Paint an easy koi fish with acrylics

Print the outline and reference image found on the project webpage. Shade the backside of the outline and use it to trace the image onto the canvas. 

Start by creating a wash over the canvas. Dip the wide brush in water and then into the Viridian paint. Apply the colour ¾ of the way up the canvas. Allow to dry. 

Then cover the canvas in a wash made of water and Cobalt Blue. Allow to dry before applying a second coat. Set it aside to dry again. 

Create a blue-green mix from Titanium White a touch of Viridian and Cobalt Blue. Paint the reeds in the background. 

With a thin coat of Titanium White, paint the lily flowers and their reflections, the lily pad and the koi fish. Give the lily a second coat to make the colour opaque. 

Once the flower has been painted, create a green tone from Viridian and Titanium White. Use this to paint the lily pads. 

Create a grey colour from Titanium White and Lamp Black. Use this to paint the fins and tails of the fish. 

Coat the fish with another layer of white. Then, paint the classic koi fish markings using Orange. 

Use Lamp Black to paint the eyes, the whiskers and to add a shadow under each lily pad. 

And, you’re all done!