Trout Base Trials

In each of the previous 6 trials, I used very dark base colors for the trout.  I want the reflected light from the surface to be stronger, so I will use a base color that is lighter and brighter.  Below is the first layer of this fish.

Layer #1 of brown trout base.  Click on image to enlarge.  Acrylic on Blick hardboard with texture.

The second layer of the trout includes a little less orange and more shadowing with lavender and some purple.  The gill area is also a little more pink, building on the colors in the foundation and created more reflected light possibilities.  

Layer #2 on body of brown trout.  Click on image to enlarge. 

Note the additional tones in the gill area and the brighter yellow through the midline of the body.  

This is an example of the need for continued refinement of underpainting when using acrylic paints.  Unless I have the opportunity to mix gesso into a color I am creating, or use a lot of titanium white, most colors of even the best paint, or not opaque enough to carry intensity of color without layering.  With patience and continued layering, it is possible to create subtle gradations of color to create depth and added interest.  The midbody area of this trout, just under the dorsal fin, and the gill area are both examples of this type of layering, making acrylic paint work for the image.

The third layer continues to intensify the colors in the under painting.  Hopefully this will pay off with the additional layers that enhance the spotting pattern of the fish.

Layer #3 - Addition of subtle color changes in the fins and belly.  Click on the image to enlarge.