Paint a Fish in Watercolor

Discover how to paint a beautiful watercolor fish using just two colors, while learning how to blend pigments directly on paper to achieve a fluid, underwater feel.

Watercolor is especially suited for aquatic subjects because of its natural flow and transparency, which echo the movement of water and organic forms found beneath the surface. This is why UK-based designer and watercolor artist Inga Buividavice enjoys using this medium to express the elegance and diversity of nature.

In this guide, she demonstrates how to create a watercolor fish from beginning to end. From the first sketch to the final details, you’ll learn how to blend colors on the page, add texture like scales, and enhance your artwork with thoughtful finishing touches.

1. Create a Light Sketch of the Fish

Start by lightly drawing the basic shape of your fish on paper. This outline will act as a guide for your painting.

Keep the sketch minimal—avoid heavy lines or too much detail so the watercolor remains the focus. It’s also helpful to leave the tail loosely defined, as you’ll later form it using flowing paint rather than strict lines.

2. Apply the Base Colors

Begin painting with the fish’s body, then gradually move outward toward the tail. Leave the eye for later, as a slightly irregular shape can make it look more natural.

You don’t need many colors to achieve a striking result. Inga uses only blue and pink, adjusting the amount of water to create lighter and darker tones.

Using the wet-on-wet technique, she blends colors directly on the paper. Keeping the surface damp allows the pigments to spread and merge, producing soft transitions and a fluid, underwater effect. If you want more control, use less water so the paint stays in place.

Tip: Keep a tissue nearby to absorb excess paint or correct mistakes.

After the initial layer dries, you can add subtle lines to define the tail.

3. Add Details with Tools and Brush Techniques

Once the base layer is completely dry, start refining the painting.

Inga uses a small oval brush with a dabbing motion to suggest fish scales. She also paints flowing lines from the body toward the tail to enhance structure and movement.

For finer details, she uses a graphite pencil to add texture and definition, such as delicate lines on the fins and scales. A light-colored Posca pen is then used to highlight certain areas and bring out contrast.

4. Finish the Composition

After completing the fish, step back and assess the overall balance of the artwork. Consider adding elements to fill empty spaces.

Inga paints simple seaweed and bubbles using loose, freehand strokes to complement the underwater theme. She also adds watercolor splatters for a dynamic finishing touch.

If the splashes don’t land exactly as planned, you can refine their shape with a small brush.

Blue Beauties: Meet The Eastern Bluebird

Bluebirds are among those birds that seem to inspire affection almost everywhere. They have appeared in songs such as “Bluebird” by Paul McCartney & Wings, in well-known poems like Emily Dickinson’s “The Bluebird,” and in expressions that have become part of our culture, including “The Bluebird of Happiness,” a phrase associated with Edward Heyman’s 1934 song.

Minimalist Athleisure: Effortless Styling for the Modern Wardrobe

There’s something incredibly refreshing about embracing minimalist athleisure, don’t you think? Who can resist a well-fitted pair of sleek black leggings, after all? I still remember my first try at nailing this chic look. I paired those leggings with a crisp white tank top and thought, “I could walk a runway in this!” Then I threw on a tailored blazer and felt absolutely fantastic—until, of course, I spilled coffee on it. But jokes aside, owning fewer, higher-quality pieces really does take your style up a notch. As the creator of The Suburban Minimalist, I’m here to show you how simplicity can revolutionize your wardrobe. Let’s get started.

12 Fascinating Facts About the George Washington Bridge

The bridge links sites rich in Revolutionary War history: on one side, the Manhattan side near Fort Washington, and on the other, Fort Lee in New Jersey. Prior to his famed crossing of the Delaware, George Washington had earlier fled the area after an unsuccessful campaign, falling back from Whit e Plains. A few days later Fort Lee would also come under British control.

Embracing the Enchanting Phases of Twilight

Are you captivated by the magical allure of twilight? This celestial phenomenon graces us twice a day, both before sunrise and after sunset, casting a radiant glow across the heavens even as the sun bids adieu. The enchantment lies in Earth's atmosphere, a masterful painter scattering the sun's rays to weave the vibrant tapestry of twilight. In contrast, worlds devoid of atmospheres, like the moon, plunge into instant darkness once the sun dips below the horizon.