Forgive the image quality, had to get this into my system using a point-and-shoot instead of my usual scanner.

This one is for my friends in Europe, in particular those of you in the northern Adriatic area (and your gorgeous, jewel-like waters). I like the marble trout for a a number of reasons, not the least of which is the potential for size, as well as its attitude and its looks.

Notes: So much for dollar-a-sheet watercolor paper. Was headed one way with this, got about 5 minutes in, and stopped. Looked at what I had, ripped it up and chucked it. Could’ve bought a track off of iTunes with that waste.

Feeling irritated and suddenly cheap, I grabbed a sheet of Kel’s college-ruled paper (she was sitting across from me, taking notes on small-bowel capsule endoscopy) and got down-and-dirty. Decided that since I was already devolving from art studio to study-hall, I might as well just draw and paint like I still had 20 minutes to go before English class.

The end result wasn’t at all what I had in mind when I started, but I like it anyway. Some freedom in there with both form and color, feeling more like a successful experiment than some paint-by-numbers piece that looks clean, but is “same-old, same-old.” I usually don’t like to wet a brush when I’m feeling frustrated, but this actually worked for me.

Tech: Pencil outline and watercolor on cheap, college-ruled paper with endoscopy notes on the back.

Available for purchase? Not this one in particular. If you really want something similar on college-ruled paper (and with my finest study-hall technique), I am happy to provide it, though. Just contact me directly and we can figure out what works or you. Okay, I was convinced to let it go, but if anyone wants a marble trout on “real” paper (and with no endoscopy notes), shoot me an email and we can talk.

JK’s Fish: Jeff was absolutely slammed this week, so his marble is late, too. When it shows up, you’ll be able to find it here.