Thursday, December 2, 2010

Salmon Run


This painting is for my daughter Jessica, and was promised for last year...ish, so I am thrilled that it is now completed. We'll see if she checks out my blog and realizes that it's finally done. Now she can feel like she's living at an aquarium as it hangs in her living room...ha!

Inspiration for the painting was from a photo taken by a brilliant photographer named Randy Olson, for his piece in National Geographic Magazine entitled Kamchatka Salmon. I've made a few minor changes, and will not sell or reproduce this painting. Fingers crossed that he's okay with this.

Because of it's larger size, I wasn't sure how I was going to tackle this piece, and as it progressed, it became more and more detailed. I liked the contrast of somewhat tight and then more loosely painted fish.

oil on canvas 

60" x 40" 

NFS

26 comments:

  1. wow thats a huge painting, I have never painted anything close to that size. It looks wonderful and must look stunning in real life. I am sure it will be the center of focus in your daughter's living room.

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  2. Gorgeous! Hey Dad!...........just kidding Vern. Lucky Jessica!!!

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  3. Vern, your aquarium piece is amazing, love the colors! Your daughter should be thrilled with this.

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  4. Magnificent! A stunning piece, lucky Jessica, indeed.

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  5. really came out nice. Your daughter has to love this one.

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  6. It is indeed wonderful and Jessica must be thrilled, I'd say this was worth the wait! You've achieved a beautiful sense of depth and movement amongst the fish and water; outstanding!!!

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  7. It's HUGE!! Very cool, Vern. Wish I could see it in person.

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  8. Jessica is sure to treasure this always Vern. Not only is it a wonderful painting, it is from her dad making it all the more special!

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  9. WOW....... just fabulous ! I love it, your colors in here are so rich.... the fish, the water etc.. I love how it is not centered on the fish but the start and the end on either side. She will love it. The size makes it even more impressive. OUTSTANDING piece !

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  10. Excellent, excellent, work, Vern! Love the depth and the refracted light on the fish!
    This is quite a switch from the Flying Moleskin journals.
    Your daughter will love it!

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  11. This is fantastic! Love the face of the fish in front, he looks a might evil. I imagine him twirling his thumbs (if he had any) and laughing maniacally.

    What a great gift for your daughter.:)

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  12. Wow, I have a Jessica, as well! I bet she will just love this one! Makes one feel that you're in an aquarium. Those fish are beautiful!

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  13. Vern, I was comparing yours to the one inside my National Geographic Magazine. December 2010 issue pages 102-103. Is this the reference you were inspired by? If so you certainly changed quite a bit. I love the strong composition and mesmerizing colors. Positively Gorgeous!

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  14. WOW!! vern, this is absolutely STUNNING!!! i wish i was related! i would love to see this in person, it's awe inspiring on the screen. incredible piece, bravo!

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  15. As Suzanne said, WOW! Wowee WOW WOW! And so big!!! Your daughter is going to wonder who's really in the aquarium, the fish or herself.

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  16. This piece completes my home....I am absolutely in love with it. Thanks for painting it for me dad.... <3

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  17. Vern, what a piece! so very well done. I always love seeing what you all are doing in your Flying moleskins too.

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  18. Le travail des nageoires, des yeux de vos poissons est formidable... Les nuances des couleurs créent une atmosphère particulièrement réussie. Je suis certaine que votre fille sera fière de recevoir un tel présent et tout aussi fière de votre talent.
    Bravo, je vous félicite.
    A l'aube de la nouvelle année je vous souhaite tous mes voeux de bonheur, de joie, de paix et de créativité.
    Bises.

    Ps : Merci pour votre gentil commentaire laissé sur mon blog. A très bientôt.

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  19. Gorgeous! I know your daughter is delighted with this! I like the tail in the foreground. Really gives it a sense of movement.

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  20. Hi Vern! This is a huge painting and you have done a great job. Your daughter is lucky to have such a talented dad.
    Have a great holiday season!!

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  21. Stopped by to check on you, Vern. This painting is so gorgeous! (and just look at all the people who said so long before I got here) Hope all is well with you.

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  22. awesome work, Vern! I love the scale (no pun intended). I feel like I'm gliding underwater with these beauties. You did a phenomenal job. Your daughter must be over the moon about this. Fantastic!

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