FishEye makes yet another appearance in one of my paintings. This painting was started about a year ago, before I moved. It started as a quick sketch and turned into a larger piece (16″ x 20″). While sketching and outlining the drawing, I was undecided on the size of the “fish eye”. I kept going back and forth on the canvas, and finally decided to make it much smaller than the original sketch. For this painting I wanted to use a single dominant color instead of using various colors. I still wanted to make it bright, but keep it within one color range. The final piece came out ok. I think it could have used other colors, but I’m still happy with the results.
This is the original sketch for this painting. It took only a few seconds to do, but the painting took over a year to complete (mostly because I needed to get back to painting)
This is the first layer of paint on the canvas. This is where I decide where the objects are going to be placed and what colors will be used.
The first sketch looks a lot like watercolors, I try to use a light coating so the lines can be easily changes if I’m not happy with the placement. You can see some of the lines have been modified.
Close-up of the sketch. At this stage I dilute the oil paint as much as possible (with paint thinner) and begin to mark the lines and shadows.
I began to apply a second layer of paint. I was still very undecided on the size of “Fish Eye”.
This is about the third layer of paint. I decided to eliminate most of the blue and use green as the dominant color for the whole painting.
This is the completed piece drying up. It takes about 5 days to dry. I decided to use the swirl effect I used on my previous painting.
I added a coat of spray-on laquer to the painting. The glossy finish adds a nice gloss and contrast to the painting.
Another close up of the painting. This is one of the tentacles of the plant. Not sure what king of plan it is. I made it up.
This is the final piece. I need to frame it and hang it on my wall. I think the size of the “fish eye” worked out. The painting will look good if placed in a room where the colors will complement the painting.
Hope you enjoyed the painting. Total hours spent.. hmm I have no idea, but if I had to guess, about 10 hours.
nice!!! very nice!!!
Hi,
I really like both of your “fish eye” paintings. I want try something similar to them, but i was wondering what brand of oil paints you used.
Thanks
Drake
Hi Drake, Thanks. I don’t really know the brand I use. I just recommend you keep going back to your paintings and see how else you can improve them. The ones I revisit are the ones I like the most. Usually I’ll work on one for a few days, then put it away and come back to it after a few weeks, then do another layer, and do the process again every other week. After a few months (I know, its a lot of work) I have a painting I’m happy with. good luck
Loved it. Im a big fan of waves, swirls and tendril art and have done many of those. Keep painting…. for you can never rest till done.
You wouldn’t happen to have a pencil version of that fish right cus I saw I picture like your fish on google and actually really wanted a pencil one like that for my room :)) if you do; great would you mind sending me an e-mail, if you don’t; then someones copying your work…
Hi Julian, there is another painting with the “fisheye” on it, http://henrycolchado.com/blog/painting-fish-eye-one/ check it out, maybe this will work for what you need. Good luck with your painting.
I love your paintings. They are very amazing. I am only 13 and very decisive with my own art. I don’t know wether to leave it the way it is or to paint a new painting over it. What do i do about that?
Hi Mathew, I would recommend you continue to make improvements on the existing painting, not start a new one. Keep adding layers, details, and try color variations. Let it sit for a few days then go back to it. Sometimes it takes a few days to realize the potential of the painting. Looking back I think I could have done some things differently on this painting, but I’m happy enough with the final result. Good luck on your next project, please share some of your paintings.