Sybil & Basil

I have not painted any fish for a while now. I went through a phase of painting Koi, which I really enjoyed doing. Koi have such lovely patterns and colours which suit my method of watercolour. In addition they are the perfect shape to arrange into beautiful and interesting compositions.
Before returning to Koi, I have painted a much smaller subject; 2 fancy goldfish. These two were living in an aquarium in my parents' living room, where I was able to get a few good photographs of them swimming around.
Fancy goldfish have extremely elaborate fins and tails. I actually struggled trying to get Basil's (the one on the right) correct. I'm still not sure whether I have managed to pull it off. I am however very happy with Sybil's colouring and shape. Her peppering of black, orange and blue was easy to recreate with loose watercolour. This was a quick painting to produce, only taking a couple of hours from start to finish. It just goes to show that the more you paint the more relaxed and confident you become. I also feel my observational skills are improving. I just wish I had the time and luxury to sit down and paint everyday!

Busy BumbleBee

To celebrate the welcome return of the warm weather, I have painted this little fuzzy garden visitor on a marigold. Insects are very different to my normal subjects, and therefore there is little room for anatomical mistakes. Bees are very intricate creatures, and while creating this piece I spent a huge amount of time getting the legs, eye and wings correct. I think I have done a pretty good job, but I am sure an entomologist could point out some corrections! What I am most pleased with is the fuzzy fur. I put down a flat wash of black or yellow, then layered splattered brown/white/blue using a paintbrush and dip pen. The flower was created by using wet on wet watercolour, and I let the red, pink and yellow mix together.
It is a sad fact that Bumblebees are becoming rarer in this country. It would be tragic to lose such an important insect, so to help them out I am planting lots of bee friendly plants this spring, including marigolds, honeysuckle, sunflowers, nasturtium and globe thistle.