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Relax with Brush Painting - Fish

4.3 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 8 ratings
Fiona Sheng @ InkDifferent Studio

Fish have long been considered an auspicious symbol in many Asian cultures, representing prosperity, happiness, and love. Families often keep fish or display fish paintings in their homes as a way to invite good fortune. Even on festive dining tables, a fish dish is a traditional must-have.

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Fish have long been considered an auspicious symbol in many Asian cultures, representing prosperity, happiness, and love. Families often keep fish or display fish paintings in their homes as a way to invite good fortune. Even on festive dining tables, a fish dish is a traditional must-have.

In Chinese culture, fish-related idioms frequently symbolize freedom, abundance, and affection. For example, the phrase “如鱼得水” (rú yú dé shuǐ) describes a life so fortunate and harmonious that it feels like a fish in water—completely at ease and thriving. Additionally, the Chinese character for fish (鱼, yú) shares the same pronunciation as "surplus," symbolizing more love, happiness, and prosperity.

Course Objective and Techniques

In this course, you will learn to paint both small fish and carp fish—two essential subjects in traditional oriental brush painting.

We will begin by:

  • Understanding the structure of a fish, breaking it down into essential brush strokes.

  • Practicing small fish before moving on to detailed carp paintings, where we will explore color usage.

  • Starting with a general freehand approach, followed by techniques to add more details to freehand carps.

  • Mastering four essential brushstroke techniques, which will help you shape forms and create gradient effects.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Mix ink and color effectively using a painting brush.

  2. Use brushes to create shapes with gradient colors.

  3. Identify and master the four most common lines in oriental brush painting.

  4. Complete a traditional fish painting.

Materials and Resources

For this course, you will need:

  • Xuan rice paper (raw type)

  • Ink, red, and orange paint (these can be replaced with gouache or watercolor, though traditional Chinese painting colors work best on rice paper)

  • At least two brushes – one large and one small

If you are new to oriental brush painting, please check the introduction video, which explains the basic concepts. Additionally, a short tutorial is available to guide you on how to prepare and hold a brush correctly. With these resources, you will be well-prepared to begin your journey into fish painting.

Wishing you “如鱼得水” (a life as smooth and abundant as a fish in water).

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Commande the oriental paint brushes
  • Create shape and gradient color
  • Learn about fish painting using brushes
  • Learn about fish culture

Syllabus

Introduction

This video provides a complete overview of the oriental brush painting.

This video provides information about preparing and holding an oriental paint brush.

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Our little warm up! Get yourself ready for the painting!

This lecture covers the 4 most useful lines in the oriental brush painting.

We will add movements to the fish painting.

In this lecture, our focus will shift to how to paint a carp fish using ink.

We will continue to paint carps, but this time, we will also learn to mix and use color.

We can add some background to complete a freehand fish painting!

Knowing how to paint fish, we can create more kinds of complete paintings too.

Wondering how to make the freehand style of painting less "freehand"? Here is how for the fish!

In the last section of the course, we will make a visual summary of what we have learnt, who knows, perhaps this can turn into a new complete masterpiece!

