Through all these years, Keiko knew there was in her heart the growing desire to someday become an artist. That, fueled by her love of travel and strong interest in other cultures, eventually found its way out in 2003. After learning basic drawing and watercolor painting skills at a local community school in San Diego, she took on her first project as an artist together with her father, a renowned scholar of French literature in Japan. Through the Azure Sea and Sky of Provence: A Tribute to Her Joie de Vivre (Kosei Publishing, Osaka, Japan) was published in August, 2003, authored by her father and illustrated by Keiko. From then on, she intensely taught herself to be fluent in watercolor painting, just as one would do to master a foreign language.
Mostly self-taught, Keiko embarked on a professional art career in 2005 and started exhibiting publicly. In the same year she took a workshop from Alvaro Castagnet and discovered the joy of plein-air painting. Since that year her paintings have been juried into many exhibitions across Americas and in Asia and Europe. Her work has been purchased by private and corporate collectors from all around the world. She also had her paintings published in leading art magazines in the U.S., Europe and Japan. Additionally, she self-publishes her art books and nine books have been completed by 2019. She’s also a sought-after workshop instructor. Since 2011, she has been invited to and completed successfully more than 230 workshops and numerous live demonstrations around the world. She has served as a juror in a number of art exhibitions including some major watercolor shows around the world such as the Transparent Watercolor Society of America, the International Watercolor Society, the Northwest Watercolor Society, the Utah Watercolor Society and the New Mexico Watercolor Society. In 2015 she was named an official Ambassador for Winsor & Newton. In 2018, she was appointed to the advisory board of the American Watercolor Weekly. In 2018 and 2019, she was invited to be a faculty member for the Plein Air Convention & Expo, the world’s largest plein-air painting event.
Keiko currently lives in San Diego, California.
Keiko Tanabe is award-winning artist and a signature member of the National Watercolor Society. Often working en plein air, her atmospheric watercolors perfectly capture a sense of time and place. Through her use of color, textures, and signature brushwork, Keiko’s landscapes and cityscapes beautifully convey both the exotic and the simple scenes of the many places she travels.
Keiko is essentially self-taught, as she started painting following a single drawing class in 2004. A year later, after studying basic drawing and watercolor at a local community school in San Diego, Keiko decided to paint full-time. From then on, she intensely taught herself to be fluent in watercolor painting, just as one would do to master a foreign language. Her subjects include landscape, cityscape, waterscape and interior scenes, which will be demonstrated in the workshop, using representational and impressionistic compositions. Since 2011, Keiko has given more than 100 workshops and numerous live demonstrations around the world.
INTERVIEW WITH KEIKO TANABE
via: https://artescapesyvr.com/tanabe/
More About Keiko Tanabe
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- American Impressionist Society, Inc.
- National Watercolor Society, signature member
- American Watercolor Society, signature member
- North American Watercolor Artists (NAWA), founding member
- Laguna Plein Air Painters Association
MEDIA COVERAGE (PUBLICATION/PRINT)
- Aire Agua Tierra Fuego (by Maria Jose Barrera), Parramon Paidotribo (2019)
- Going Gray (by Keiko Tanabe), Watercolor Artist, F+W Media, Inc. (February 2019)
- The Four Elements of Watercolor (by Courtney Jordan), Artists Magazine (December 2018)
- J’aime le plein air (by Keiko Tanabe), L’Art de l’Aquarelle Hors-Serie No. 2, Diverti Editions (October 2018)
- Check out five bucket-list inspiration venues (by Anne Hevener), Watercolor Artist (October 2018)
- Keiko Tanabe on Kyoto. DestinAsian. (August 2018)
- A World View (by Kelly Kane). PleinAir Magazine, Streamline Publishing, Inc. (July 2018)
