How to Paint a Watercolor Goldfish
Paint a playful blue-and-red goldfish while practicing light washes and flowing brushstrokes.
What You Need
- Watercolor paints: Blue for the body and red for the fins and tail.
- Watercolor paper and a brush with a fine tip.
- A palette or mixing tray, clean water, a water container and a cloth or paper towel.
- Optional: a pencil for a light outline.
Use the supplies you already have. If you are starting from scratch, the kit below brings paints, paper and brushes together.
Step 1: Paint the blue body
This demonstration uses a creative blue-and-red palette rather than natural goldfish colors. Start with a light blue wash on the body.
Add slightly stronger blue in selected areas and leave pale patches to suggest reflected light.
Step 2: Add small texture marks
Use the tip of your brush to place a few small blue dots and strokes on the body. Vary their size and spacing.
Let the base wash dry first if you want distinct marks. Keep some areas open so the texture does not cover the whole body.
Step 3: Paint the fins and tail
Add light red strokes along the flowing shape of the fins and tail. Leave white space between the strokes.
Add deeper blue near the base of the tail as shown in the reference, keeping the surrounding paper light.
Watch the Tutorial
Follow the demonstration, then pause between steps to paint at your own pace.
A Small Tip Before You Paint Again
Leave white gaps between the tail strokes. They help the tail feel light without adding more paint.
For help with soft edges and blending, read our wet-on-wet watercolor guide.
Make Room for Your Next Painting
Keep a page and a few colors close by. If you need paints, paper and brushes for your next study, take a look at the STUDIO Beginner Kit.
See the Kit and What’s Included