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Relax with Brush Painting - Fish. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Relax with Brush Painting - Fish will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Traditional Artist
A Traditional Artist creates original artworks, often specializing in established cultural or historical styles, using classical techniques. This course provides an excellent foundation for a Traditional Artist focused on oriental brush painting. Learners command oriental paint brushes, understanding fish structure and mastering essential brush strokes for small fish and carp. You'll learn effective ink and color mixing to create gradient shapes, and identify the four most common lines in this art. The course culminates in completing a traditional fish painting, fostering a specialized skill set. This deep dive into cultural significance and precise technical mastery helps build a foundation for a career dedicated to preserving and developing artistic traditions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Traditional Artist
Fine Artist
A Fine Artist creates original art for exhibition, sale, and personal expression, exploring various themes and mediums. This course helps build a foundation for a Fine Artist interested in developing a unique aesthetic rooted in traditional oriental brush painting. You will learn to command oriental paint brushes, understand fish structure, and master brush strokes to create forms and gradient effects. The course progresses from small fish to detailed carp paintings, exploring color usage and adding backgrounds. Mastering these specific techniques and understanding the cultural significance of fish in Asian art offers a distinctive artistic voice and a strong starting point for creating compelling, original works within this beautiful tradition.
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Art Educator
An Art Educator teaches art techniques, history, and appreciation, inspiring creativity in students across various settings. This course provides a clear, structured framework that is directly transferable for an aspiring Art Educator. You will not only learn to command oriental paint brushes, create gradient colors, and paint fish, but also understand the systematic progression from basic strokes to complex compositions, like detailed carp paintings. The curriculum's focus on cultural significance of fish in Asian art also equips educators to impart a broader understanding of art's role in society. This course helps build a foundation in both artistic skill and pedagogical approach, making it particularly valuable. This role often requires an advanced degree for public school settings.
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Illustrator
An Illustrator creates visual representations for books, magazines, digital media, and other products, often bringing stories or concepts to life. This course may be helpful for an Illustrator looking to develop a unique, traditional oriental aesthetic or to incorporate cultural motifs into their work. You will learn to command oriental paint brushes, understand fish structure, and master four essential brushstroke techniques to shape forms and create gradient effects. The practice of painting small fish and detailed carps, and adding movement to paintings, directly translates to creating dynamic and expressive illustrations. Exploring cultural significance also enriches thematic storytelling, providing a distinctive style for an Illustrator.
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Calligrapher
A Calligrapher specializes in the art of beautiful writing, focusing on brush control, ink composition, and aesthetic letterforms. While this course focuses on painting, it is highly relevant for a Calligrapher due to its intense focus on fundamental brush skills. You will learn to command oriental paint brushes, master four essential brushstroke techniques, and create shapes with gradient colors using ink and paint. The precise control over lines, movements, and ink flow required for painting fish in the oriental style directly strengthens the dexterity and discipline needed for calligraphy. This course helps build a deep understanding of traditional brush artistry, offering foundational skills crucial for any brush-based art form.
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Cultural Educator
A Cultural Educator shares knowledge and appreciation of specific cultures through programs, workshops, and presentations. This course provides a tangible and engaging medium for a Cultural Educator, delving deeply into the significance of fish in Asian art. You will not only learn to paint small fish and carp using traditional oriental brush painting techniques, but also explore the rich symbolism associated with fish—representing prosperity, happiness, and freedom. Understanding how these cultural narratives are expressed through art, including specific idioms, equips you to convey complex cultural concepts in an accessible way. This course helps build a foundation in both artistic practice and cultural interpretation. This role often prefers an advanced degree.
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Surface Pattern Designer
A Surface Pattern Designer creates repeating designs for textiles, wallpaper, ceramics, and other products. This course is directly applicable to a Surface Pattern Designer aiming to incorporate traditional oriental motifs and aesthetics into their work. You will learn to command oriental paint brushes, create shapes with gradient colors, and master brushstroke techniques. The practice of rendering fish, with their distinct forms and movements, provides excellent training for developing stylized motifs that can be repeated effectively. Understanding the cultural significance of fish also enriches design choices. This course helps build a foundation in creating visually appealing, culturally inspired patterns, enhancing one's portfolio with a unique artistic style.
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Art Therapist
An Art Therapist guides individuals in using creative expression for emotional healing, stress reduction, and self-discovery. This course, titled "Relax with Brush Painting - Fish," provides a structured yet serene approach to art creation, which may be useful as a deeply meditative practice. Learning to command oriental paint brushes, mix colors, and render symbolic subjects like fish, students develop fine motor skills and cultivate a focused mindset crucial for art-making in a therapeutic context. The course's emphasis on traditional techniques and cultural significance may help build a foundation for understanding diverse artistic expressions used in therapy. This role typically requires an advanced degree.
