Fish aren’t just tasty – they can be incredibly beautiful, too (although we generally don’t eat the pretty ones). From the bright, vibrant colors of the Regal Tang and Lyretail Anthias to the incredible textures of the Snakeskin Discus and Blueface Angelfish, the beauty of fish attracts millions of snorkelers and scuba divers to tropical waters around the world each year.
Their varied and unique colors and textures make them the perfect subject for art studies. From the ancient art of Gyotaku, or fish rubbing, to modern works from painters like Jason Scarpace, artists have long been captivated by fish. And, of course, there is a fish named after Picasso, so the circle is complete.
Our Taco Fish lesson plan blends sculpting, texturizing, and painting to bring the beauty of fish to stunning, 3-D sculptures. Students follow the instructions to create a simple fish structure, apply one-of-a-kind textures by layering roller patterns, add scientific detail like pectoral and dorsal fins, and then paint their creations with unique designs and patterns to create their own fantastic fish art.
Download a complete lesson plan for this project, including images, step-by-step directions, and a materials list, today!
For Grades 3-12.
What are some of your favorite fish-inspired art projects?