How to paint a large subject over a subtle background?

Post date: 2020-09-22 11:34:45
Views: 192
Painters, help! I want to paint a large (koi fish) over a background (stars, galaxies). I know how to paint each thing separately, but I am just getting back into painting after a long hiatus and need some tips on executing it properly.

I used to paint in acrylics all the time (~20+ yrs. ago), and I'm getting back into it, thanks to some recent bursts of inspiration.

My new vision is a koi or shubunkin fish against a cosmic nighttime sky. (I am inspired by my own shubunkins, who wow me with their stunning beauty every day, but I want to create something a bit abstract as well.)

After making some preliminary studies in oils, watercolors, drawing in various media, etc. I would like to get back into acrylics more. This is what I have on hand and I don't want to get into a ridiculous amount of money for additional supplies. Although I'm historically much more familiar with acrylics, it's been a while since I've done more formal work. I already have a prepared gessoed black canvas, which I can add more black to as a blending agent as I work. I have a healthy stock of brushes and paints, which have all held up rather nicely since my last spurt of creativity.

I know how to execute the nighttime sky effect that I want; I also know how to create the koi/shubunkin fish. I'm having a hard time remembering after all these years which goes first; the cosmic background, or to build it around the koi, which I would start with in that case. My google-fu isn't going very well lately and I want to get my technique right the first time.

Should I outline the koi first and then build the sky around it and finish the koi at the end? Or the other way around? Any tips, suggestions, websites/links, videos, etc. would be more than welcome!
Number of Comments
Please click Here to read the full story.
 
Other Top and Latest Questions:
Trump withdraws 'Board of Peace' invitation to Carney in widening rift with Canada
Trump policies to boost low-end consumer into the midterms, says JPMorgan. These stocks will benefit
Nvidia’s Huang to visit China as AI chip sales stall
As federal ACA subsidies lapse, blue states offer their own
Cramer says 'a big move is coming' for this financial, weighs a chip stock buy
Trump administration to take 10% stake in USA Rare Earth in $1.6 billion deal, sources say
Energy stocks to watch as major winter storm rips through the U.S.
Earnings playbook: Apple and Caterpillar lead a big week of reports
Shutdown odds grow as Senate Republicans won't remove DHS funding after Pretti killing
Videos of Alex Pretti shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis contradict Trump official claims