A Colour Explosion

Been working on the layout of an important shot, where the rock/elephant releases tropical fish that have been trapped under the weight of his massive feet for hundreds of years, adding colour to the murky dull waters of the Vale of Leven.

Stages of the picture. With pastels I was experimenting with various strokes to differentiate each species of fish. When animated I would like the pastel to leave a slight trail behind each frame.
a close up