Tropical Fish Art Lesson Summer Art Project Summer Ocean Art Lesson Summer Art

In this Tropical Fish Art Lesson, elementary students create a bright tropical fish using oil pastel techniques and watercolor resist painting. It is a colorful summer or under-the-sea project that combines drawing, pattern design, texture and painting.

Students start with a guided fish drawing, then personalize it with bold stripes, textures and their own details. They scrape into the oil pastel with a plastic fork to make scales and fin details, then paint a watercolor wash over the top so their pastel designs resist the paint and show through.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★★ “I'm sure my students will enjoy this art activity. The resource looks great. Thank you!” adrienne T.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE, 30+ PAGES)

• Complete Tropical Fish Art Lesson Plan
• Step-by-step drawing and coloring instructions with visuals and written directions
• Printable student step-by-step drawing sheet
• Teacher instruction pages
• Art rubric for assessment
• Example artwork poster
• Printable student handouts

MATERIALS

Pencil and eraser, black felt marker, oil pastels, watercolor paints (or paint cakes), paintbrush and water, cardstock or watercolor paper, and a plastic fork for the texture technique.

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

Students practice oil pastel blending, watercolor resist, creating texture with an unconventional tool, and pattern and design, using the Elements of Art: line, shape, color, space, texture, form and value. They draw a fish with bold shapes, stripes and a "false eye" design, add oil pastel color and scraped texture, and finish with a watercolor background that reveals resist patterns like bubbles and swirls.

Project the step-by-step instructions, demonstrate the techniques live, and hand printed guides to students who like to work independently. It suits ocean themes, oil pastel and watercolor resist lessons, texture and pattern units, sub plans and homeschool art.

FAQ

How long does it take?

Usually 1 to 2 class periods, depending on drying time and how detailed students get with their textures.

Can I adapt it for other grade levels?

Yes. Adjust the level of detail and your expectations to suit your students.

Is it messy?

A little. The oil pastel and watercolor combination is hands-on, so plan for some cleanup.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS

★★★★ “Great resource. My students loved it.” Elizabeth O.

★★★★★ “Great” Pawsitively A.

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this in creative ways and have as much fun with it as you like. Any clip art may be used as clip art, website graphics, binder covers or bulletin board decorations. Additional licenses are available for school use.

YOU MAY NOT: use this on OutSchool, put it on your blog, share it with other teachers, administration or districts (admin can buy additional licenses), sell it, give it out for free or photocopy it for others.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic