Painting Koi Carp in Watercolour
Painting Koi Carp in Watercolour
Watch Here:
In this session, we painted graceful koi carp, and I took you through my process step-by-step.
We began with sketching – searching for the right shape and being flexible enough to adjust or erase lines when needed. I showed you how to make the top line of the fish stronger, tilt the tail for a dynamic composition, and even let your drawing spill off the edge of the paper for energy and movement.
We painted some koi last year too: This is the video is that class
When we moved to painting, I explained how to activate the paint for richer colour, how to use large brushes for broad strokes and texture, and smaller brushes for details. We started with a bluish shadow tone and then added splashes of bright blue, letting the painting evolve as we worked. I shared tips on controlling water, managing puddles, and using contrasting colours like orange and blue without creating muddy results.
We explored ways to soften edges, mix colours on the palette, and add highlights with white gel pens. I also spoke about masking fluid, granulated paints, and how layering can create beautiful depth.
Recommended materials:
Watercolour paper (or a watercolour sketchbook)
Watercolour paints (any brand you enjoy)
A range of brushes (large for washes, small for details)
A palette for mixing colours
A cloth or paper towel
A jar of clean water
Pencil and eraser for sketching
White gel pen for highlights (optional)
Travel hairdryer for quicker drying between layers (optional)