Fish

©Sam Nagel

I don't know which one I like better... paint spatter or clean? I started painting the fish without reference, and so now I can't tell you what kind of fish it is, but I'm thinking it's a cross between a koi and betta. The beauty of art is you can be full of shit and as long as it looks good it doesn't matter. :)

painted with a tablet in photoshop

Betta Fish

Some fun watercolor paintings I made to give as Christmas gifts this year. I love how organic I have to paint with watercolor vs oil or digital painting... even if I have a drawing, it's always overpowered by where ever the paint decides to go. Or when the paper bends and warps because I never prep it and water puddles in inconvenient places because I add way too much water. I just have to go with it and it works out. I want to try more fish like this in different colors, maybe get more fancy with the scales, use less water, more patience... a challenge for me :).

I gave the originals, but I have a huge file for making some really nice prints to put up on my Etsy and Society6 stores. Look out for those soon!

watercolor 8x10"

©Sam Nagel (not for use or altering in any way) thanks