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Exhibit Designer
An Exhibit Designer creates engaging and informative displays for museums, galleries, and events, blending aesthetics with storytelling. This course may be useful for an Exhibit Designer, offering direct insight into the visual principles and cultural context of traditional Asian art. By learning to command oriental paint brushes, understand fish structure, and create forms with gradient colors, you gain an appreciation for the techniques and materials involved. The exploration of the cultural significance of fish in Asian art provides crucial background for interpreting and presenting related artifacts or themes, helping to build a foundation for designing cohesive and culturally sensitive exhibitions.
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Cultural Program Manager
A Cultural Program Manager develops and oversees events, workshops, and educational initiatives that promote cultural understanding and engagement. This course may be useful by providing a direct and hands-on understanding of traditional Asian art techniques and their cultural significance. Learning to paint fish, a symbol of prosperity and happiness in Asian cultures, alongside mastering brush strokes and color mixing, equips a program manager with specific knowledge to design authentic and appealing workshops or exhibitions. The course's focus on both artistic skill and cultural context helps build a foundation for creating enriching experiences that connect audiences with diverse artistic traditions.
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Art conservator
An Art Conservator preserves and restores artworks, requiring a deep understanding of materials, techniques, and art history. This course may be useful for an Art Conservator, offering foundational insights into traditional oriental brush painting. By learning to command oriental paint brushes, understand the specific materials like Xuan rice paper, ink, and traditional colors, and master the four essential brushstroke techniques, one gains firsthand knowledge of the creation process. This practical experience helps build a foundation for recognizing original artist intent, identifying degradation patterns, and applying appropriate treatment methods for traditional Asian paintings. This role typically requires an advanced degree.
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Gallery Curator
A Gallery Curator selects, researches, and interprets artworks for exhibitions, often developing thematic narratives. This course may be useful by providing direct insight into the creation of traditional oriental brush paintings. By learning to command oriental paint brushes, understand fish structure, and create shapes with gradient colors, a prospective curator gains a tangible appreciation for the challenges and mastery involved in this art form. The deep dive into the cultural significance of fish in Asian art directly aligns with the research and interpretive aspects of curatorial work, helping to build a foundation for understanding the narratives embedded in such art. This role often involves an advanced degree.
See salaries and explore the career path for Gallery Curator
Product Designer
A Product Designer creates goods and services, often blending functionality with aesthetics. For a Product Designer focused on decorative arts, ceramics, or textiles, this course may be useful for incorporating traditional motifs and artistic sensibilities. You will learn to command oriental paint brushes, create shapes with gradient colors, and master specific brushstroke techniques. The practice of rendering fish with their distinct forms and understanding their cultural symbolism can inspire unique design elements. This course helps build a foundation in applying an authentic oriental aesthetic to products, enriching one's design vocabulary and appealing to markets appreciative of cultural artistry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer
Visual Development Artist
A Visual Development Artist creates the initial artwork that establishes the look and feel of animated films, video games, or other visual media. This course may be useful for a Visual Development Artist, particularly one aiming to integrate a distinctive oriental aesthetic into their projects. You will learn to command oriental paint brushes, create shapes with gradient colors, and master brushstroke techniques. The focus on rendering fish, adding movement, and exploring color usage provides direct training in visual storytelling and character design elements suitable for an oriental art style. This course helps build a foundation in creating compelling visual language for dynamic media.
See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Development Artist
Arts Administrator
An Arts Administrator manages arts organizations, projects, or programs, ensuring their smooth operation and public engagement. While not a creative role in itself, this course may be useful for an Arts Administrator by providing a hands-on understanding of the artistic process and its cultural context. Learning to command oriental paint brushes and understanding the dedication required to create traditional art forms helps build a foundation for effective communication with artists. The exploration of the cultural significance of fish in Asian art provides valuable insight for developing compelling programming and funding proposals related to specific artistic traditions. This role often requires an advanced degree, especially for leadership.
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Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Relax with Brush Painting - Fish.
Cover image
The Chinese Brush Painting Bible
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Is an excellent entry-level resource that mirrors the course's focus on foundational brush strokes and ink mixing. It provides clear, step-by-step instructions for painting various animals, including several sections dedicated specifically to goldfish and carp. It is highly recommended as a current reference for beginners who need visual reinforcement of the 'freehand' style taught in the course.
