artbyakiko

Hi! My name is Akiko Watanabe. I was born and raised in Japan, and currently live in the San Francisco Bay Area. My husband and I have been adopting the stray cats that showed up in our backyard. Some were injured needing help, some were pregnant and gave birth in our home, and some were simply needing a safe home. We were able to find nice homes for some of the kittens and we adopted all the rest. They all live indoors except for the little fenced-in outdoor area where they can enjoy grass and smell of the exciting outside world.

I was always interested in art and is self-taught in painting. Much of my art focuses on nature and expresses my love for animals, domestic and wild. The beauty of these creatures comes from their deep innocence and honesty. Their attentions are never divided. It seems they have mastered the art of living in the moment of NOW. By painting them I aspire to create art as pure and beautiful as them—as if the process of painting will help me find that special treasure revealed deep within their eyes.

Painting satisfies my creative urges as well as educates me. My senses of perception are sharpened as I try to capture my subject’s essence, and I learn more about the nature of these creatures through this process. Through my paintings, I hope that I can share their beautiful nature with you.

Please visit:
My website
My Zazzle store
My blog

I am a proud member of:
Art For Critters
Etsy for Animals