Skip to content
Pragmatic Mom
Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • KidLit Blogroll
  • My Book Lists
    • My List of Lists
    • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
    • #OwnVoices
    • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids
    • Asian American Children’s Books
    • African American Children’s Books
    • Arab American Children’s Books
    • Latinx American Children’s Books
    • Native American Children’s Books
    • LGBTQIA+ Children’s Books
    • Diverse Books for Kids
    • Best Books for Kids
  • Education
    • STEM/STEAM
    • Math
    • Social Studies
    • Art Projects for Kids
    • Applying to Art School
    • Applying to College
    • Book Club for Kids
    • 70+ Free Educational Games
  • Controversial
    • Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing #MeToo #TimesUp
    • Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism
    • Blood Feud over YA #BloodHeir
    • Tulsa Race Massacre: What They Don’t Teach You in History Books
    • The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • Segregation in California Schools: What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response
  • My Books
    • My Book Announcements
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Carter G. Woodson Book Award Honoree!
    • We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025!
    • The Traveling Taco on Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025!
    • The Traveling Taco featured in Booklist
    • Origami French Fries: Activity for THE TRAVELING TACO
    • Book Announcement: A Place to Call Home! {and a new title …}
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction!
    • Cover Reveal of my latest picture book … FORTUNE COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!
    • Picture Book Announcement! BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • Book Announcement! Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist
    • Kirkus Reviews My Newest Picture Book: THE TRAVELING TACO
    • We Sing From the Heart is a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner!
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART wins California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
    • Dorktales Podcast: Simon Tam, Hidden Hero of History
    • Food for the Future Wins Nautilus Silver Book Award
    • Food for the Future makes Mass Book Award Long List!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE Makes Green Earth Book Award Long List!
    • Food for the Future is a finalist for 2023 INDIES Book of the Year!
    • New! Food for the Future Activity and Discussion Guide!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection!
    • ‘Food for the Future’ selected for Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best books
    • Scholastic Purchased CHANGING THE GAME!
    • Starred Review for FOOD FOR THE FUTURE from School Library Journal!
    • Sumo Joe makes Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year list!
    • How To Coach Girls wins Silver Award!
    • Posts on My Books
  • My Book Events
    • My Book Events
Menu
abstract koi fish art project for kids

Abstract Art Project for Kids: Koi Fish

Posted on October 14, 2012May 26, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

Painting Koi Fish Art Project for Kids

The Koi fish at the Grant Hyatt Resort in Kauai were so beautiful that we surreptitiously fed them as you can see in the videos. I had never seen so many Koi fish swimming together with such gorgeous colors. I was inspired to turn this into an art project after seeing Deep Space Sparkle’s gorgeous 6th grade Koi fish paintings.

I wanted to capture the movement of the Koi fish, rather than fuss with trying to render it accurately. (If that is your thing, here’s a guide that uses simple shapes to get the basic drawing of the fish. It’s perfect for kids who want a realistic rendition.) I’m aiming for an abstract painting that is more about color, movement, and shape than representational.

Because I’m not an art teacher, I had to recruit my kids to give it a whirl. They protested but once the project was set up with some creative painting canvas ideas, they seemed to have fun doing it. We painted it very fast on small postcard-size pieces of heavy watercolor paper. (Arches 140-pound cold press. I love that paper!). I’d suggest giving each person 3 or 4 squares of paper and doing a new painting for each video plus one for the still.

I played three videos of Koi fish. Each video has a different style of music. Try making a painting for each video using the music to inspire your art. How does music affect what and how you paint? Feel free to stop any video if you are inspired to capture that image as well. Anything goes. This is for fun!

Here’s a still image if the movement is too distracting. If you’d like to paint one fish more representationally, here’s a basic outline from HowToDrawGuide.com.

koi, koi fish, paint koi fish, draw koi fish

how to draw koi fish
Here’s a basic outline of a Koi Fish from HowToDrawGuide.com

And this is what we turned out.

koi fish art project, koi fish watercolor art

abstract koi fish art project for kids

abstract koi fish art project for kids

Koi fish pond, koi fish drawing, koi fish pencil abstract, grasshopper and sensei, koi, koi fish, koi fish art
This abstract pencil drawing was done by GrasshopperAndSensei.com while listening to pop music.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

koi fish painting, painting koi fish for kids, kids art project koi fish
I saw this Koi fish painting in Winchester, MA at an art gallery window. Try painting a version of this Koi too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who knew that a koi pond could have a built-in “skyscraper” or a sun-filled observation tower so that the fish could look across their landscape… or maybe they think they’re swimming in the sky? Via Neatorama.