The Chinese Brush Painting Bible: Over 200 Motifs...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting
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Perfectly aligning with the 'Relax' theme of the course, this book emphasizes the meditative and spiritual aspects of ink wash painting. It covers essential techniques for painting koi fish while encouraging the 'life-energy' (Qi) approach mentioned in the course's cultural context. It serves as a valuable supplement for learners interested in the intersection of art and mindfulness.
Sumi-e Painting: Master the meditative art of...
Paperback
$$
Sumi-e Painting: Master the meditative art of...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Chinese Brush Painting Studio
Save
As a comprehensive reference tool, this book catalogues over 200 motifs, including a significant section on the symbolic and technical aspects of painting fish. It provides additional depth regarding the preparation of Xuan rice paper and the specific ink-to-water ratios required for gradient effects. It staple for any learner looking to expand their repertoire beyond the course syllabus.
The Chinese Brush Painting Studio
Paperback
Check
The Chinese Brush Painting Studio
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Art of Chinese Brush Painting
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Provides a solid foundation in the 'Four Treasures' of the study (brush, ink, paper, and ink stone) which are prerequisites for the course. It features clear illustrations of carp and goldfish, focusing on the specific brush movements needed to create a sense of underwater motion. It highly reputable introductory text often found in library arts sections.
Art of Chinese Brush Painting: Ink, Paper,...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Ikebana: The Art of Arranging Flowers
Save
This authoritative volume provides a deep dive into the materials and philosophy of oriental brush painting, which is essential background for the course. It includes detailed technical breakdowns of brush pressure and ink gradients that directly support the course's learning objectives regarding 'gradient colors.' The book is widely used by both industry professionals and academic students as a primary textbook.
Ikebana: The Art of Arranging Flowers
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Art of Chinese Brush Painting
Save
This 2019 publication is highly relevant for its focus on 'Xieyi' (freehand) style animals, including a dedicated chapter on the anatomy and movement of fish. It provides additional breadth by showing how to pair fish with aquatic plants like lotus, which complements the course's 'background' lecture. The clear photography of brush loading is particularly helpful for visual learners.
The Art of Chinese Brush Painting
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Discover Chinese Brush Painting
Save
Rebecca Yue renowned instructor whose books are known for their clarity and focus on the 'essential brush strokes.' This title specifically addresses the structure of the fish, breaking it down into manageable components as described in the course's learning objectives. It practical reference tool for students transitioning from small fish to detailed carps.
Discover Chinese Brush Painting
Paperback
Check
Discover Chinese Brush Painting
Kindle Edition
Check
Simple Art of Sumi-e
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Focuses on the 'less is more' approach, which is helpful for students struggling with the 'freehand' style of fish painting. It offers simplified templates for small fish that correlate with the course's introductory 'warm-up' exercises. It is more valuable as a quick-reference guide for mastering the four most common lines in oriental brushwork.
The Simple Art of Sumi-E: Mastering Japanese Ink...
Hardcover
$$$
Chinese Painting Techniques
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Focuses on the use of brushes to create 'shapes with gradient colors,' one of the course's primary learning objectives. It includes specific exercises for painting koi in various positions, which supports the 'adding movements' lecture in the syllabus. It popular choice for adult education classes in public libraries.
Chinese Painting Techniques
Paperback
Check
Chinese Painting Techniques
Kindle Edition
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Cover image
Chinese Watercolor Techniques - Painting Animals
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While focusing on watercolor, this book utilizes traditional Chinese brush techniques that are perfectly applicable to the course's use of orange and red paints. The author’s method for creating 'gradient effects' and 'movement' in fish is world-class and highly popular among industry professionals. It adds a contemporary flair to the traditional subjects taught in the course.
Chinese Watercolor Techniques - Painting Animals
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Chinese Brush Painted Flowers
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Written by a master of the craft, this book offers advanced insights into color usage and composition that go beyond the course's basic modules. It is particularly useful for the course's final section on creating a 'masterpiece' by teaching how to integrate background elements with fish subjects. It is frequently used by professional artists to bridge the gap between traditional and modern styles.
Chinese Brush Painting: Flowers
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Chinese Brushwork in Calligraphy and Painting
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Provides the aesthetic and historical context that enriches the course's cultural modules. It explains the transition from 'Gongbi' (detailed) to 'Xieyi' (freehand) styles, which key transition in the course's carp painting section. It valuable academic resource for those seeking to understand the evolution of the art form.
Chinese Brushwork in Calligraphy and Painting: Its...
Paperback
$$
Chinese Brushwork in Calligraphy and Painting
Paperback
$$
Chinese Brushwork in Calligraphy and Painting: Its...
Kindle Edition
$

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Effort
2 total hours
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Instructor
Fiona Sheng @ InkDifferent Studio
Language
English
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