A lion

canvas, underwater painting

20*30
2016

N/A

This time the lionfish usually classified in the scorpene family became the focus of my attention. In English, it is called “lionfish”, because its spread fins resemble a mane. This beauty is poisonous. However, it does not attack divers, but only spreads its beautiful fins, trying to protect itself.

Lionfish usually avoid contact with people. But such fish feel something special about me. Every time they see me, they come out of hiding, move directly to me, fluff their venomous fins, and start posing for me. Lionfish almost always show a reaction to me. Maybe the color and shape of my diving hat with the flaps remind them of a fellow or competitor on their territory.

I always paint wings with bright, quick strokes. After all, lionfish do not like to pose for too long.

P.S. Underwater artist Olga Belka thanks the RuDiver diving club in Phuket and invites to diving in Thailand.