Chinese Painting Techniques for Exquisite Watercolors by Lian Quan Zhen

For anyone who wants to try Chinese brush painting to capture the Koi fish, this is a great book.

art project for kids, watercolor with kids, painting with kids, kids art project watercolor koi fish

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Art with Kids on Pinterest.

To examine any of the items listed, please click on image of item.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

My books:

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

  • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
  • Massachusetts Book Award Long List
  • Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
  • Starred review from School Library Journal
  • Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
  • 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
  • Green Earth Book Award Long List
  • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

cover for Sumo JoeChanging the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison FoleyAsian Pacific American Heroes

18 thoughts on “Abstract Art Project for Kids: Koi Fish”

  1. Asianmommy says:
    October 14, 2012 at 11:41 am

    Pretty! I love looking at koi fish swimming. We have that as a screensaver.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      October 16, 2012 at 7:34 pm

      Hi Asian Mommy,
      Me too! It’s mesmerizing. I’ll have to find that screen saver!

      Reply
  2. Artchoo says:
    October 15, 2012 at 8:02 am

    Beautiful! I love this project- and The different music to the 3 videos. What a great idea! Tell Grasshopper I love her drawing a whole bunch.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      October 16, 2012 at 7:36 pm

      Hi Artchoo!
      Thank you! I definitely will! She refused to paint in watercolor because she prefers acrylic but her board turned into a muddy color and she got discouraged. I’ll tell her you like her drawing AND that you went to RISD. That will make her sooo happy! She wants to go to RISD too!

      Reply
  3. Ann says:
    October 20, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    I love all of these! What a great idea to work from video!!!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      October 22, 2012 at 7:18 pm

      Hi Ann,
      Thanks so much! I just loved the movement of the Koi fish. I’m trying to think of art projects that are not representational or have the option not to be representation because I think that if kids feel their art work doesn’t “look” like the thing they are trying to capture that they are bad at art and sort of give up on it. Art is for everyone and everyone can be successful at art. I think it’s like riding a bicycle — some people may have natura ability such that they can do it faster or younger, but anyone can do it if they just stick with it. Apparently, authors say the same thing about writing a book!

      Reply
  4. Christy says:
    October 28, 2012 at 8:25 pm

    I love abstract artwork. I’ve let my kids do their own artwork for their rooms. They loved it. Thanks for linking up to tip-toe thru tuesday. I hope we see you again this week.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      October 30, 2012 at 8:38 am

      Hi Christy,
      Thanks so much for hosting Tip-Toe Tuesday! Yes, I’d love to link up! How fun that your kids get to decorate their own rooms with their abstract artwork! I’d love to see it. Does it happen to be on your blog?

      Reply
  5. Fish Lover says:
    March 8, 2013 at 8:01 pm

    We love Koi Fish and we love your artwork great job!!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      March 9, 2013 at 10:05 am

      Hi Fish Lover,
      I love Koi fish too! Thanks so much! I hope you get a chance to try the art project out!

      Reply
  6. Erica Price says:
    March 13, 2013 at 9:45 am

    This is a great idea and I think we will try it. We have a lovely pond in our local botanical gardens with lots of koi and that would be a great inspiration for us.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      March 14, 2013 at 10:06 am

      Hi Erica,
      I would love to include the artwork that your kids make if you do paint Koi fish if that is ok with you!

      Reply
  7. Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas says:
    March 13, 2013 at 5:03 pm

    I love the fluid art you painted versus focusing heavily on the perfect rendition of a koi fish. I have to say that I am always drawn to koi fish ponds and can spend hours there if at all possible – it’s so relaxing, isn’t it?

    Thanks for sharing this on Kids Get Arty. I love how much you have in the post with the videos and books and extra art.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      March 14, 2013 at 10:11 am

      Thanks so much Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas! That means a lot coming from you! I really admire your blog and your thorough posts inspire me!

      Reply
  8. maggy, red ted art says:
    March 18, 2013 at 10:44 am

    What a wonderful project. Your koi fish turned out so beautiful too. Love it.

    Thanks for joining in with Kids Get Arty!

