Mermaid in the Sea

This is a story about strength and courage.

This painting was created for a woman who comes from a traumatic childhood, yet somehow found her way through life while remaining kind-hearted and compassionate. She is a true testament to resilience. I have never met someone who radiates such a beautiful spirit, so she needed a painting that reflected her magic and sparkle.

She is swimming towards the light, following a leafy sea dragon. I chose the sea dragon for her because they are resilient and adaptable creatures, able to survive in challenging environments. They represent hope and endurance, showing us a way to heal through the natural cycles of the ocean. This is something both she and her sister endured as young girls. Leafy sea dragons carry a quiet, protective energy and remind us to be gentle, kind, and to allow things to heal naturally.

There is an abundance of blossoming flowers flowing from her hair and through the seagrass, representing the mark she leaves on the world and the gifts she brings during her lifetime.

There are five butterflies, symbolising bravery and courage. Through a difficult upbringing, she emerged from darkness and grew her own beautiful, delicate wings.

There are also five blue wrens. These elusive little birds only appear when they want to be seen. They remind us to allow things to naturally gravitate towards us and to find gentle ways to communicate.

A sparkling path travels beside her, symbolising that life will always guide her along her rightful golden path when she stays true to herself. Something she will continue to do throughout her life with grace and dignity.

There is one turtle representing her dad. Even through hardship, she loved him with all her heart. Turtles symbolise happiness, gratitude, and wisdom, something she shares deeply with her sister. They are also a reminder to seek empathy over judgement, because we never truly know someone else’s story, only our own.

And finally, there are five rainbow dragonflies flying around her, representing her beloved husband who passed away. Dragonflies symbolise diligence, adaptability, and strength. These beautiful iridescent creatures will always keep him close to her heart and remind her to keep smiling.

This piece has been an absolute joy to paint.