Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Koi Fish


I did koi fish a few years ago, and this year I revisited the lesson but with a new technique.
Here is my last Koi project http://www.elementaryartfun.blogspot.com/search/label/Koi%20Fish
the Japanese associate koi (also known as carp) with perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose. Because of its strength and determination to overcome obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals.
The Koi fish is also very strong physically, and can jump with its entire body out of the water. They are often painted surrounded by a big splash!
We watched this video of a Koi fish jumping http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBq6BX9i1f4
I varied this lesson for each grade level…
Fifth graders are using photos and Ipads to look at images of Koi fish to create an original composition on a large paper and coloring with chalk pastels. They are focusing on emphasis and space. They have just started so I don’t have many to post yet.
Many artworks also have cherry blossoms that haven fallen into the water. They are a symbol of love.
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Kinder, 1st, and Second are doing a draw along with the focus of value, and space. I have drawn a step by step with my draw-a-long “lingo” written for each step. Sometimes the way you SAY it can make a HUGE difference in the outcome. Since the younger ones are learning how to form their letters, it is very relevant to incorporate certain lines as “letters”
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When the drawing is finished, the fish is outlined with markers…
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and painted with plain ol’ water! The markers create a watercolor effect.  So simple!
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Here’s some results from today by grade level
Kindergarten
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First Grade
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Second Grade

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Third Grade
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One student found that they look very while wet when held up to the light. I might try adding oil to them to create a transparent effect tomorrow
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Fourth
not quite finished yet
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I feel like I should be serving up some Sushi with this lesson!!

31 comments:

  1. Thanks for a great post. I really appreciate the photo's of your process and your lingo cues. That really helps when you are trying out a new project for the first time. I am curious about something if you don't mind. Do you get tired of doing the same project with 4 different grade levels at the same time? I would think that the sight of fish after that lesson might make you queasy! LOL

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    1. I do get tired of it. I usually don't do this, but the kids see the examples on the wall from the other grades and BEG me to do it. Since this is my year of inspiration, I am trying to do things the kids choose and are inspired by. I usually never repeat an art lesson because I am so sick of it at the end. I create a completely new curriculum every year.

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  2. These are AMAZING! I bet the students were so proud when they finished! I bet the parents will frame and hang these! They look great!

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  3. Thanks for the great step by step! Wonderful Koi! I think I'll do this with my Art Across the Globe summer class. Thanks Natalie!

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  4. These are amazing! I love them! I also love your terminology "tiny shiny"- I have my own phrases, too- when we draw still life objects I have to remind my high school kids "happy bottoms!" Makes them laugh.

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  5. These are just beyond wonderful. I am constantly blown away by your work. Great job!! I will post pictures when I do this with my kids!

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  6. Absolutely beautiful!!!! Wonderful lesson breakdown for us bloggy viewers. I was just getting ready to do koi fish next week. I am also blown away by all the work you do and the childrens artwork is stunning.

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  7. I love and I am inspired by so many of your projects. What type of markers do you use? They seem so much more vibrant than the Crayola markers that I typically use.

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  8. Great Job Natalie!! You inspire so many minds at BCE. Keep doing all the great work you do!

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  9. Looking forward to trying this next year! Great project for all grade levels!

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  10. these look pretty cool. I'd like to try it with my students. I love koi. My husband built and maintained a koi pond in our front yard for 15 years. It was a great deal of work, and as he got older, it became such a full time job that he couldn't keep up with all the maintenance, and the competition with herons swooping down adn taking what they wanted, disease, water quality, etc... I was sorry when he had to give the fish away and fill in the pond. But he may bring it back when he reitres! I can't wait!!

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  11. I love this idea. Do you have the kids draw it in pencil first or with sharpies?

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  12. Thanks so much for this! I printed off these instructions, as well as some others i found on how to draw fish, and let my students choose their drawing. A lot of them chose to do this one, and I didn't teach anything but content. I got some amazing artworks from these!

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  13. _____________________

    "...THE ART LIVES INSIDE OF US..."

    _____________________

    "...THE LIFE IS A GEAR IN MOTION..."

    (Junior Omni)

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  14. nice work! I really like the koi, the most important thing in maintaining koi is a koi pond aeration system

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  15. Great post, I appreciate you and I would like to read your next post. Thanks for sharing this useful information.
    Garden Pond Liner

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    1. Hi I love your blog except I find it quite hard when all the different pictures it get quite muddled up but apart from that I absolutely love it ❤😊🤣❤

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  16. Love your blog. Has given me tons of Ideas. Thanks

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  17. So awesome, tried it and it turned out lovely, BUT: I drew it with marker as you seemed to do, and outlined it with marker, and added a little water for the watercolor effect, which was gorgeous--but my black ran in with my color, no matter how careful I was! Secret??

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  18. Hi, can I used this as a guide to create our logo giobel koi center if its okay with you?

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  23. I loved drawing it is the best ever better than any other artwork!

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  24. your artwork is the greatest ever. I give you a 10/10

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