"Spanish Mackerel"

11x17 matted and framed to 12.25x18.25  Gyotaku Painting by Kaylee Hettenbaugh

Created using Sumi Ink and Gouache on Rice Paper

Gyotaku or "Fish Painting" is a Japanese artform in which a print is made directly from a fish.  The process captures an exact replica of the fish, then eyes and other fine details are painted in by hand.  

Before cameras Gyotaku was used to records one's catch of the day and would serve as proof of whose fish was the biggest.

The ink is nontoxic and once the fish is rinsed off it is completely safe to eat.