My name is Caesar Yanez and I strive to make this the best source for koi art that is detailed and realistic in the following media, bronze sculptures, oil-on-canvas paintings, graphite pencil drawings/koi prints.

I have enjoyed these beautiful fish for years. My love of koi has inspired me to create stunning works of art.

I have created the following works of art for everyone’s enjoyment -
lost-wax bronze Koi art sculptures); Prints (digital graphics), oil on canvas - originals. These works of art are created to their correct standard and confirmation depicting great detail, realism and accuracy. Before I consider my clay sculptures complete, they go through stages of reviews from koi judges and breeders. Together with my artistic perspective and the keen eyes of everyone that helped tweak the sculpture, we are able to produce fine art bronze statues true to the nature of the Nishikigoi beauty and grace.

The carp is a fish originally from Central Europe and Asia. Carp species were domesticated in South East Asia and China, where they were used as a food. The carp adapted to many climates and water conditions allowing the domesticated species to be breed to many new places like Japan. Natural color changes of these carp would have taken place across all populations. Historical records suggest that carp were first bred for color mutations in China. Careful breeding of the Prussian carp led to the evolution of the goldfish. The Goldfish was introduced to Japan in the 16th century and to European countries in the 17th century.

Carp are known as koi in Japan. In the 1820's they were first bred for color in Japan. By the 20th century, a number of color patterns had been established, most notably the red-and-white Kohaku. The world was uniformed of the development of color variations until 1914, when the Niigata koi were displayed in the annual exposition in Tokyo. It was then that, interest spurted throughout Japan. This hobby eventually spread worldwide. They are now sold in most pet stores, with higher-quality available through specialist dealers and breeders.

Nishikigoi have many different colors. Some of the major colors are white, black, red, yellow, blue, and cream.

The major named varieties include: Kohaku, Shusui, Kinginrin, Kawarimono, Ogon, Kumonryu, Doitsu-goi, Ochiba, Koromo, Hikari-moyomono Taisho Sanshoku, Showa Sanshoku, Tancho, Asagi, Utsurimono, Bekko, Goshiki,

Fancy goldfish are one of my passions, the ranchu goldfish happens to be my favorite goldfish.

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The following video clip is one of the large koi I studied for the large project. The projected size is 26" - 27". Special attention paid to the head area. Enjoy the video

Below are three video clips posted on youtube.com where the Nishiki Koi Club members critique the clay sculptures

 

 

part 1 - clay koi model sculpture critique

part 2 - nishikigoi clay sculpture critique

part 3 - carp model sculpture

To see the work in progress located on my sister website, please click on bronze koi sculpture

I removed the fins from the model in order to ease the fabricaton of the mould.	Sculpted with an open mouth; therefore, the mould maker will create a plug for the mouth.
I sculpted two water lilys for the frog to sit on.	The lily and frog will also be available as a free standing.
The pectral and pelvic fins are prepared for the mold process.	The subject is placed on a bed of clay.
Gary Pawlowski created the mold. Gary is a sculptor, make up artist and mold maker, sculptor in the film industry. Outstanding work! Building up the layers of fiberglass. (left)
Here we are trying to determine the correct pose.	The frog and lily are posed over the fish in order to determine the correct angle.
The wax fins are invested in a hard ceramic shell.	The ceramic shell is a build up of slurries. The sand and silica is used to build the wall thickness through many coatings.
Here I am trying to position the fins correctly before they are completely welded to the body.	The pectoral fins are tack welded as I compare the original clay sculpture to the bronze koi.
Patina artist, Erin Barrett applies the paste wax after her application of patina to the bronze and driftwood base.
The statue sits on a green marble base.	Front shot of the statue.
The initial concept for the bronze, but after much feedback we desided to omit the frog. On special requests orders I can added the frog.	Detail image of the green marble base and driftwood bronze, which displays my studio seal.
Top view of the frog as it sits on the lilly pads.	Profile view of the frog

I am a members of their local club which meets monthly in Orange County, California. It is a wonderful koi club to be associated with; anyone is welcomed to contact the club and join the fun!

Please note:
We use the traditional lost-wax method to produce our bronze sculptures. We do not use “cold-cast bronze”, which is a resin blend.