My friend's aquarium was my inspiration for this painting. I began by photographing the aquarium and it's eloquent swimmers. I usually take numerous photos as you never know the information that one photo will provide. I use several photos to come up with my thumbnail sketches. These sketches simplify the construction of a balanced composition. This process also further acquaints me with my subject matter. I begin to think of how to proceed with this project. In this case, I thought it would be more interesting to build texture for the background which repesents the water. I took out my modeling paste, palette knife and started applying it on my gessoed canvas and around my drawing of the goldfish. From here I follow my usual steps in layering the oil paint. As I layer transparent colours I wait for these to properly dry before adding another. When I am satisfied with the vibrancy of colours I sign and varnish the piece.