I hope to translate a sense of movement to give the viewer a sense of calm one might experience watching the living versions lazily meandering around a serene pond. —Jeff Conroy Several koi swim in a circle while autumn leaves fall on the surface of the water in this Gyo-tako method of painting by artist Jeff Conroy. After inking and taking impressions of the koi, the artist then uses watercolors to enhance their beauty. By using marbled mulberry paper to print on, he has created the illusion of water with the swirls of the mulberry paper. The paper itself has a soft hue and slightly wavy texture adding the overall feel of the artwork. This artwork is unframed. Contact gallery for framing options. Jeff Conroy Autumn Cotillion sumi ink and colored pencil on mulberry paper 25h x 37w in 63.50h x 93.98w cm JEC103 Gyotaku - A Japanese word translated from "gyo" meaning fish and "taku" meaning stone impression. It is the traditional Japanese method of printing fish, a practice which dates back to the mid-1800s. This form of nature printing was used by fishermen to record their catches, but has also become an art form of its own. Gyotaku is a Japanese method of printmaking that traditionally utilizes fish, sea creatures or similar subjects as printing "plates" in its process. The literal translation of the word is "fish stone rubbing...

A small octopus is inked in the Japanese style of Gyotaku print making. Using sumi ink to "print" the octopus, the artist then embellishes it with colored pencil to convey an extrao...

A newly discovered sea creature?? No, just an imaginative artist creating a Gyo-Tako print of large octopus by Jeff Conroy entitled "Cheetahpus". To achieve this remarkable painting, the artist inks the octopus using traditional sumi ink then "prints" it onto Mulberry paper - a soft, handmade paper. He then embellishes the details with watercolor to give extraordinary dimension and interest to its overall aesthetic. Framed as shown. Jeff Conroy Cheetahpus sumi ink and watercolor on mulberry paper 25h x 36.50w in 63.50h x 92.71w cm JEC080 Gyotaku - A Japanese word translated from "gyo" meaning fish and "taku" meaning stone impression and is believed to get its inspiration from Chinese stone rubbings of calligraphy, which then gave rise to printing . This tradition dates back to the mid-1800s and was used by fishermen to record their catches, but has also become an art form of its own. Prints were made using Sumi ink and Washi paper. It is rumored that Samurai would settle fishing competitions using Gyotaku prints. This original form of Gyotaku is still utilized today, and can be seen hanging in fish and tackle shops all...

A small octopus is inked in the Japanese style of Gyo-Taku print making. Using sumi ink to "print" the octopus, the artist then embellishes it with colored pencil to convey an extra...

A small octopus is inked in the Japanese style of Gyo-Taku print making. Using sumi ink to "print" the octopus, the artist then embellishes it with colored pencil to convey an extraordinary dimensionality. By printing it on hand-made Mulberry paper the artist achieves a beautiful aesthetic. The artwork is unframed. Please contact the gallery for framing options. Jeff Conroy Mr. Bubbles - Blue Agave...

A small octopus is inked in the Japanese style of Gyo-Taku print making. Using sumi ink to "print" the octopus, the artist then embellishes it with colored pencil to convey an extraordinary dimensionality. By printing it on hand-made Mulberry paper, in this case a paper from the bygone Disco age, the artist achieves a beautiful aesthetic. The artwork is unframed. Please contact the gallery for framing options. Jeff Conroy Malaga Sunset sumi ink and colored pencil on mulberry paper 12.50h x 18.50w in 31.75h x 46.99w cm JEC137 Gyotaku - A Japanese word translated from "gyo" meaning fish and "taku" meaning stone impression and is believed to get its inspiration from Chinese stone rubbings of calligraphy, which then gave rise to printing . This tradition dates back to the mid-1800s and was used by fishermen to record their catches, but has also become an art form of its own. Prints were made using Sumi ink and Washi paper. It is rumored that Samurai would settle fishing competitions using Gyotaku prints...

A small octopus is inked in the Japanese style of Gyo-Taku print making. Using sumi ink to "print" the octopus, the artist then embellishes it with colored pencil to convey an extraordinary dimensionality. By printing it on hand-made Mulberry paper, in this case a paper from the bygone Disco age, the artist achieves a beautiful aesthetic. The artwork is unframed. Please contact the gallery for framing options. Jeff Conroy Studio 54 - Cherry Blossom sumi ink and colored pencil on mulberry paper 14.50h x 19.75w in 36.83h x 50.16w cm JEC146 Gyotaku - A Japanese word translated from "gyo" meaning fish and "taku" meaning stone impression and is believed to get its inspiration from Chinese stone rubbings...

A Gyo-Tako print of large octopus is seen here in Jeff Conroy's work entitled "Grapes of Wrath". To achieve this remarkable painting, the artist inks...

Those of us of a certain age can't forget the color palette of the 70's - avocado green, burnt orange, and brown - lots of brown! Here, artist Jeff Conroy takes those fond memories of his childhood and brings them to life in this small octopus Gyotaku ink print. Using sumi ink to "print" the octopus, the artist then embellishes it with colored pencil to convey an extraordinary dimensionality. By printing it on hand-made Mulberry paper, in this case a paper that mimics the movement of water in subtle shades of brown, the artist achieves a beautiful aesthetic. The artwork is matted and framed in a simple white wooden frame measuring 18.25h x 24.25w x 1d inches. Jeff Conroy 70s Kitchen...

A small octopus is inked in the Japanese style of Gyo-Taku print making. Using sumi ink to "print" the octopus, the artist then embellishes it with colored pencil to convey an extraordinary dimensionality. By printing it on hand-made Mulberry paper the artist achieves a beautiful aesthetic. The artwork is unframed. Please contact the gallery for framing options. Jeff Conroy Mr. Bubbles - Anarchy sumi ink and colored pencil on mulberry paper 14.75h x 20w in 37.47h x 50.80w cm JEC153 Gyotaku - A Japanese word translated from "gyo" meaning fish and "taku" meaning stone impression and is believed to get its inspiration from Chinese stone rubbings...

A small octopus is inked in the Japanese style of Gyo-Taku print making. Using sumi ink to "print" the octopus, the artist then embellishes it with colored pencil to convey an extra...