Page 68 - Koi Net - On-Line Koi Magazine - Issue 30

KEITH SIDDLE,

KOI PAINTING

COMMISSION PROCESS

Following Koi Net’s feature in Issue 26 (pages 36 - 45)
James Mackey’s Koi. Initial A4 pencil sketch.
on the internationally renowned Koi Artist Keith Siddle,
here we showcase how Keith created a commissioned
painting of James Mackey’s excellent collection of Koi.
The Commission process is a lengthy one, with
patience required by both the Artist and client – but
good things are worth waiting for!

Once the size (in this case approx. 30" × 40") and price
of the painting was agreed, James emailed Keith a
selection of photos of the Koi he wanted featured. Keith
then created an initial A4 pencil sketch, before emailing
it to James. James suggested some changes to the
design, so Keith designed a second A4 sketch, labelling
the Koi varieties. This second design was good – but
2nd A4 pencil sketch. 3rd A4 pencil sketch. not quite right for what James wanted, the small
Yamabuki Ogon needed to be replaced by his Gin Rin
Showa and the Kumonryu added to the top of the
painting. James loved the design!
With both parties happy with the sketched design,
Keith painted an A4 watercolour version to check the
colours worked well. James had requested a black
background for his painting, which really makes the
Koi’s vibrant colours stand out, but it meant the mainly
black Kumonryu was a little lost, so Keith agreed to
replace it with the Koromo (keeping the movement of
the Kumonryu) and added the Goshiki.
James was thrilled with the colour and variety
combination so Keith ‘scaled’ up the design on paper
1st A4 watercolour including the Kumonryu. 2nd A4 watercolour changing the Kumonryu to the same size of the commissioned canvas, then
to Kujaku and Kujaku to Goshiki.
sent the image to James for confirmation or changes to
the Koi’s body shapes, etc.
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