Medium: Watercolors Size: 12x17 inches Prints and Original available [link] Detail closeup views [link] Original sketch available [link] Related blog posts: [link] and [link]
In Chinese and Japanese legend the lowly carp spends its life trying to swim up the Yellow River. At the source of the river is a great roaring waterfall. If the koi were able to swim up that waterfall, it would be rewarded and transformed into a dragon. Thus, the koi is a symbol of personal advancement, perseverance, determination in the face of impossible obstacles, and inner strength. The journey of the carp to become a dragon was a metaphor for young scholars passing the Chinese state exams and become a mandarin.
At this point I just start repeating myself when I comment on your work. Yet another gorgeous piece! Love the texture and rendering of the water and how it conforms and accents the fluidity of the dragon's form.