- Tips to paint successful landscapes, Art of Watercolour,Diverti Editions, 31st Issue (2018)
- Close to Home (by John A. Parks), Watercolor Artist, F+W Media, Inc. (June, 2017)
- Painting Urban and Cityscapes (by Hashim Akib), The Crowood Press Ltd. (2017)
- Splash 18: Value / Light & Dark, North Light Books (2017)
- Keiko Tanabe Simplicity First and Foremost (By Laurent Benoist), Art of Watercolour, Diverti Editions, 25th Issue (2016)
- Besatt av Akvarell by Stefan Gadnell (2016)
- Build Your Following on Facebook, Professional Artist Magazine, Turnstile Publishing Company (October/November, 2015)
- Immagini dell’Acqua Grande manifestazione all’Acquario Civico di Milano per i primi 40 anni dell’AIA ( by Michelangelo Canzi), L’ACQUERELLO, Associazione Italiana Acquerellisti (January 2015)
- Brushing Up (by Beth Williams), Watercolor Artist, F+W Media, Inc. (October, 2014)
- Talking Techniques with Keiko Tanabe, Artists & Illustrators, The Chealsea Magazine Company Ltd. (March, 2014)
- 水色相依秀灵韵, Guangming Daily (January 19, 2014)
- Le Hors Série Aquarelle: Aquarelliste globe-trotteuse, Pratique des Arts (December, 2013)
- Le Hors Série: Tour du Monde de l’Aquarelle Portfolio Asie et Australie, Pratique des Arts (November, 2012)
- 透明水彩の作品とレッスン (Transparent watercolor works and lessons), Graphicsha (November, 2012)
- Awash in Watercolor
- meet 10 artists who capture the world in a demanding medium, Southwest Art (April, 2012)
- The American Artist Series (by Gail. M. Weber), Exploring TOSCA, (Winter, 2012)
- Artist’s Impression Keiko Tanabe, Destinasian Magazine, (December, 2011)
- Artists Raise $30,000 Online for Japanese Tsunami Survivors (by Byron Kerman), Professional Artist, Volume 25, Number 6 (July/August, 2011)
- Keiko Tanabe, San Diego Talent Magazine, Issue 4 (May, 2011)
- The Way of the World (by Ann Emmert Abbott), Watercolor Artist, F+W Media, Inc. (December, 2010)
- Minimal Means, Maximum Impact (by John A. Parks), American Artist/Watercolor, Interweave Press (Summer, 2009)
- Splash 11: New Directions, North Light Books (June, 2010)
- Splash 10: Passionate Brushstrokes, North Light Books (May, 2008)
- Del Mar Times Arts & Culture, Del Mar Times (May 16, 2008)
- Prism, San Diego Watercolor Society (March, 2008)
MEDIA COVERAGE (ONLINE)
- Using Composition to Tell Your Story, American Watercolor Weekly (February 26, 2019)
- Interview with Artist Keiko Tanabe, Creative Catalyst (February 18, 2019)
- How Keiko Tanabe Paints Trees in Her Watercolor Landscapes, Creative Catalyst (January 31, 2019)
- What Colors Make Gray, Artists Network (2018)
- Perfect Foursome, Artist Network (2018)
- A Chat with Keiko Tanabe, American Watercolor Weekly by Kelly Kane (September 18, 2018)
- PleinAir Art Podcast Episode 91: Keiko Tanabe by Eric Rhoads, PleinAir Magazine (September 4, 2018)
- Art in the Open, American Watercolor Weekly by Kelly Kane (August 28, 2018)
- A Journey to Watercolor, American Watercolor Weekly by Kelly Kane (August 14, 2018)
- The color I can’t live without, American Watercolor Weekly by Kelly Kane (April 10, 2018)
- Art & Life with Keiko Tanabe, SDVoyager (April 2018)
- Keiko Tanabe, Art Trails San Diego by Lin Holzinger (February, 2017)
- Artist Spotlight: Keiko Tanabe, Fine Art Views by Dave Geada (October 21, 2015)
- Artist: Keiko Tanabe by Heather Greenwood (October 17, 2015)
- Aquarelle Reims Evenement – ARE, Arches (October 13, 2015)
- Capturing the Essence of Japan, Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Baffalo State by Katie Bethge (May 15, 2015)
- New Studio Brings Top Artists Like Keiko Tanabe to Sai Kung, Sai Kung Buss (May, 2015)
- Keiko Tanabe’s Incredible Watercolour Journey, Flavours Holidays by Lorne Blyth (May 1, 2015)
- Keiko Tanabe’s plein air paintings are anything but plain, San Diego CityBeat by Seth Combs (April 14, 2015)
- Interview with Watercolor Painter Keiko Tanabe, Yelena Casale’s Writing Blog by Yelena Casale (January 23, 2015)
- Keiko Tanabe, Informed Collector, FineArtStudioOnline (February 11, 2014)
- Entrevista a Keiko Tanabe Interview with Keiko Tanabe, Women watercolorists by María José Barrera (July 30, 2013)
