Keiko Yasuoka
A native of Japan, Keiko Yasuoka was born and raised in the rural farming community of Annaka, on February 4th, 1963, about 200 miles from its capital city, Tokyo. Keiko first began her work with brushes at the age of six while studying calligraphy under the tutelage of Master Okonogi. Japanese calligraphy is an ancient form of communication where the simple flick of brush stroke will completely change the meaning of a character. It requires strict discipline to master this art form, using brush strokes to translate characters into a communicable language. Keiko rose to the level of 6th Dan, a distinguished accomplishment in this art form. Now, Keiko lives in Houston, Texas with her husband and daughter. Keiko began teaching calligraphy privately at age 20, and continued until she was married. In 1991, Keiko and her husband moved to the United States where she began studying 3D at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston’s Fine Art Glassell School of Art. Since that time, her artwork has been accepted and won awards in numerous juried national and international exhibitions.
Keiko is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Transparent Watercolor Society Masters, Georgia Watercolor Society, Philadelphia Watercolor Society, Rocky Mountain National Watermedia, Texas Watercolor Society, Watercolor Color Society of Alabama, Louisiana Watercolor Society, and Watercolor Art Society of Houston.
Her paintings have been featured in variety of watercolor magazines and art books such as The Art of Watercolor, in French and English editions, American Artist, Watercolor Artist, Splash 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19, and Art Journey American Landscapes.
Keiko is also accomplished in the medium of acrylic and oil, frequently painting large canvases. Her watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings are in private and corporate collections. Some of these are, PanaPina Inc., Rowan Drilling Corp., Chevron Oil Co., Petris Corp., and Abercrombie Simmons and Gillette Inc.
Keiko shares her experience with other artists by holding classes, giving short-term workshops and conducting critiques.