Freak's Koi

[JohnK]

Hey guy,

That looks GREAT! I agree with the coloring fears. I'm the same way. As a suggestion, if you have or can make time available from Oct. 18-21 the IFoLG is in Fort Worth this year and Tony Laier, Jim Linnell, Peter Main and Akiko Okada are doing classes at the show on coloring techniques. Akiko does some beautiful Japanese leather artwork and coloring. I'd love to see your work entered in the competition.

Where are you located in Texas? Drop me a note at <front_line42@yahoo.com> and I'll send you information on the classes and show registration.

Keep up the good work!

JKK

[freak]

Thank you JohnK, i'm about a 1-1/2 hours away from Ft.Worth and plain on making the show. Not sure about taking any classes though, although i'de love to take some if not all of them.

I really wanted to do a multi shading of blue but, then chose to do a more traditional style of bright colors. I think i'm still going to add just a very light touch of white on a few edges and tips of the waves. I'm out of white right now and they don't have white in the "eco-flo" brand. So it will be the only dye used that is not eco-flo.

As you'll see on the tail there is a splash/dot of the violet dye. While i was putting the last coat of violet on, the whole tip of my brush came off and fell right there. That's my life and i'm use to it. I'm just not sure how to "cover it up". The only thing i can think of is to carve it into a water drop/splash. My 6 year old daughter replied ,"it's ok dad, you can just add my spots to the fish".

Anyway here it is as it sits now.

[SmilinJim]

Great work Freak, luv the design. Been wanting a Koi on my calf for a while, mind if I use your design? You have a good hand, now go to the next level and do the dragon.

Keep on Smilin

Jim

[Dan Hammons]

GREAT FISH FREAK !! I'm with you as far as turning that spot into a water drop. If it had to happen it couldn't be in a better place. I'm sure most of us has had to adjust for things like that . I know I have more than once and once again nice job.

[JustWakinUp]

WoW! Talking about kicking it up a notch. I think I'll go hide in a dark corner until i get skilled.

[CitizenKate]

Wow, freak, that is lovely work!

Kate

[freak]

Again thank you all for you kind words. I think the camera might make it look better then it is but my wife says i'm always hard on myself(wow that didn't sound rite). Don't get me wrong i love the way it turned out and i can't wait to start another one.

Few things- There is no orange in the eco-flo so i fixed my own. I used sunshine yellow and scarlet with a 8 to 1 mix. One of the things i've really noticed about using the eco-flo dyes is the penetration ,or lack of where ever a tool has been used . Mostly where a beveler has been used. If you look at the un-dyed piece you can see the shading pretty well. When you use the eco-flo dye instead of darking these areas they turn out lighter in color. More like a highlighter . I had to add a little color in these areas. I also did about 4-5 coats of each color.

[freak]

Great work Freak, luv the design. Been wanting a Koi on my calf for a while, mind if I use your design? You have a good hand, now go to the next level and do the dragon.

Keep on Smilin

Jim

This was not my design but one i found on the internet. I have tracked down the artist and she gave me permission to post my piece. I'm sure she'll love it if someone inked her tattoo design. I'll be happy to give you her info and send you the pic in black/white like she did it.

GREAT FISH FREAK !! I'm with you as far as turning that spot into a water drop. If it had to happen it couldn't be in a better place. I'm sure most of us has had to adjust for things like that . I know I have more than once and once again nice job.

I'm just not sure how to carve and tool it now that it has dye on it. Mostly cause this is water based dye. I'm thinking i can add a heavy coat of yellow again to get the area wet then do it slow and easy.

WoW! Talking about kicking it up a notch. I think I'll go hide in a dark corner until i get skilled.

Why hello kettle. Allow me to move over and share my dark unskilled corner with you.

[Pip]

This was not my design but one i found on the internet. I have tracked down the artist and she gave me permission to post my piece. I'm sure she'll love it if someone inked her tattoo design. I'll be happy to give you her info and send you the pic in black/white like she did it.

I'm just not sure how to carve and tool it now that it has dye on it. Mostly cause this is water based dye. I'm thinking i can add a heavy coat of yellow again to get the area wet then do it slow and easy.

Why hello kettle. Allow me to move over and share my dark unskilled corner with you.

wow

[freak]

IT'S DONE !!!!! I'm gonna put a frame around it and call it done. It's been a few years since i've done any wood or steel work i just might make a frame.

Anyway i did go back and add a line of white to the edgse of the waves and the scales. I think it added a nice little touch.

Again thank you all for your comments, mucho appreciated !!

Ur friendly neighborhood freak