Butterfly Koi - Original Coloured Pencil Artwork

Butterfly Koi is an original coloured pencil artwork on Bristol board by New Zealand artist Karena.

Featuring a graceful butterfly koi viewed from behind, this artwork celebrates the flowing movement and elegance that make these fish so captivating to watch. Rich orange tones, delicate fin detail, and subtle shading combine to create a piece that evokes a sense of calm, beauty, and quiet motion.

Details:

Artist: Karena
Size: A3
Materials: Faber-Castell Polychromos Colour Pencils on Hahnemühle Archival Bristol Board (310gsm)
Date Created: May–June 2026, Auckland, New Zealand

A Note from Karena:

"Fish have always fascinated me, and I can happily sit and watch them for hours. Butterfly koi are my favourite of all, with their long flowing fins and tails creating such a sense of grace and movement.

When creating this piece, I chose a rear view rather than a traditional side profile because I wanted the tail to be the star of the artwork. My goal was to capture the elegance and peaceful movement that makes butterfly koi so beautiful to watch.

Using coloured pencil allowed me to build up layers of colour and detail gradually, helping to bring the fish to life while preserving the softness and flow that first inspired me to draw it."

Original Artwork

This is a one-of-a-kind original coloured pencil drawing. It features the original pencil work, subtle layering, and fine details that can only be fully appreciated in person, making it a unique addition to any collection or space..