- Watercolors from Keiko Tanabe teaching a workshop on the Costa Brava, French Escapade by Jackie Grandchamps (May 13, 2013)
- Keiko Tanabe, acuarelas universales, InSevilla (April 29, 2013)
- Artist of the Month
- October 2012 Keiko Tanabe, Artmatch4U (October, 2012)
- Encuentro con Keiko, Acuerelas, Óleos y Técnicas Mixtas by María José Barrera Garrido (July 16, 2012)
- Artist Keiko Tanabe, FASO Featured Artists by Carrie Turner, FineArtViews (May 14, 2012)
- Keiko Tanabe, A Devoted Art by Cheryl Devoto, TWS (March 18, 2012)
- Gourmet Veggie Tales
- Chino’s Farm by Keiko Tanabe, Rancho Santa Fe News (February 20, 2012)
- Keiko Tanabe, Lines and Colors by Charley Parker (September 8, 2011)
- Keiko Tanabe, Informed Collector, FineArtStudioOnline (September 8, 2011)
- 田辺恵子さん、来塾, Jukucho no nikki (Jukucho’s Journal) by Kazuo Kasai (August 19, 2011)
- Keiko Tanabe Interview, Art of Watercolors by Sterkhov K. (February 7, 2011)
- Keiko Tanabe Scheduled Workshops, Watercolor Painting by Fernando Pena (February 5, 2011)
- Daily Paintworks Interview, Artists Discuss (Sep-Dec, 2010)
- Watercolor Artist Keiko Tanabe Studio Blog, Artworks of Candor Sudio by Charles Taggart (May 3, 2010)
- Keiko Tanabe, Informed Collector, FineArtStudioOnline (January 28, 2010)
- Keiko Tanabe {Art} (by Janelle Steinberg), {Maison Classique}, J. Steinberg Design (November 19, 2009)
- Fine Art Views Daily Newsletter, FineArtStudioOnline (November 5, 2008; Issue #266)
- artcollector, FineArtStudioOnline (October 3, 2008)
- Keiko Tanabe, Informed Collector, FineArtStudioOnline (May 7, 2008)
RECENT EXHIBITIONS (SELECTED)
View a complete list of past exhibitions.
- 2019
- 152nd American Watercolor Society Annual International Exhibition, New York City, U.S.A.
- 10th Annual Signature American Watermedia Exhibition, Fallbrook, California, U.S.A.
- Salon Dessin Peinture A L’Eau, Paris, France
- 2018
- LOCAL COLOR – Invitational Museum Show, California, U.S.A.
- Premio Biennale Internazionale, Fabriano, Italy
- National Watercolor Society 98th International Open Exhibition, California, U.S.A.
- Watercolor Masters, Saint Petersburg, Russia
- 151st American Watercolor Society Annual International Exhibition, New York City, U.S.A.
- 6th Trienal Internacional de la Acuarela, Santa Marta, Colombia
- 2017
- Keiko Tanabe Solo Exhibition “Veneto: A Watercolor Journey”, Vicenza, Italy
- 5th International Watercolor Biennial, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, France
- 8th Annual Signature American Watermedia Exhibition, Falbrook, California, U.S.A.
- 2016
- CPAP 2016 International Plein Air Challenge Exhibit, Pacific Grove, California, U.S.A.
- Salon International de l’Aquarelle d’Eckange, Eckange, France
- 7th Annual Signature American Watemedia Exhibition, Fallbrook, California, U.S.A.
- Aquarellades, Mons, Belgium
- 2015
- Solo Exhibition, Willowbrush Gallery, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.A.
- 2015 International Watercolour Elite Exhibition, Taiwan
- Aquarelle Reims Evenement 2015, Reims, France
- Les Printemps de l’Aquarelle, Libramont, Belgium
- 6th Annual Signature American Watercolor Exhibition, Fallbrook, California, U.S.A.
- 2014
- Solo Exhibition, Art Shop Sanat Galerisi, Alaçati, Turkey
- World Watermedia Exposition, Bangkok, Thailand
- International Contemporary Watercolour Exhibition, various cities, China
- Water Views: XXI Century Landscape Watercolorists, various cities, Italy
- 2013
- Shenzhen Watercolor Biennial, China
- “New Direction” Two-Person Watercolor Exhibition, Tokyo, Japan
- 4th Annual Signature American Watercolor Exhibition, California, U.S.A.
- Les Aquarellades, Mons, Belgium
- 2013 Juried Biennial, California, U.S.A.
- 2012
- Solo Exhibition, Izmir Painting and Sculpture Museum, Izmir, Turkey
- 2nd Annual Scottsdale Salon of Fine Art, Arizona, U.S.A.
- 3rd Annual Signature American Watercolor Exhibition, California, U.S.A.
- “Stepping Over the Line” (Group Exhibition of the North American Watercolor Artists), Strathmore Mansion, Maryland, U.S.A.
- 2011
- National Watercolor Society 2011 91st Annual Exhibition, California, U.S.A.
- “Ambiances de France” Solo Exhibition, California, U.S.A.
