I’ve been painting shells and figuring out new ways to paint them for about 8 years. I think something finally clicked. Not that it isn’t still a totally trial-and-error type of deal, but also figuring out they’re mini canvases/doodle pads that kind of tell you what to do.
It all starts with the watercolor undercoat, aka a lot of paint blobs. Then lots of layers, patience, lines, and figuring out what each shell can handle without totally covering up its natural beauty.
Yup, that’s it.
Some I definitely go too far, and some are just right. Whatever it is, y’all totally dig them, and they all sell out in the shop without me even having to market them. For that, I am humbled and grateful, and will keep adding more as I finish them.
Hope you like these latest gems from the sea and my messy desk. Yay art, shells, and a-ha creative moments inspired by the sea.
And if you want a fun craft for summer, or anytime, really, the steps are:
• Prime shell with watercolor ground ( if painting the inside of it. I don’t do this with the conch or cone shells)
• Apply watercolor washes as the base layer of paint
• Paint the first layer of watercolor art
• Go in and do some outlines with acrylic paint pens, or mini accents with the ink pens
• Go back and add some more watercolor highlights or shadows
• Add lines and details with India ink pens/mini sharpies depends on what the shell will allow
• Go in with some more watercolor or acrylic pen details
• Seal with matte acrylic spray
• Go in and add some more details if you need
• Let dry and finish with a glassy sealant.
Voila. Boom. High five. Time to find a cool use for this beauty.
Shell Art and more art in my shop, goldfishkissgoods.com