Friday, September 10, 2010

Bluegill study

 
Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) is a species of freshwater fish found in Canada and the USA that is a member of the sunfish family. Of tropical sunfish body shape, the bluegill's most notable feature is the blue or black "ear", actually an extension of the gill cover called the opercular flap. Its name, however, comes from the bright blue edging visible on its gill rakers.

A 2006 National Geographic article discusses how the common bluegill fish is being used to protect public drinking water for millions in the United States from terrorists and accidental contamination.

This is my test print for a bluegill print.  I'm adding some colour to it and its on a fairly absorbent Japanese paper, the name of which escapes me at the moment.  Okawara, I believe.  The print is done using Caligo Safe Wash ink in phalto blue and the paper is 13 x 17".  I like these little fish with their intent expressions and interesting shapes.   Like any other type of painting, a study works wonders in ironing out the problems that can occur that would waste time and money. 

11 comments:

SKIZO said...

Thank you for sharing
This fabulous work with us
Good creations

Christiane Kingsley said...

Thank you for the most interesting details about the bluegill fish. Your test print is fabulous!

Jennifer Rose said...

I really like the texture on the bottom fins. the blues makes them look like real lightly washed out fish :)

Cynthia Schelzig said...

This is gorgeous..and thanks for the facts on the Blue Gill.......

Terry Banderas said...

Love your Bluegills. We would catch Bluegills in our creeks growing up. We were excited to catch these as if they were trout. They are yummy. Mom would fry them for us. Nice work!

Billie Crain said...

Fishing bluegills is a popular pasttime around here. I've caught many myself. Interesting bit of news about the use of bluegills in the war on terror. I really like how you've grouped the fish. Very natural looking.

olivia said...

Jeanette, they are magnificent these fishes. I know small bluegills. We sometimes find there in freshwater aquariums. I like the touches of colors which you chose. A lot of elegance, I find.
Your study is promising. I look forward to seeing what you are going to make it.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Thanks everyone. The little bluegills are appealing and the colour mixes vivid at times, making them look almost tropical.

The study shows me what works and what doesn't and how this paper reacts.

lara said...

me encanta... que sutileza...

Lori-Lee Thomas said...

This is SOOO cool, Jeanette! I love the shape of these fish, and the colors. I'm so excited to see more fishies now! lol

Lisa Le Quelenec said...

Wow, I wish my studies were this good, this is beautiful.