The story
This dragon gate fantasy oil painting depicts the theme of 鱼跃龙门 [Yu Yue Long Men]
This proverb comes from a folktale about carp leaping over Mount Dragon Gate to get to a beautiful lake on the other side. The folktale is believed to have taken shape sometime in the early Western Han dynasty (206 bce–9 ce). According to a later historical text, “carp leaping over Dragon Gate” had already become a well-known saying by the Eastern Han period (25–220 ce). [Berkshire Publishing Group]
The story about aspiring to become a dragon encourages people to work hard towards their dreams. Because of this story, carp fish or koi fish is often believed to have the potential to become a real dragon. And I think this is where the Pokemon Magicarp evolution comes from.
Digital concept
Koi fish is a variant species of carp fish Cyprinus rubrofuscus. So I choose it for its bright and beautiful colors. Koi fish also means good luck and fortune, which harmonizes well with the fantasy of dragon gates in this oil painting.
In the beginning I couldn’t decide where to put the dragon. I thought about putting a giant semi transparent dragon behind the gate but it did’t fit. In the end I put the dragons on the endless columns to indicate the nature of this gate.
The number of koi fish is also considered. Well, according to fengshui, fishes are better to be 3、6、7、9、13、17、18、19、21. 3 is too less, 9+ is too much, so either 6 or 7.
Summary
Dragon gate is a well known story. Therefore there are some illustrations and pictures online all the time. Nowadays these include AI art. I think it is very interesting. It is a brainstorm to see how AI renders an old, ancient folk tale scene.
Here are some AI art about dragon gate I can find online.
I hope you enjoy it~
Thank you.