The mechanical fish and especially the dock and base has far to go before it is done but even so it's not too early to begin the painting process. The little sub will get multiple coats of bright gold paint before I begin the aging process which will tone it all down and give it life by defining every line, dent and rivet.

I sculpted one wing and the motor on the show side tonight. When I was done the sculpting I wasn't quite ready to quit and so I opened the paint jar and laid on the first bit of color.

Building a piece at this leisurely pace is a rare luxury and it gives me a lot of time to think about how everything will look when it is done - what needs to contrast and be featured and what needs to blend into the background. It also gives me plenty of time to enjoy the creative process. It is a fun ride.

-grampa dan