Past Works in Progress

(Click on an image below for an enlargement)

Check out this Sailfish piece I started at the end of February, 2006. I'm using acrylic on Masonite panel.

Posted March 11, 2006:

Creating a rough outline of the image using my reference photo and the thumbnail sketches I created as preliminary outlines.


Starting the underpainting.	Fishermen out there will recognize the familiar tool called a Release-Gaff. I use it as a maul-stick for stability when painting small details, so it comes in really handy when I'm not out fishing!

Posted March 26, 2006:


The image has really taken shape at this point. . .	I find it helpful to turn the painting upside down when doing long objects, grass, etc.

I love capturing the 'swoosh' created by the lure -- these bubbles are really turning out cool.

Posted April 18, 2006:


I've been layering washes to darken the water color. I've also painted in, taken out, and even re-painted highlights on the fish's body, then re-worked the underside of the water surface. Sometimes it takes several re-works before it feels right.	I'm softening the edges and creating a blurred, turbulent look in the water to capture the motion caused by the lure. I've also blocked out the hard line of the sail because it was stopping the motion -- I think these two changes help to achieve my desired effect of powerful speed and energy created by an excited Sailfish.

Posted June 4, 2006:


I'm continuing to work on the bubble stream to show the big "swoosh" caused by the cup-faced lure pulling through the water.	The finished piece! I've added the final touches, including highlights on the lure, the fishing line and bubbles streaming from the bill and gills.

In an effort to involve the patron who recently bought the artwork, I've asked him to help me decide on its name. For now, the working title is "Calculated Risk" since the Sailfish is taking on a big gamble if he goes for the lure!