Fish-Inspired Mixed Media Painting Tutorial – Two Paintings at Once
Turn scrap collage paper into vibrant art with this fun mixed media fish painting tutorial. Follow along as we create two colorful fish paintings at once using acrylics, recycled paper, and a playful, loose approach.
If you’ve ever wanted to turn leftover paint and random paper scraps into something surprisingly stylish, this mixed media fish painting project is for you. We’ll use scrap collage paper, acrylics, and a bit of creative play to produce not one, but two fish paintings at the same time — because why stop at one when you can double the fun?
Materials You’ll Need
- Surface: Watercolor paper or any sturdy paper you don’t mind covering.
- Collage Paper: Handmade or scrap paper with random color smears (more on that in a second).
- Adhesive: Matte Mod Podge (because we don’t want our fish looking like they just came out of a disco).
- Acrylic Paints: Various colors, including blues and purples for water tones.
- Brushes: Small liner brush for details, larger brushes for backgrounds.
- Optional: Clean rag to wipe off excess glue (and your hands).
I have a complete acrylic supply list below if you are curious about brands, and specific brush sizes I use and recommend.
Step 1 – Creating Collage Strips
The secret sauce here is recycled collage paper. I make mine by putting cheap drawing paper under my paintings while working. Whenever I have leftover paint on my brush, instead of dunking it in water, I wipe it onto the paper. Over time, you end up with sheets full of random colors, strokes, and happy accidents — perfect for collage.
Tear the paper into irregular strips — vertical, horizontal, and varying lengths. Glue them onto your surface, pressing them down well and wiping away excess glue. Let the collage dry completely before moving on (trust me, painting over peeling edges is not a good time).
Step 2 – Blocking in the Fish
Once your background is dry, flip the paper in whatever direction you like — there’s no “up” in fish world. Using a vivid blue, loosely paint the contour of your first fish. Don’t overthink it — this isn’t about scientific accuracy, it’s about flow and fun.
Repeat the process on your second piece. The vertical collage strips will help both fish paintings feel connected, giving them a natural harmony even if the colors are wild.
Step 3 – Adding Details (Without Going Overboard)
This style already has plenty of personality, so resist the urge to over-detail. Add just enough to say “Yep, these are fish”:
- Eyes
- A few fins
- Lightly suggested scales
- Maybe a little fish lip for character
Use a small liner brush for these touches. If your collage paper already has a mark that looks like an eye or fin — leave it. Those accidental details often work better than anything you could paint intentionally.
Step 4 – Repeat for Painting #2
Move to your second fish and repeat the detailing process. This time, try a slightly different color mix so each piece feels unique, but still part of the same family. A little dark purple for scales works beautifully here.
Step 5 – Finishing Touches
When both paintings have their final details, step back and admire them. You’ll notice how the collage stripes create a rhythm across the pieces. This vertical striping method isn’t just for fish — it has a lot of potential for other subjects, too.
Final Thoughts
This project is simple, colorful, and a great way to recycle old paper and leftover paint. Plus, working on two paintings at once keeps the process loose and experimental. Next time you’re cleaning your brush, think twice before dunking it — that paint might be your next great piece of collage paper.
Want to Go Deeper with Collage & Mixed Media?
👉 Explore the Mixed Media Hub
👉 Browse Collage Painting Ideas
👉 Dive into the Garage Collage Barrage
Check These Awesome Paintings Out!
What I love about these types of projects is you can scale it up, or keep it small. I’ve done similar pieces that we have in our home that measure 40″ tall and they look amazing! And I even had the kids help me out making them. See it below!
Supplies I Use All the Time
These are my go-to materials for almost every mixed media project I create. Do I add new ingredients occasionally? You betcha! But these are the go-to materials I rely on most. I know how they behave, how they layer, and how to get the best results from them.
- Acrylic Paints – I only buy heavy body for their thick texture and thin them with water for fluid glazing and washes. See my favorite set →
- Watercolors Paints – Great for transparent layers and unexpected color effects. Exact colors are below. Shop my watercolor picks →
- Acrylic Inks - Excellent way to add transparent layers to mixed media artwork. Mixes well with everything! See the inks →
- Synthetic Acrylic Brushes - You need a variety and I have listed my go-to's below. I use Princeton brands, very dependable! See the brushes →
- Watercolor Brushes - Get a decent grade but avoid all-natural as synthetic blends have come a long way. Shop my picks →
- Collage Papers – A mix of pattered, and printed paper you see me use is from Hobby Lobby, and it's usually found in the scrapbook section. Browse paper packs →
- Palette Knives – Good to have around for scooping paint and smearing techniques. See what I use →
- Blick Super Value Canvas Packs - Comes in many small and medium sizes up to 20x16". Love em'. Best bulk stretched canvas →
- Mixed Media Paper – Sturdy enough to handle wet and dry techniques. Strathmore is the way to go! Best paper for mixed media →
- Watercolor Paper - Top choice is 140 lb. cold press by Fabriano Artistico. Cost effective and crispy white. Best watercolor paper →
- Caran d'Ache Water-Soluble Crayons – Perfect for adding scribbles and linear interest to mixed media art. Check them out →
- Gator Board - Best firm boards you can find! Buy a large sheet and cut out down. These are used as backing for my paper when I paint. Check it out →
- Mod Podge - Reliable and affordable adhesive for paper, thick and thin. And get the Matte! View the glue →
My preferred hues; Cadmium Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red Light (or Medium), Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Burnt Sienna, Titanium White
My preferred acrylic brushes; #12 Large round, 2x Medium rounds, 2x Detail, or liner brushes, Large and medium fan brush, a few medium size bristles and old, small house painting brush for glue.
Note, check out Ruth Burton if you want to explore more mixed media artists.
