Tried layering colors to get the shimmering effect seen on some fish...like threadfin and crappie for example. The lure in the photo isn't clear coated. This crappie pattern was done using a pearl base over transparent color and finished off with iridescent accents. The photo doesn't really pick up the iridescent blue on the upper back (gotta' learn how to take a decent picture) but its there nonetheless. Has a really nice shimmer in sunlight. Goes something like this:
Pearl Black...Iridescent Blue...Iridescent Turquoise...Iridescent Yellow...Pearl Silver...and a touch or Iridescent Green in spots. Random lines and spots done with a custom stencil I made using an old milk jug. Keep thinking good thoughts.

What a job. It is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

oooh. another good one.

Finished product:


Sometimes the most difficult part of all this is getting a decent photo. Early morning light seems to be best. Anyway, I've been experimenting with color overlays and details. Found that covering the blank with mesh then spraying the detail helps get a more broken up effect. After the netting comes off its pretty easy to darken or lighten if needed. Also, helps to use almost straight paint and low air pressure when free hand painting spots like gill tabs and kill dots. I've been using denatured alcohol to cut the D2T when clear coating painted blanks. A four count of each part into a disposable shot cup, stir up well, add 4-5 drops of alcohol from an eyedropper, stir up well, exhale into the cup to remove bubbles and go to work. If it gets a little tacky add another 3-4 drops and stir again...careful not to get the D2T too thin as it will fisheye when drying if its cut too much. Keep thinking good thoughts and fish every chance you get.

I'm not a big fan of using the netting, but I need to get over that. Finding just the right enough contrast is tough. I do like how it breaks up the "dots" down the side, though. I have started thinning epoxy with alcohol. It helps quite a bit, but I thin it more than you do. I also put the baits on a wheel to keep the epoxy from sagging. Anyway, nice work.

For photos, I bought a small table-top product studio kit. It was like $35 on eBay. Came with lights, and a white box that diffuses the light. Your orange spotted sunfish encouraged me to give it a try. This is the first run at it. It was photographed in my little $35 studio.

Also, I've always painted in layers, but that goes back to my watercolor experience. I never mix colors in a container and put that in the gun. I use the colors as they are, and layer them for the color I'm after.

As always your work is excellent...Orange spot sunfish is a fun pattern to paint. Scale mesh can be a PIA at times. I usually remove the mesh and come back over the area with another light coat to soften the effect. Worse yet if the mesh area is painted too thick or dries wrong it leaves messy looking edges. You're right-on with the lure turner for epoxy finishes. I recently made a lure turner from a curtain rod and adjustable hangers. Attached the rod to a fly turning wheel motor I had and put some small clips on the rod with sheet metal screws. Its easy to adjust the height of the rod from the tabletop using the adjustable rod hangers...just have to put a book or two under the motor to get things level. Works great!



Appreciate the info on the table top photo studio kit....looking for one now

This is still my most favorite pattern. I'm about to have to get another order of them from you. baby Crappie is the shiz!!!

Changed the pattern up a bit lately...thinkin' its some of my best artwork. Still have the paint schedule for the old one though. Recently put that pattern on some spinner-bait heads and worked up a skirt that absolutely looks like a crappie. The pattern catches bass on square-bills and spinners...its awesome. Appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts on it with me.