Not sure what you mean Brettski?
It's a white blank with semi-tranparent fins. The fish minus the fins is highlighted with dark brown and then fine steel wool is brushed over the scales to leave the brown in between the scales. Fish taxidermists that do replicas call it "antiquing" and the idea is to try and recreate scale detail you would find on a real fish skin. Otherwise the blank after painting would look kind of artificial and plastic looking.
The using a photograph I added the appropriate colors with an airbrush.
I didn't pay enough attention in your first class. I forgot the level of true artistry that is required to re-create. This just makes it all that much more awesome.
