Having lived in most of these areas, I am drawn to the coast, in particular, the east coast of Australia where we currently live in the beautiful state of Queensland. The wonderful Great Barrier Reef runs from far north Queensland down past central Queensland along the coast. We are very proud to have this icon which is listed as one of the Seven Wonders Of The World on our doorstep.
Oil Painting Medic
Burnt sienna and cadmium red will produce deep, rusty reds. A little burnt umber will deepen cool down this color.
Lemon yellow with a little white and cadmium yellow will produce bright, golden yellows as found on the emperor angelfish (above left).
Pthalo blue and a little white for bright, luminescent silvery-blues. A little burnt umber can be added to tone down the blue.
Burnt umber, ultramarine and permanent rose will produce deep blacks for stripes found on the flanks of damselfish or cardinalfish.
Pthalo blue and a little viridian and white will produce bright green-blue.
What Color is Fish?
| Art techniques for painting fish (Rachel Shirley) |
Some fish are more difficult to paint than others, particularly those that exhibit contrasting colors within detailed areas, such as the lionfish, bluestripe snapper or the emperor angelfish (above left). All these fish pose the risk of dirty color mixes as one color could dirty the other. To counter this, apply one color (the paler one preferably), which might be yellow or orange. Once this is dry, work on the other color, which might be blue or purple. This will keep the colors clean. The list below represent suggested color mixes to for the following fish.
Yellow tang fish: lemon yellow and a little white. Add a little ultramarine and burnt sienna to darken this color on the underflanks and fins.
Damselfish: Mix a little cerulean or cobalt into white for the pale colors. For the dark stripes, mix a little burnt umber into ultramarine.
Clownfish: A little cobalt or ultramarine with white for the pale areas. Clown fish exhibit an array of reds, from orange to purple. Useful pigments will be cadmium red and yellow for bright red; add a little permanent rose for deeper crimsons. Add a little burnt sienna for a rusty red.
Bluestripe snapper: use lemon yellow and a little cadmium yellow for the yellow markings. A little viridian and ultramarine can be used to darken this color. The bright blues can be achieved by mixing pthalo blue and a little white. Add a little burnt umber to darken this color for shadows.
Observe the color of the fish sensitively, as there will always be exceptions. Darken a bright color with its opposing color, or one with a different color temperature. Darken yellow with a little violet or blue; darken red with a little green or blue. Earth colors can be used to tone down any color.
How to Paint Fish in Art
Tropical fish provide a great subject matter for painting for their bright colors and intricate patterns. Fish are often overlooked by other bright colored subject matter such as beetles and flowers. Good visual resources are vital for detail. Apply the palest or bright colors first, which might be the silvery stripes of a triggerfish. Watch out for applying layers of translucent pigments, as the result will be an unwanted dull color, which could easily happen with the red areas of clownfish. Apply an opaque layer of a similar color first. Apply the darkest colors last. And finally, allow plenty of time to complete detail. Use good quality art materials. Fine sables will ensure clean lines for detail such as scales or markings on a lionfish.
More Articles on Oil Painting Techniques
How to “Build Your Coral Reef” acrylic painting
A workshop with acrylic artist Lyn Olsen .
” Build Your Coral Reef.”
Recorded for you over 3 days in my studio in Tropical Nth Queensland, Australia. Paint along with me, or sit back and watch as I bring the canvas to life.
You will see my techniques unfold in each video as I explain tips, whilst building up the coral reef. From blank canvas to bright, vibrant, finished painting ready to post. Learn how you too can paint your very own reef scene, or use the techniques for almost any other painting style.
My daughter Leanne comes on this journey with us as the producer/editor. As a non artist she asks questions to help me explain why I am doing things in a certain way. We have a little fun too, and hope you enjoy this workshop as much as we did.
The 3 days are broken down for you into bite sized tutorials. Each one has a video and list of materials and colours used. The total time you spend with us, and in section 4, my husband Barry, is 3.25 hours. All videos size is 2.220 GB, but remember you can dive in at your own pace.
The videos can be viewed on the tutorial page, or enlarged to full screen. They are also downloadable if you wish to watch them again off line. On the top left of each video you will see a number 1. This is a speed controller so you can speed up or slow down the video.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Thanks in advance for purchasing this workshop, the first of many still to come. I look forward to seeing your very own Coral Reef Creation!
Yours in Art
Lyn
Your Instructor
Lyn Olsen
I have been painting for 15 years after an early retirement and time on my hands.
Travelling my homeland, Australia, with my husband Barry, a keen photographer, the deserts, rain-forests, vast expanses of windswept plains, natural bush-land, farming, cities, country towns, and of course the beautiful coast that surrounds this great land, have inspired my works over the years.
Having lived in most of these areas, I am drawn to the coast, in particular, the east coast of Australia where we currently live in the beautiful state of Queensland. The wonderful Great Barrier Reef runs from far north Queensland down past central Queensland along the coast. We are very proud to have this icon which is listed as one of the Seven Wonders Of The World on our doorstep.
My art career has evolved over the years from a “dabble” in painting to nearly a full time career. Teaching, exhibiting, and holding workshops keep me busy on the home front, but I enjoy showing my works overseas. Having exhibited in New York, Italy, Miami and Florida has given me “self belief” and the drive to continue forward into the next phase of my career.
Acceptance into art publications and being featured in an episode of Colour In Your Life TV Show which has been shown in Australia and other countries, has opened many doors. I have been busy conducting workshops in many states of Australia and recording online workshops for those who cannot attend in person.
Please feel free to contact me for a commission of your favourite subject. Corporate and private commissions are very welcome.
In closing, I would welcome the opportunity to work with you to develop ideas for your special addition to your home.
