Hello friends,

I thought I’d post an illustration this week, I’ve recently been reading fairy tales and The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen has always been a great favourite of mine.

“The little sea-princesses, were six beautiful children; but the youngest was the prettiest of them all; her skin was as clear and delicate as a rose-leaf, and her eyes as blue as the deepest sea; but, like all the others, she had no feet, and her body ended in a fish’s tail.”

Excerpt From: Hans Christian Andersen. “Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen”.

I wasn’t actually planning to colour her hair red, but when thinking mermaid Ariel always comes to mind. It was clever of Disney because in the original story Andersen gives no clue as to the colour of the mermaid’s hair, but she does grow red flowers in her patch of garden. I’m thinking that I might draw several mermaids…or maybe other characters form old fairy tales.

So this painting is A4 sized, the whole image is drawn free-hand, first with pencil and then ‘properly’ using a calligraphy ink quill and Windsor & Newton Black Indian ink and is painted with Arteza watercolour brush pens – which have so many uses and the pigments are amazing.

Well that’s it for this week…I’m thinking that I might draw several mermaids…or maybe other characters form old fairy tales. What do you think of her? I’d truly love some feedback. Also I just want to say thanks for checking out this art post and I wish you a wonderful week!