Hello fellow mermaid enthusiasts! About two years ago I decided to start a weekly drawing challenge for myself: To do one mermaid every week until I have a full 100 (and then make them into a book, but that's another story). As I am getting oh so very close to my goal (I'm at mermaid drawing number 97 right now!) I thought it was time to share this art project with you Bored Pandas out there.
All these cool drawings are created with graphite pencils and colored digitally. If some textures look like watercolor to you, though, then you are not wrong. Throughout the series, my process has undergone some slight changes, including drenching the mermaid images with liquid paint once in a while.
'But why mermaids', you ask. 'Are there not enough of them on the Internet already? Them mythological creatures with their luxurious hair and splishy-splashy tails?'
That is a good question, friend. I find mermaids a fascinating subject exactly because they are ubiquitous in fairytales and pop culture. We all have a certain image ingrained in our minds when we think of what a mermaid looks like, so it's not only a challenge to come up with new drawing ideas, but it is more fun since we all have some common ground to start from.
Anyway, this is really about the pictures, isn't it? So here are the first 40 of my mermaids! If you're interested in more of these beautiful drawings, feel free to check out my Patreon (There's no pay barrier for the mermaids).
#21 Serra Sphyrna
Roaming the depths of the Indian Ocean, this mermaid is a skilled hunter and surprisingly nimble swimmer. Usually eager to avoid humans, she is only a danger to especially yummy stingrays.
31points
#22 Sirena Divisa
So far this is the only species of mermaid known to have developed two tails.
31points
#23 Gorgóna Eucrante
Observed only in this rare Mediterranean variety of mermaid, research still has to disclose whether this curious application of hair tresses is biologically determined or a habit acquired over time due to circumstance.
30points
#24 Serra Servata
This creature keeps a living supply of smaller fish and marine animals in a balloon like cavity, enabling her to travel long distances regardless of hunting opportunities and food availability.
30points
#25 Sirena Lucerna
Once in a while this deep sea creature rises to the surface to lure unassuming swimmers astray with its bioluminescent glow.
29points
#26 Serra Teneris
There is no explanation as to what keeps this delicate mermaid alive or even keep its form. In groups of up to 200 individuals these beautiful creatures drift aimlessly through our oceans, leaving behind nothing but questions.
29points
#27 Sirena Somniculosus
This mermaid has been responsible for the fates of a great many seduced sailors. Her tail is mimicking the shape of a human body to lure in prey. Having succeeded in her ventures she will then proceed to feed on the naive soul trying to mate with her behind. It is unknown why this species seems to have specialized in the consumption of human males.
29points
#28 Serra Vela
This mermaid's dorsal fins have developed in a unique way that enables them to catch the wind similarly to a sail. Thus she travels both underwater and adrift on the surface.
29points
#29 Serra Gladius
This mermaid knows how to keep unwanted company at nose length.
28points
#30 Serra Macrourida
This arctic deep sea mermaid dies shortly after spawning. Her corpse then serves as protection and food for her eggs and hatchlings.
28points