At Little Ashcan, our young artists recently explored the art of still life through a focused project titled Study of Fish, inspired by Dutch painter Isaac van Duynen, known for his detailed paintings of fish and banquet scenes.
Using acrylic on canvas, students worked from real or model fish to explore proportion, light, shadow, and surface detail. The project emphasized observation over imagination, encouraging students to slow down and focus on the nuances of their subject — from the shimmer of a fish scale to the curve of a fin.
Through this process, students developed essential skills in:
Composition and layout
Acrylic painting techniques
Capturing texture and depth
Visual analysis and precision
Beyond technical growth, Study of Fish offered students a chance to connect with the long tradition of still life painting and build confidence in their own ability to represent the world around them.
The results are beautiful, thoughtful, and full of character — each canvas a reflection of both discipline and creativity. We look forward to showcasing their work in our upcoming student gallery!