Dreaming of Fish

Dreaming of Fish remains one of my favorite paintings from the past year. It is such a gem. The bird has a sweet sleepy smile and the colors are so bold and playful. The vibrant fish wrap around the sides of the canvas for a dynamic profile. And the engaging textures just beg to be touched.

The composition is open and inviting and the subject is a unique collections of symbols open to all sorts of interpretations. This magical image of colorful dreams is sure to brighten any room.

Dreaming of Fish was created in layers. First, I used my fingers to push acrylic modeling paste into wonderfully irregular ridges and raised surfaces that became a 3-dimmensional drawing. The bird and the fish are highly textured. They are visibly raised from the canvas. Second, I applied color to the surface by dipping my fingers in paint and then patting the canvas with my fingertips. Third, I used a wide brush and water to smooth out the broad areas. And fourth, I used a very small detail brush to add highlights. This piece is full of vivid color, rich textures, and fun, playful zip.