Charles Beckendorf

Rio Grande Turkey Gobbler, Signed Watercolor

20th Century

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...

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 archival kraft paper 25h x 36.50w in 63.50h x 92.71w cm FRAMED DIMENSIONS 30.75h x 42.50w x 1d in 78.11h x 107.95w x 2.54d 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...

Larry Hood (Native American, 1950-1995). Maiden and Spirit Wolf, ca. 1975-80. Gouache on Arches rag paper, Sheet measures 23 x 30 inches. Image measures 22 ...

40"x60" watercolor on paper, signed on reverse by the artist, Thomas Broadbent. This painting depicts a lone lamb standing with a natural fiber rope lead loosely coiled around one leg. A blue crystal goblet is set in front of the white, fluffy sheep...