Mermaids and Sirens

Siren's Call

Since I was a child I have always been fascinated by mermaids.  I loved when the National Geographic special came out titled "Mermaids the body found" and was glued to the TV.  I have to admit, I bought it, hook, line and sinker :) and was really disappointed to learn it was not based on real evidence.  Whether they really exist or not, it is a wonderful myth and mysteries always intrigue us.   For centuries there have been stories and legends and since we know so little of our seas and what creatures really exist, it is easy to believe (especially for those of us that have over active imaginations).  I started this canvas as an abstract work and left a layer to dry.  I was teaching a Zentangle class at the time and decided it would be interesting to combine a woman's face with  Zentangle inspired hair using colors you see in the sea.    I left her skin pale because I imagined that  she has spent her life under the water.   What I love about this work is the mixture of techniques and styles.    

S is for Sailing

S is for Sailing

S is for Sailing Word Art 

  I am always trying to think of new creative ways to sell my artwork.  Sometimes I will make a small painting into Jewelry, at others create digital downloads with word art for scrap booking or mixed media work.  I decided to add a story to the Alphabet letter S that I completed.  It reads:  He went off to sail the high seas in his little sail boat.  He had no idea how long the voyage might take, how rough the seas could become or where he might land his vessel but the lure of the sea called, beckoned to him like a long lost love.  The salt air felt good against his weathered skin as he loaded supplies to last the long voyage.  A compass,  maps, telescope, star charts, rope, fishing reel, tackle, water, food, matches, cooking utensils  blankets, rain coat, clothing, a few books, boat shoes, knife,  flair, repair kit and his pipe were the things he considered essential.  He knew once he set out it could be a                       very long time before he was able to restock supplies.  He had planned this trip for many years, writing and re-writing his list of supplies, mapping out routes to take and preparing his boat.  The day had finally arrived…..

I hope to create one painting for each letter and think they would be really fun in a nursery.