The Gyotaku Process

How does...Gyotaku get produced?

1. A Fresh Fish is Caught

David Denick is an avid fisherman, who utilizes the Gyotaku process to immortalize his catches.
The fresher the fish, the better print. Pictured below is a black sea bass, just out of the water after being caught.

2. Water Color is Applied Directly to the Fish

Using Windsor Smith watercolors, David applies the colorfast inks
directly to the fish's surface. The artist then rubs the rice paper in order to create the image.

3. The Artist Touches the Print Up, Bringing the Fish to "Life"

Using Berol prismacolor pencils, David touches up the resulting print,
applying an artisitc touch to the print, which will bring the fish's
image to life. The new"fish eye" is the key to giving the image a realistic look.

4. The Print is Framed

The framing is up to the individual person who owns the print.
David can matte the print and provide the lure, but the framing
is decided by the owner of the piece. David can also have the print framed
for the owner at an additional fee.