Mermaid Painting Inspired By Snorkeling Coral Reefs

Snorkeling is one of my favorite things to do! I recently had the opportunity to snorkel near Barkers Cay in Grand Cayman. It was some of the most diverse ocean life I have ever experienced. Most of the coral near the beaches was pretty dead, but still interesting with a nice variety of fish to look at. We decided to take a boat tour out into the bay to access better reefs. What a difference there was between the dead reefs and these vibrant ones! My painting doesn’t get anywhere close to showing its beauty, but nevertheless I was inspired to try

I knew a wanted a person in the picture, but a human just didn’t seem whimsical enough so it occurred to me to paint a mermaid. I did an image search for poses and styles that I liked. I don’t know why I chose to portray it at night, but it just happened. Of course I had to have a full moon for her to gaze at.

This painting is 2’ x 4’ acrylics on hardboard. Here are some shots from my studio as I painted it.

I am trying to get a lot of new work done for an upcoming show in my hometown. I bought a bunch of different sized boards and the inspiration has just been flowing. All I want to do is paint lately.

I hope this picture has brightened your day and inspired you to contemplate how fragile these ecosystems are. Let us all do what we can to preserve their diversity.

Thanks for stopping by!