Seeing the Unique in the Everyday

Week 2 of the 100-Day project, where painting fish may sound simple but offers a fresh perspective.

Happy Surprise is a free weekly newsletter. If it’s your first time here: welcome & hi there! If you find inspiration and joy in this creative space, why not share it? Thank you for reading.

Window gallery at Padstow in Cornwall, love the paintings!

As I stepped out of the shower, reaching for my towel, I noticed my fish shower curtains in an entirely new light. It was as though I was seeing them for the very first time. I guess after seven consecutive days of painting fish or any subject, your perspective on things do shift. I mean, it’s just a shower curtain after all, but now, it holds a touch of uniqueness compared to a week ago!

I've spotted plenty of cute fish while swimming in the summer in the UK, but nothing particularly spectacular that I can recall. While I did notice plenty of art galleries featuring sea creatures and found postcards at souvenir shops with fish, and they always made me smile.

So if you were to ask me what types of fish they are, I would tell you they’re between exotic fish and made up with that I wished I had seeing underwater.

I have to point out though, that working on my sketchbook during the first week of this project, which focused on underwater plants and seaweed, helped me transition to the next stage of painting fish. It's both a good idea and inspiring me to use my sketchbook more during this challenge.

---

Day 8 I yet to finish this artwork and add some paint but for some reason I think I like it this way. Also, it’s open the window to considering to create a few colouring pages. I have so much to say about them from my past experience and I also really enjoy working with a marker and free styling and no colour.

Do you like colouring pages, or have experience with them?

Day 9 & 10, I had fun with these two, I went bold with the colours, using gouache, and markers for the details. I even filmed day 10 and will share it next week!

Day 11 I used higher-quality watercolour quality paper for this one, and I spend more time trying to get the details right. But I also made a big effort to keep it simple this time.

Day 12 Again, I opted for higher-quality paper with the aim of embracing a wilder and freer approach. However, I realise that there's room for improvement and make it look less weighty in the tones.

Day 13 & 14 The style is a little different than the others but I was in the flow on these days, plus I wanted to go minimalistic and use ink with gouache.

Over to you, out of the 7 fish, which one do you like?

Dear creative, artist, thank you for reading. I'd love to know what underwater animal do you like or should I try next? Also, if you like to see my art process video and please share your thoughts in the comments below.