PET STORE FISH PAINTINGS

Pet Store Fish Paintings

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Pet Store Fish Paintings using painting techniques learned in class
• Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), shape variation (geometric, organic, free from), and value (lightness, darkness, tint, tone) inspired by American Illustrator (1958-Present) Joseph R. Tomelleri
• Use painting techniques (alla prima, dry brush, sgraffito, underpainting) and design principles (balance, composition, repetition) based on American Art
• Define Transparency (the quality of allowing light to pass through a material to enable viewers to see through layers or surfaces)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Williamson Rainbow Trout (2022) Joseph R. Tomelleri

2. Read Not Norman by Kelly Bennett

3. Discussion Questions "Are these Japanese fish prints and African fish prints art? What do we need to know when looking at Japanese fish prints and African fish prints? When were Japanese fish prints and African fish prints produced? How were Japanese fish prints and African fish prints made? Where do you see the scales, fins, and gills of these fish? What should go inside the home of your fish? What are some ways we could take care of a fish such as feeding our pet or cleaning the tank? What is the favoraite snack (pizza, cupcakes, flakes) of your pet fish? Does your fish wear accessories (sneakers, top hat, bowtie, sweater)? If your fish escaped the pet store, where would it go?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use a pencil to draw shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) of the selected fish (guppies, goldfish, mollies, betta fish, tetras) for Pet Store Fish Paintings

2. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to add characteristics (gills eyes fins) for the Pet Store Fish Paintings

3.  Use texture tools (stamps, felt pen, folks) to add patterns (dots, swirls, stripes) for the Pet Store Fish Paintings 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Pet Store Fish Paintings for Assigned Tables

2. Arctic Char, Dwarf, Salvenlinus Alphinus (2026) Joseph R. Tomelleri 

3. Discussion Questions "How would you describe the shape of the fish's body? Are all of the fish shaped the same? Do you see any fins on this fish? How would you describe this fish's shape? How would you describe the color of the fish? Are all the fish the same color? How are these fish the same? How are these fish different? Do you see any design on this fish? Do you see any patterns on this fish? Do you see any fins on this fish? Are the fins the same size? Are some narrow? Are some wide? How would you describe its fin? How would you describe its mouth? How would you describe its eyes?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use warm colors (red orange yellow) to fill in the positive space (foreground, selected fish) of the Pet Store Fish Paintings

2. Use cool colors (purple blue green) to fill in the negative space (background, plastic bag) of the Pet Store Fish Paintings 

3. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the negative space (background, plastic bag) of the Pet Store Fish Paintings 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Pet Store Fish Paintings for Assigned Tables 

2. Set Up Studio Area (water bucket, paint brushes, watercolor) 

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to positive space (foreground, selected fish) of the Pet Store Fish Paintings

2. Add shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow) to the negative space (background, plastic bag) of the Pet Store Fish Paintings

3. Add relief pieces (styrofoam pieces, cardboard, poster board) behind the positive space (foreground, selected fish) of the Pet Store Fish Paintings

Artist Examples

Student Examples