Fish Art by New Zealand Artist - Ian McTavish
My Ocean Series Fish Art is inspired by the colour of the waters around the coast of New Zealand and the fish living in these waters. The blues & greens are contrasted by the red of the Snapper, the yellow of the Yellowtail Kingfish and the deep blue of the Bluefin Tuna. My fish art reflects ‘what the artist sees’ and doesn’t always represent the true colours of the fish in nature. The perfect ‘Man Gift’.
My Trout Series is inspired by the gin clear cold waters of the Tongariro River and Lake Taupo. Plentiful Rainbows and the elusive Browns in a pristine environment.
My fish art is created on a cedar wood canvas, with sheet metal fins, head and tail and painted with acrylic colour. Selected pieces are then high definition scanned and reproduced as high quality limited edition prints that celebrate our vibrant underwater world.
Along with the selection of prints available below, some original pieces are available on enquiry.
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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.
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.
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.
My Rainbow Trout is an abstract artwork and was inspired by the stunning Rainbows in the Tongariro River and Lake Taupo area. This image captures the silver, light pink or red hues. When they spawn, their coloration darkens, and their red scales deepen in colour.
Rainbow Trout prints are part of a 50 piece limited edition and each is signed. They are printed on high quality Enhanced Matte Acid Free 210 GSM Art Paper. Prints are available framed or unframed in A3 & A2 sizes. Prices include free shipping to anywhere within New Zealand, Australia or Worldwide. Orders are shipped within 5 days of ordering. NOTE: Only unframed prints can be shipped outside of New Zealand, as the glass survival rate is low for framed prints.
My 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.
Brown Trout prints are part of a 50 piece limited edition and each is signed. They are printed on high quality Enhanced Matte Acid Free 210 GSM Art Paper. Prints are available framed or unframed in A3 & A2 sizes. Prices include free shipping to anywhere within New Zealand, Australia or Worldwide. Orders are shipped within 5 days of ordering. NOTE: Only unframed prints can be shipped outside of New Zealand, as the glass survival rate is low for framed prints.
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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 25, framed or unframed, in two sizes: 35 × 70 cm and 50 × 100 cm.
Unframed editions are 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.