Draw the Fish

• 1). Take a close look at the fish you wish to paint. Note its size, shape and coloration. Observation is one of the most important steps in painting.
  
  
• 2). Draw a long, loose, arching line. Orient this line vertically on your page. Make this form an elongated crescent shape.
  
  
• 3). At the bottom end of the line, draw a short, curving line that is evenly bisected by the vertical line. This line will form the end of the fish's head.
  
  
• 4). Extend the line at the head of the fish around the curving, vertical line to form a tapering tubular shape. Keep this shape symmetrical on the right and left sides of the vertical line. Narrow this shape toward the end of the vertical line to form a soft, narrow, elongated triangle.
  
  

Paint the Fish

• 1). Select the paint color for your fish. Koi fish often feature bright oranges or spotted skin of white and gold. Many freshwater fish come in gray hues. Apply your selected paint color inside of the elongated tube drawing. This completes the body of your fish.
  
  
• 2). Mix white paint with your selected colors to form a light tone. Apply this paint as a highlight along the back ridge of the fish's body.
  
  
• 3). Paint two oval shapes fanning from beneath the tapered, triangular end of the fish's body. These shapes complete the tail of the fish.
  
  
• 4). Mix a small amount of black paint with the body color of the fish. Apply a thin layer of this paint to the sides of your fish to form highlights.
  
  
• 5). Paint two semicircles on the right and left sides of the fish's head to make eyes.
  
  
• 6). Paint two partial ovals on the right and left sides of the fish. Make these ovals loose and flowing in form to complete the fins of the fish.