    Maggy

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      March 19, 2013 at 10:57 am

      Thanks for hosting the Linky Maggie! I love reading your posts! That egg carton chicken egg holder is so adorable. I would have never thought of it but now I can’t get it out of my head.

      Reply
  9. Alice @ Mums Make Lists says:
    October 16, 2013 at 5:33 am

    I love these – they look really beautiful.

    Am featuring at this week’s Empty Your Archive – thanks so much for sharing, Alice

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      October 16, 2013 at 8:12 am

      Thanks so much Alice!! We had fun painting together and I just think Koi fish are so beautiful!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for something? Search here.

I’m Mia Wenjen!

Mia Wenjen Pragmatic Mom

Hi, I’m Mia Wenjen. Nice to meet you!

I blog excessively about diverse children’s books (picture books through middle grade). I am also the co-founder of Read Your World Celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan 25, 2024, our 11th year!

I’d love to chat with you. Let’s connect! PragmaticMomBlog (at) gmail (dot) com or through my social media handles.

Free Blog Updates in your Inbox (RSS feed)

Monthly Newsletter with Subscriber Only Giveaways in your Inbox

My Linktree (click for my links & socials)

my linktree

My Websites

  • How To Coach Girls
  • I Love Newton
  • Mia Wenjen (My New Author Website)

Camp Cody: Overnight Camp in New Hampshire

Read Your World LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch!

https://www.pragmaticmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Read-Your-World-FINAL-Merchandise-Video.mp4

Purchase Read Your World Merch

LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch.

Buy it here!

Search Amazon

Find Children's Books

Newton Children’s Book Festival 2025

Newton Children's Book Festival 2025

Get My Books Signed or Inscribed through my shop (click to purchase)

Mia Wenjen signed books

Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! (click to purchase)

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

We Sing From the Heart (click to pre-order)

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

FOOD FOR THE FUTURE (click to purchase)

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

CHANGING THE GAME (click to purchase)

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia Wenjen

SUMO JOE (click to purchase)

Sumo Joe cover reveal

Asian Pacific American Heroes (click to purchase)

Asian Pacific American Heroes by Mia Wenjen

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures // I have 3 haiku poems (click to purchase)

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures 3 haiku by Mia Wenjen
Read Your World is Multicultural Children's Book Day

ClothingRIC- A Premium Coupon Website!

ThingsFromMars- The Wondrous World of Wacky Gift Products!

How to Get Kids Reading

  • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
  • Getting Kids to Love Reading
  • Summer Reading Lists for Kids By Grade
  • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids

Heim Nest Kid Mattress Exclusive Deal

Heim Nest Kid Mattress

AdvancedWriters.com is an expert writing service which helps students with academic writing.

educational toys

CEX.IO is a versatile crypto exchange platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, as well as access resources and tools to learn how to trade effectively.

MyPaperDone.com
is surely one of the best when it comes to paper writing assistance.

My Custom Essay
will guide you through academic life.

Essay Writing Services

If you ask "write my essay", Topessaywriting can help you with paper writing

TranslationReport can help you to choose the best translation service

If you are looking for the most trusted essay writing service, check this article about best essay writing service reviews at Econotimes

educational toys from dhgate stores

Assignment Writing Services Offer Assignment Assistance In UK Based Company 50% Discount Students

Playing at online casinos can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and you can find the best options at casinoszondercruksonline.com. 

For those seeking a safe and reputable gambling experience, the Meest betrouwbare buitenlandse casino lijst is an invaluable resource.

Archives

Categories

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship (click to purchase)

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

HOW TO COACH GIRLS (click to purchase)

How To Coach Girls silver award winner

Archives

I’ll be sharing WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED MY KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

HOW TO COACH GIRLS book trailer by Mia Wenjen & Alison Foley

https://youtu.be/j74M0bBxrGg

Recent Posts

  • Changing the Game’s 4th Birthday & 4 Signed Book GIVEAWAY! July 7, 2025
  • Battle of Lexington and Concord: America 250 July 4, 2025
  • WONDER WHY by Lisa Varchol Perron Book Event July 2, 2025
  • 10 STEM Picture Books about Planet Earth & GIVEAWAY! June 30, 2025
  • Thank you to Canvas Rebel for Featuring Me June 27, 2025

Categories

© 2025 Pragmatic Mom | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT