Gibraltar

This is a 6x6 painting, oil on canvas, of a Betta fish named Gibraltar. These fish are so gorgeous, so I took some photos of this one and did a little painting. :)   For the background, I wanted to do something more abstract with water type movement. I started at the top and got something I really liked with a couple circles and swirls.... but then.... I wiped most of the background off at least six times. Hah. BUT! I finally got out onto canvas what was in my head :D  I had to darken around the edges, and I finally succeeded in getting some depth....it was so much fun. It was one of those nights when I stayed up late painting after work, because that's when it came to me.
I really really like this painting and I was so pleased with myself for actually doing something more abstract like. I want to do more backgrounds like this, and now I have proved to myself that I can do it. Now I need to make a series......