The Koi Study

So talking to a friend the other day she told me that she really enjoyed the look of Koi and had even put a Koi pond in her back yard.  It got me thinking that that was not a fish I had even thought of painting.  I mean, Koi, really?  Is that a fish one thinks of fishing for and as such, is that a fish I would want to paint? 

Why Not.  After a bit of google research I even found a few fly fisherman proudly holding up massive Koi.  I am not sure how these seemingly sleepy fish will act on a hook since the only ones I have ever seen were pets in a pond.  Anyway, here is an afternoon quick study to see how my eye sees the Koi.  I got to say that I'm not that disappointed in the result.

 I decided to document my attempt at this new study so here is a progressive picture record of the Koi Study.  Being an Asian fish I decided that the classic yin-yang style of pose was appropriate.

 After I finalised the sketch I worked in a watery backdrop for the subjects to set on. 

Then I added in a mix of colors for the Koi.  Deep reds, bright yellows, and dark blue all added at the same time and then allowed to flow together to allow the look of life and the movement of the fish.  I then added all the details to get the finished painting you see at the top of the post.
Over all I was pleased with the finish product and as this was just a study to work on my technique with this type of subject, you might just see a larger work some time down the road.  That is if I get some free time at home someday this month.  As it is right now I haven't even had enough time to break away and awake the bass that are warming up down here in the south.
As a parting photo I leave you with a shot taken on one of my latest trips.  You just cant get that kind of view at ground level.