8 Ways to Draw a Fish

Artists from various parts of India working in eight different folk and tribal art styles: Bhil art and Gond art, both from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthani Meena work, Madhubani style from a Bihari artist, Patua style from a West Bengali artist are featured in this fun-filled, engaging and instructive book written by Luisa Martela.

Tara Books are renowned for their innovative quality productions and this is no exception. The pages are thick, almost cardboard, to allow for users to add their own colours and designs should they so wish, straight into the book; although it is suggested that the pages could first be traced instead. Each spread – there are nine in all – combines thick or thin grey outlines and some coloured pattern or design. Gentle, rather than overly instructive guidance is given along with some basic scientific information about both the fish and their environments.

Children and adults are likely to get pleasure from using this, be they the youngsters using their creativity to adorn the pages or adults who may like to use the book as a means of relaxing. The front cover inside flap has a piece called ‘What is Art?’ from the author that is well worth reading as are the details of the artists and their art styles on the back flap.