Starting with a high quality fish "blank" is the key to a great final product, ESPECIALLY when it comes to fish reproductions.

First thing I like to do is "antique" the fish. This brings depth into the scales for later on.

I then add a base color across the back and belly of the fish. I tone the fins slightly and then begin the tedious task of "scale tipping." Each scale is painted individually to achieve the look I strive for.

Once scales are all tipped accordingly, I blend some paint over the top to tone it down.

The airbrush is then used to add details in the body and fins.

Final steps include blending more colors with the airbrush, adding final details with powder paints, re-tipping the scales with powder iridescents for that glimmer, cleaning the eyes, and finally numerous coats of Gloss.

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