THIRD TIME IS CHARMED
International shows can be really competitive, so I was thrilled to have my painting accepted into the International Society of Experimental Artist’s show. The best part is that it is in Newport Oregon so I won’t have to ship it this time. With my third ISEA acceptance I also have the honor of signature membership.
HERE’S THE BACK STORY
I’m on my way to British Columbia for an epic family trip. A tradition for us, we’ve been boat camping off Vancouver Island since our boys were small.
THIS VIDEO my son Brendon took on our trip two years ago will give you a flavor of the place we call “No Bear Island”
One of the thrills is hooking into big fish. The king of fish is the ling cod, with long, sharp teeth. Occasionally you get a twofer. You have a small rockfish on the line and a big ling sees it’s in trouble and comes lurking out of his den to take advantage of the situation, Only thing is, his teeth slant inward, so once he bites down on your fish, he can’t let go! You suddenly feel the line get heavy. Keeping the line tight and net ready, you can haul out a second fish.
This trophy was caught the traditional way, with a big hook and plastic worm.
HOW THE PAINTING TOOK SHAPE
THE PROCESS
After making my redfish collage, I wanted to do a large fish and what could be better than the ling? Sometimes they look blue, even the meat! After doing the research, I sketched this version.
… then a couple of days marbling paper to fit the shape, movement and color of the fish’s body.
Including the smaller feeder fish adds great drama while extending the horizontal format of the design.
The idea of a crackle background distinguishes it. It’s a bit like frosting a cake. Not the easiest effect, the application is a labor of love! Notice the shadow and a wash of watercolor paint over the cracks to emphasize them.
Then I needed some device to break up the space and provide a setting for him to nestle into. Bull kelp is the fish’s native habitat, so a perfect solution. I took a day to print off paper to use for this. Notice how I’ve worked on the eyes. For the white lines between the shapes I was able to cut and remove the paper, leaving the background.
In naming the piece, I harkened back to the feel of being there — when the tide goes slack it is easier for the fish to feed and also for us to catch them. Slack Tide, 40 x 24 inches, is constructed on a cradled panel.