- 3rd Contemporary International Outstanding Watercolor Painters Nomination Exhibition, Hangzhou, China
- Asian Watercolours 2011, Seoul, Korea
- II Bienal Iberoamericana de la Acuarela
- Madrid 2011, Madrid, Spain
- Taiwan International Watercolor Exhibition Invitational, Taipei, Taiwan
- 5ème Biennale d’Aquarelle, Brioude, France
- 12ème Biennale du Salon de l’Aquarelle de Belgique, Namur, Belgium
- American Watercolor Society 144th Annual International Exhibition, New York City, U.S.A.
- 2nd Annual Signature American Watercolor Exhibition, California, U.S.A.
- 9th Watercolor International Biennial Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
- 2010
- 7th International Watercolor Biennial Viña del Mar, Viña del Mar, Chile
- National Watercolor Society 90th Anniversary Annual Exhibition, California, U.S.A.
- II Encuentro de Acuarelistas Hispanoamericanos, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolour Biennial Exhibition, Shanghai, China
- 2009
- 34th Annual Western Federation of Watercolor Societies Exhibition, California, U.S.A.
- 2008
- Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour Annual Juried Exhibition, Toronto, Canada
- American Academy of Equine Art Fall Open Juried Exhibition, Kentucky, U.S.A.
- Watercolor U.S.A., Missouri, U.S.A.
HONORS & AWARDS (SELECTED)
- George James Award (2019), National Watercolor Society Members Exhibition
- First Place (2019), Best of Plein Air, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association 15th Annual Juried Plein Air Art Show
- Multiple Merchandise Awards (2018), San Diego Watercolor Society 38th International Exhibition
- Best of Show (2018), San Diego Watercolor Society Annual Plein-Air Exhibition
- Outstanding Watercolor (2018) September 2018 BoldBrush Painting Competition
- Silver Award, Art in the Open International Plein-Air Painting Exhibition, Wexford, Ireland, 2018
- Outstanding Watercolor (2017) December 2017 BoldBrush Painting Competition
- Award of Excellence (2018), 2nd International Watercolor Biennial, Pakistan
- Outstanding Watercolor (2017), May 2017 BoldBrush Painting Competition
- M. Graham and Co. Award (2016), San Diego Watercolor Society 36th International Exhibition
- Award (2016), International Watercolor Society Pakistan
- Charles & Helen Tillotson Award (2016), 7th Signature American Watermedia Exhibition
- Outstanding Watercolor (2015), April 2015 FineArtViews BoldBrush Painting Competition
- Joan Roche Memorial Award (2015), 6th Signature American Watermedia Exhibition
- SDWS Signature Member’s Cash Award & Instructors’ Cash Award (2014), San Diego Watercolor Society 34th International Exhibition
- Premio del Público (2014), II Exposición Internacional de Acuarela y Pintura al Agua 2014
- Finalist (2013), November 2013 BoldBrush Painting Competition
- Honorable Mention (2013), Watermedia Showcase Competition, Watercolor Artist Magazine
- People’s Choice Award (2013), 2013 Cannon Art Gallery Juried Biennial
- Finalist (2012), April 2012 FineArtViews BoldBrush Painting Competition
- Finalist (2012), February 2012 FineArtViews BoldBrush Painting Competition
- Benbrook Family Award & People’s Choice Award (2011), San Diego Watercolor Society 31st International Exhibition
- Finalist
- Outstanding Watercolor (2011), July 2011 FineArtViews BoldBrush Painting Competition
- Finalist
- Outstanding Watercolor (2011), June 2011 FineArtViews BoldBrush Painting Competition
- Joan Roche Memorial Award (2011), 2011 Signature American Watercolor Exhibition
- Merwin Altfeld Memorial Award (2010), National Watercolor Society 90th Annual Exhibition
- Edward & Gail Rogers Award (2010), San Diego Watercolor Society 30th International Exhibition
- Finalist (2010), 27th Annual Art Competition, The Artist’s Magazine
- First Place (2010), Il Encuentro de Acuarelistas Hispanoamericanos, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- First Place (2010), Spa Velia Art Gallery First Juried Art Exhibition
- Third Place (2010), April 2010 FineArtViews BoldBrush Painting Competition
PERMANENT COLLECTIONS
- New Mexico Watercolor Society, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A.
- S.L.O. Orleat, France
- Ming Gallery, Suzhou, China
- Ye Qiangyu Art Museum, Tonglu County, Zhejiang, China
- Zhongyung Art Museum, Guilin, China
- Museu de Arte Contemporânea MAC Bahia, Senhor do Bonfim, Brazil