{"product_id":"still-waters-koi-hand-painted-bookmark","title":"Still Waters | Hand-Painted Koi Bookmark | Original Water Study Art","description":"\u003ch1\u003eStill Waters | Original Hand-Painted Bookmark\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeneath layered water tones, three koi move quietly through a shifting underwater world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStill Waters\u003c\/em\u003e is an original hand-painted bookmark inspired by the view of koi fish seen from above—gliding just beneath the surface of a pond where light, depth, and motion blur together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe background is created using layered blue and black acrylic, applied in a way that resists full blending. Instead of a smooth gradient, the surface retains visible movement between tones, mimicking the way water shifts in light and depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn top of this foundation, three white koi fish are painted with black detailing to define their form and markings. Their placement creates a sense of quiet motion, as if they are passing beneath the viewer in slow, unbroken rhythm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach bookmark is individually hand painted, making every piece a unique interpretation of underwater stillness and movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDetails\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal acrylic painting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHand-painted bookmark\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLayered water technique (blue + black)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of a kind\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLightweight and functional\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSigned by the artist, Amy Bridges\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Work\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStill Waters\u003c\/em\u003e explores the contrast between surface calm and hidden movement. Inspired by observing koi fish from above, the piece captures a moment where the water appears still, yet life moves constantly just beneath it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach bookmark is part of my ongoing exploration of color, texture, and technique in small-scale studies that allow for experimentation while remaining fully finished, collectible works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy bookmarks began out of frustration with mass-produced, flimsy designs that couldn’t survive real use. As an avid reader who often moves between multiple books at once, I needed bookmarks that could withstand daily life—books in bags, cars, hands, and constant movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach piece is built on paper that is sealed with multiple coats of gesso on both sides before painting begins, creating a strong archival surface. Once the artwork is complete, each bookmark is sealed with several thin layers of acrylic medium (matte or gloss), carefully diluted with water to allow smooth, even build-up without stickiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis slow, layered process creates a durable yet flexible surface designed for real-world use. Bookmarks are created in small batches, often 20–30 at a time, with full completion taking up to two weeks due to drying and sealing stages between layers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a functional art piece designed not only to be visually expressive, but resilient enough for everyday reading life.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DoodlebugsDesignbyAmyBridges","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50217548448066,"sku":"B12","price":7.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0741\/8688\/3394\/files\/20250303_125937.jpg?v=1741031793","url":"https:\/\/artbyamybridges.com\/products\/still-waters-koi-hand-painted-bookmark","provider":"ArtbyAmyBridges","version":"1.0","type":"link"}