Fish Art by New Zealand Artist - Ian McTavish
I sketched this Snapper from a photo in a fishing magazine. I couldn’t see the tail in the photo, so I played around with various shapes. Although it was only minor, I wanted to capture the movement. I carefully shaded the upper and lower fins to obtain some transparency. This painting is available as a limited edition of 100 prints. This artwork will be available in mid February as a limited edition print in 50cm x 100cm or 35cm x 70cm.
Built like a torpedo, the Yellowfin Tuna moves in large schools off the New Zealand coast from December through to April. I first sketched this fish in the winter of 2025, refining the form through several iterations until the shape felt right. The final painting introduces heightened colour and a subtle abstract treatment, capturing both the strength and fluidity of the species.
This artwork is available as a limited-edition print of 100, framed or unframed, in three sizes: 25cm x 50cm, 35cm × 70 cm and 50cm × 100cm. Unframed editions are shipped worldwide.
This work began after a chance discovery. I came across a striking photograph of a Yellowfin Tuna head in an old 1990’s National Geographicmagazine that was destined for the rubbish collection. I tore out the page and pinned it to the wall of my studio, where it stayed for a long time, quietly waiting for me to do something with it. In late 2023, I decided to translate it into painting. The result is a nice soft pastel style painting, with a balance in shape.
Yellowfin Tuna Head is available as a limited edition print, in either A2 or A3 size. Prints can be purchased framed or unframed.
Unframed editions can be shipped worldwide.
JD was a pleasure to sketch and paint, although getting the dimensions right was a real challenge. I decided on a lighter colour, based on a JD I caught in the summer that had these shades of green. It was caught in seaweed that was similar to the darker lime green on the upper part of the fish. A camouflage expert and ambush expert.
I painted this abstract image of a Yellowtail Kingfish in the winter of 2023. It was inspired by the fast & powerful predatory Kingfish and is available as Signed Limited Edition prints either Framed or Unframed prints on High Quality, Enhanced Matte, Acid Free 210 GSM Art Paper. If you order one, I will ship within 5 days. I ship anywhere in the world.
NOTE: Only unframed prints can be shipped internationally as the glass survival rate is too low.
began as a series of sketches I made after encountering several mounted marlin trophies in fishing clubs throughout New Zealand during the 2023 summer. Over the winter months of 2024, these evolved into the finished painting, focusing on the sharp lines of this iconic ocean predator.
The work is available as a limited edition print, offered framed or unframed in A1 or A2 sizes.
Unframed prints can be shipped worldwide.
I have watched Blue Marlin being weighed in at game-fishing competitions around New Zealand and have always marvelled at their immense size and sleek, powerful lines. Sadly, the extraordinary, rapidly changing colours that ripple across their flanks when they are excited or defending themselves have usually faded by the time they are brought ashore. This work was created to capture that fleeting colour — the living energy of the fish as it would appear in the ocean rather than on the dock.
Available as a 1300 mm x 600 mm limited-edition, signed print, produced on acid-free, high-quality 190 GSM art paper.
Unframed prints available worldwide.
My Snapper artwork is an abstract artwork, inspired by colour and texture of this beautiful fish. This Snapper artwork, was created on a 37cm long canvas of cedar wood with recycled handout sheet metal being used for the head, fins and tail and was painted using acrylic colour. It was then HD scanned and a limited edition set of prints have been produced. My Snapper originals are occasionally available.
Snapper prints are available in A4, A3 and A2 size prints on High Quality, Enhanced Matte, Acid Free 210 GSM Art Paper. Unframed prints can be shipped anywhere worldwide. Orders are shipped within 5 days.
Note: framed prints can be shipped out of New Zealand as the glass survival rate is low with international shipping.
My Bluefin Tuna is an abstract artwork and was inspired by the sleek lines and colours of this impressive, powerful and intelligence fish. Built like a torpedo with retractable fins, Bluefin Tuna are built for speed. This Bluefin was created on a 75cm long canvas of cedar wood with recycled hand-cut sheet metal for the head, fins and tail and was painted using acrylic colour.
The original Bluefin Tuna artwork, was HD scanned and is now available as a signed limited edition set of Framed or Unframed prints on High Quality, Enhanced Matte, Acid Free 210 GSM Art Paper.
Limited edition signed prints are available in - 25cm x 50cm, 35cm x 70cm & 50cm x 100cm sizes and can be shipped anywhere worldwide. Only unframed prints can be shipped out of New Zealand as the glass survival rate is low with international shipping. Orders are shipped within 5 days.
The Barracuda Trio artwork is a captivating exploration of the sleek and formidable nature of the Barracuda. Inspired by the impressive and ferocious characteristics of these apex predators, I set out to capture their fearsome teeth and fins. The three are separate artworks, each embodying sleek lines and predatory prowess onto a canvas of cedar wood, recycled sheet metal for the head, fins and tail and acrylic colour.
The three Barracuda artworks were then HD scanned and are presented as a trio. They are now available as a signed limited edition set of Framed or Unframed prints on High Quality, Enhanced Matte, Acid Free 210 GSM Art Paper.
Limited edition signed prints are available in - A3 & A2 sizes and can be shipped anywhere in New Zealand. Orders are shipped within 5 days.
NOTE: Only unframed prints can be shipped internationally as the glass survival rate is too low.
This Brown Trout was inspired by the fish that live in the stunning rivers of New Zealand. Brown Trout are illusive and hard to see, as they are beautifully camouflaged. They are hard to catch due to their size and power and are prized by anglers. Browns differ in colour, and tones, depending upon the waterway they live in. Limited edition set of 25 signed prints are available in two sizes - 250mm x 500mm and 350mm x 700mm
New Zealand Brown Trout – Fine Art Print
Celebrate the beauty of New Zealand’s freshwater waterways with this detailed artwork of the iconic Brown Trout. Featuring its distinctive golden-brown tones, intricate dark spots, and subtle flashes of colour, this piece captures the natural elegance and character of one of New Zealand’s most treasured freshwater fish.
Inspired by the pristine rivers, crystal-clear streams, and wild landscapes of New Zealand, this artwork is perfect for fishing enthusiasts, fly fishers, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of the outdoors. Whether displayed in a home, bach, office, or fishing lodge, it brings a touch of New Zealand’s wild freshwater heritage to any space.
A timeless art print for those who share a passion for fishing, nature, and the remarkable fish that inhabit our waters.