DIY Fish Impression Art

DIY Fish Impression Art

I have always loved the Japanese Gyotaku Fish Impression Artwork, but the cost of these at our local stores is out of my budget ($500+ for an original print and over $100 for a reproduction print). I also love the National Geographic TV Show; Wicked Tuna. Captain Dave Marciano of the boat F/V Hard Merchandise is my favorite captain/boat on the show. He is a hard working family man who also gives back to the community.  He supports many different fundraising events, to include those for wounded veterans.  He is a true Patriot.  What does that have to do with DIY Fish Impression Art? I got to thinking; How can I make my own gyotaku artwork? I took a chance and reached out to Captain Marciano and asked him if he would be willing to lend or give one of his Tuna Tails to me so I could make my own fish impression art. He immediately said yes, he’d love to be a part of this. So I went up to Gloucester to meet Captain Marciano for one of his tuna tails.

DIY Fish Impression Art with Capt Dave Marciano

Fishing for tuna is not an easy job.  If you have never watched the tv show Wicked Tuna I suggest checking it out or if you have never seen the movie The Perfect Storm that’s another eye opening movie based on a true story of just how dangerous fishing can be off the shores of Gloucester, MA.

If you are familiar with the TV show you may recognize the Ice House in this photo!

Fish Impressions - Ice House Gloucester MA
If you are ever up this way you have to go to Essex (right near Gloucester) and have some fried clams at Woodman’s.  Best clams ever!

Woodman's, Essex, MA
I was so excited to try my hand at this art as soon as I got home from Gloucester I jumped right in. My first attempt at this didn’t work out too well.  I used acrylic paint which dried too fast on the tail.  By the time I got the rice paper down half the paint was already dry. I know some artists use acrylic paint and others use ink. I didn’t have ink on hand so I used some oil paint (the kind of paint you would use when painting a picture not the type of paint you would paint on the walls). This worked perfect.  It captured all the details. The only thing when working with oil paint is that you have to remember oil takes a long time to dry.  It took 4 days for my prints to dry.

Fish Impression Art - Tuna Tail

 

This art is so easy. Lay the tail (or fish) on some news paper and paint it.  I held mine up so I wouldn’t get paint on the newspaper. If you leave the tail laying on the newspaper and paint it you may get paint on the paper which will transfer to the rice paper, not good. As soon as you paint the tail, lay your rice paper over the top and rub your fingers over the tail, getting into all the groves. Lift the rice paper up, don’t let it curl in on itself or fall back down onto the tail. That’s it.  All that’s left is to wait for it to dry and then frame!

 

Fish Impression Art - Tuna Tail

 

DIY FIsh Impression Art

DIY Fish Impression Art

 

 

 

 GIVEAWAY IS OVER

DIY Fish Impression

Captain Marciano and I are giving one lucky winner a F/V Hard Merchandise T-Shirt and an Original Tuna Tail Fish Impression Artwork (artwork only – frame not included, print will vary). To enter the giveaway just follow the instructions in the rafflecopter below. Giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 and older only.  Winner must respond to email within 48 hours or prize will be redrawn.  Giveaway starts 8am Monday, July 21st until 12pm Monday, July 28th.

For more swag from F/V Hard Merchandise visit their site!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TERMS & CONDITIONS: this giveaway is open to US residents ages 18 and over and ends at 12pm on Monday, July 28th, 2014. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. Number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Approximate retail value is $150.00. One winner will be selected. This is a giveaway sponsored by DIO Home Improvements for the tuna tail print & F/V Hard Merchandise for the t-shirt. All liabilities and responsibilities with product is directly responsible by DIO Home Improvements & F/V Hard Merchandise. Winner will be drawn by rafflecopter.com from all verified entries, contacted by email provided, and announced on this page at the end of the contest. Winner has 48 hours to respond or prize will be redrawn. Entrant is responsible for the email address they provide, whether through typing it directly or through the Facebook entry method. Dio Home Improvements is not responsible for lost or misdirected emails. All prizes will be awarded. No prize substitutions allowed. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook or any other social media site and we hereby release Facebook and other social media sites of any liability. Information is provided Dio Home Improvements, not to Facebook and your information is never sold or shared. Facebook is not a sponsor of this giveaway. Prize is mailed or emailed directly by DIO Home Improvements & F/V Hard Merchandise. Dio Home Improvements & F/V Hard Merchandise in this group giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.

 

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