Kingfisher 1920

Ohara Koson’s 'Kingfisher' is a woodblock print that captures the poised tension of a moment. You can almost feel the artist carefully carving each line, balancing detail with elegant simplicity. I imagine Koson watching this kingfisher, studying its focus, and then translating that into this gentle scene. Look at the muted greens and blues, how they create a sense of calm, but also heighten the anticipation. And that beak! That spear of red, aimed with purpose. You can see how Japanese masters like Hiroshige influenced Koson, but he brings his own quiet intensity. It reminds me of how we, as artists, watch and wait, trying to capture a fleeting feeling or observation. And how each mark, each color choice, is a step towards something known, but also unknown. It's a conversation across time, where artists like Koson teach us to look closer, to feel deeper, and to find beauty in the simplest of moments.