Students will explore the technique of painting sea animals on colored paper. This creative activity emphasizes color theory, shading, and highlighting techniques to create depth and enhance the mood of their artwork.
Learn about the impact of using colored paper as a background in art.
Develop shading and highlighting techniques using cool and warm colors.
Explore sea life as a subject for creative expression.
Have you ever visited an aquarium? What kinds of sea animals did you see there?
What are some dominant colors you saw in the aquarium?
Which sea animal would you like to draw? Why?
How do you think the color of the background paper can affect the mood painting?
Which color paper suits each subject best? *Show reference photos.
Toned or Colored Paper (grey, green, blue, etc.)
Pencil and Eraser
Colored Pencils
Color Markers (Optional)
Watercolor Paint
Acrylic Markers or Paint (Optional)
Liquid Correction Pen
Reference Photos of Sea Animals
Process: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Select a Sea Animal and Paper Color
Choose a sea animal to illustrate (e.g., dolphin, turtle, clownfish).
Select a colored paper that complements your animal. For example:
Grey for a dolphin
Green for a crocodile
Blue for a jellyfish
Step 2: Sketch the Animal (Pencil)
Lightly sketch the outline of your chosen sea animal on the colored paper using a pencil.
Include key features such as fins, scales, or textures.
Step 3: Add Shadows and Details (Black Colored Pencil)
Use a black colored pencil to define shadowed areas and emphasize details.
Step 4: Layer and Refine (Colored Pencils & Color Markers)
Use colored pencils to add texture and refine small details such as scales or patterns.
Blend colors smoothly to achieve a more realistic look.
Color markers may be used as well certain cases.
Step 5: Add Highlights (White and Light-Colored Pencils)
Use white and warm light colors (such as yellow, orange, or light pink) to highlight bright areas.
Step 6: Enhance with Watercolor Paint
Use watercolor paint to enrich the colors and create a smooth, vibrant appearance.
Step 7: Create Depth (Watercolor Background)
Add subtle gradients or washes in the background to suggest underwater lighting and depth.
Step 8: Final Highlights and Details (Liquid Correction Pen or Acrylic Markers)
Use a liquid correction pen or white acrylic marker for the brightest highlights.
Add final details using fine-tipped acrylic markers as needed.
Step 9: Repeat the Process
Choose a new sea animal and repeat the steps to continue practicing and refining your technique.
Warm Colors: Colors associated with warmth, such as red, yellow, and orange.
Cool Colors: Colors associated with water and coolness, such as blue, green, and purple.
Opaque: Not transparent; unable to be seen through.
Light Source: Things that produces natural or artificial light.
Highlight: The exact point where light hits an object, perpendicular to its surface. It is the very lightest part of an object.