Biography
A native of Japan, Keiko was born and raised in the rural farming community of Annaka, on February 4th, 1963, about 200 miles from its capital city, Tokyo. Keiko first began her work with brushes at the age of six while studying calligraphy under the tutelage of Master Okonogi. Japanese calligraphy is an ancient form of communication where the simple flick of brush stroke will completely change the meaning of a character. It requires strict discipline to master this art form, using brush strokes to translate characters into a communicable language. Keiko rose to the level of 6th Dan, a distinguished accomplishment in this art form. Now, Keiko lives in Houston, Texas with her husband.
Keiko began teaching calligraphy privately at age 20, and continued until she was married. In 1991, Keiko and her husband moved to the United States where she began studying 3D at Houston Museum Fine Art Glassell School of Art. Since that time, her artwork has been accepted and won awards in numerous juried national and international exhibitions.
Her most honorable awards are from, 13th Annual Watermedia Showcase 2021 Best of Show, National Watercolor Society 101st International open Exhibition 2021 Harriet & Arthur l Kaye Memorial Award and Merchandise Award, Watercolor West 53rd International Exhibition 2021 Patrons Award, WSA 80th National Exhibition 2021 WSA Board of Directors Award, Louisiana Watercolor Society 2021 Byron Levy Memorial Award, TWSA 44th Annual Juried Exhibition 2020 Winslow Homer Award of Merit, Richeson 75: Still Life & Floral 2020 Second Place, Watercolor West 52nd Annual Juried Exhibition 2020 Combined Merchandise Award, WSA 79th National Exhibition Patron Fine Art Award, Watercolor Art Society of Houston 42nd International Exhibition 2019 Lloyd Albers Memorial Award, Philadelphia Watercolor Society 119th International Exhibition 2019 Chandler Bellows Memorial Award, Watercolor West 51st Annual Juried Exhibition 2019 Henry & Fujiko Fukuhara Memorial Award, Richeson 75: Still Life & Floral 2019 Second Place.
Keiko is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society-Master, Transparent Watercolor Society - Master, Georgia Watercolor Society, Philadelphia Watercolor Society, Rocky Mountain National Watermedia, Texas Watercolor Society, Watercolor Color Society of Alabama, Louisiana Watercolor Society-Master, Watercolor West and Watercolor Art Society-Houston.
Her paintings have been featured in variety of watercolor magazines and art books such as The Art of Watercolor, in French and English editions, American Artist, Watercolor Artist, Splash 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19, and Art Journey American Landscapes.
Keiko is also accomplished in the medium of acrylic and oil, frequently painting large canvases. Her watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings are in private and corporate collections. Some of these are, PanaPina Inc., Rowan Drilling Corp., Chevron Oil Co., Petris Corp., and Abercrombie Simmons and Gillette Inc.
Keiko shares her experience with other artists by holding classes, giving short-term workshops and conducting critiques.