Journey of a Koi Painter...

Throughout her life, painting has been a passionate force for Pat Michaud-Towery leading her on many adventures as a Fashion Illustrator, graphic designer and watercolor artist. A few years ago, a serendipitous encounter occurred...she was introduced to the "Living Jewels" one warm spring afternoon at the Japanese Friendship Gardens in San Jose, CA. She knew instantaneously that this was not just a chance meeting but one that would have a profound effect on her work.

Color, light and movement represent qualities that Pat has worked with over the years and here at last was a subject that drew it all together - the Koi - especially when observed in a tranquil pond among lily pads, blooms, other plants and rippling shadowy water patterns.

In order to further develop a unique approach to the multi-faceted subject of the Koi, it has been necessary for Pat to learn more about them. This has involved research about pond building, water quality, plants and equipment and the infinite variations of patterns, colors, confirmation and the anatomy of Koi.

Hence the best of two worlds exists at Wind Dancer Studio where an eastern style garden provides the backdrop for a view of seasonal cycles and the Koi pond. The artist relates, "I have sketched beside the ponds here at the studio absolutely entranced by the serene world of the Koi - learning to hand feed them, feeling their gentle nibbles and letting the stresses of the day fade away. The experiences of caring for Koi, attending shows and touring other people's ponds has helped me learn more about my subject matter and has informed my watercolor paintings tremendously"

Pat further states, " I work primarily from pond-side sketches with photographs for detail reference since it's hard to script a Koi to hold a certain pose for very long. However, my main inspiration comes from many hours spent observing the Koi as they interact with each other, the light flickering across the water and the shadows. In the process I have learned a great deal about movement, color and the many sides of Koi personality."

A quote paraphrased from "Zen in the Art of Archery ", by Eugen Herrigel sums it all up best when he said, "Painting becomes spontaneous calligraphy. Here again the painter's instructions might be spend ten years observing Koi, become a Koi yourself, then forget everything and PAINT."

Pat Michaud-Towery in a member and newsletter editor of the Santa Cruz Watercolor Society, a member of the Los Gatos Art Association and is an associate member of the National Watercolor Society. She has lived in northern California since 1981. She completed her Masters degree in Painting/Handmade Paper with teaching credentials at San Jose State University, and completed further graduate work at San Francisco State University. She exhibits extensively in the Central Coast area and is represented by York Gallery, Cherry Hill Koi & Watergardens, As Eye See It Gallery, Hayward and Evans Gallery, Carmel.