Search This Blog

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.
IMG_8036
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”
IMG_8059IMG_8060
IMG_8061
IMG_8062
IMG_8063
IMG_8064
IMG_8065IMG_8066
IMG_8067
When the drawing is finished, the fish is outlined with markers…
IMG_8026
and painted with plain ol’ water! The markers create a watercolor effect.  So simple!
IMG_8028
IMG_8033
Here’s some results from today by grade level
Kindergarten
IMG_8009IMG_8014
IMG_8008IMG_8013IMG_8017
First Grade
IMG_8118
IMG_8117
Second Grade

IMG_8020
IMG_8022
IMG_8029IMG_8030
IMG_8039IMG_8043
IMG_8048
Third Grade
IMG_8114
IMG_8116
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
IMG_8104
IMG_8109
IMG_8113
IMG_8111
Fourth
not quite finished yet
IMG_8098
IMG_8096
IMG_8095
IMG_8097
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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    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.

      Delete
  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!

    ReplyDelete
  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!

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
  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!

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
  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.

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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!!

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

    ReplyDelete
  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!

    ReplyDelete

  13. _____________________

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

    _____________________

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

    (Junior Omni)

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

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    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 ❤😊🤣❤

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

    ReplyDelete
  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??

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

    ReplyDelete
  19. Such a great chapter for kids and and this article tell us how to make fish painting on paper for kids thanks for sharing preventive cardiology fellowship programs .

    ReplyDelete
  20. Nice post, you are so great kids and this article tell us how to make fish paint on paper, you are so talented good job!!
    http://www.krwlawyers.com/start_San-Antonio-Truck-Accident-Lawyer.php

    ReplyDelete
  21. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post.
    you fishing

    ReplyDelete
  22. Enjoyed reading the article above, really explains everything in detail,the article is very interesting and effective. Thank you and good luck for the upcoming articles. We have found very useful and easy website for 5 Online Timers To Track Work Time and Boost Productivity

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

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

    ReplyDelete

Total Pageviews