Hammerhead Pencil Drawing

I did it!  I looked at enough pictures of hammerhead sharks to actually draw some.  In the process, I learned that there are nine species of hammerheads, but only three are dangerous to humans.  This is one of those three, the scalloped hammerhead. They school during the day, and are solitary at night. Females give birth to live pups but don't care for them at all.  I can't say honestly say I'd want to cuddle them, but they are graceful, striking creatures.  Large liquid eyes that can see 360 degrees really set them apart.

Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks drawn with 7H and HB Pencils on Canson Recycled Drawing Paper. 

Peacock Feathers

I'm working on the hammer heads, but in the mean time, the ocean seems to be slipping into my other illustrations.  Take these peacock feathers for example:

I drew three individual feathers with colored pencils.  I then scanned and arranged them in photoshop, with minor color changes and editing. I like how soft they look, almost like they are floating on water, or in it.

What's keeping me from the hammerheads.

Besides the terror in their eyes, that is. I have been working in a non-marine illustration. 

 Some legendary dancers for Touch A Dream Dance Studio's spring program cover.  Enjoy: 

Michael Jackson, The Supremes, Ana Pavlova and Ben Vereen

Blue Spotted Ribbon Tailed Stingray Illustration

I made a few modifications to the original drawing, to keep with the pollywog vibe these bottom dwellers give off.  Their eyes are especially frog-like.  They don't get much bigger than a foot across. They are venomous, but tend to flee when threatened.  I'm not terribly scared of this fish anymore, mostly because I know where they live, and that there aren't that many of them left.

Stingray Drawing

I finally worked up the nerve to draw a stingray.  My husband was with me at the time, humming the "Jaws" tune.  Yep,  I'll be over my fears in no time, with such support.  Anyway,  I used a 7B and HB pencils on this blue spotted ribbon tail ray (Taeniura lymma). I took me about an hour, most of it spent in composition.  

Contenders Moray vs Stingray

I pulled lots of images off the web to inspire my next illustration.  I didn't sort them into folders right away.  Now I have to randomly open scary photos to figure out what goes where.  Arrgh.  It may be time for some kittens.  Two of the scariest for you.

Jelly Fish Illustration

I'm calling this one done.  It's layers and layers of photoshop fun.  I'm not sure it's that much stronger than the pencil drawing.  It's late though, I am sure I'll like it better in the morning.

Jelly Fish In Progress

After colorizing the image, I brought in a blue background and a white layer under the drawing.  I then started masking the white for transparent effect.  I cropped it too, but am now wondering if I need a second jelly fish to balance the composition. Hmmm.  Thoughts?

Jelly Fish Drawing

Even though I showed you moon jelly fish yesterday, I have sketched a different type for you today.  I was really taken by the beautiful trailing ruffles and ribbon-like tenticles.  The better to sting you with, my dear.  Seriously though, I really do appreciate those who get in the water with these creatures to capture their photos.  Maybe someday, I'll be able to also.

The Aquarium Is My Friend

Some of the residents at the Toledo Zoo's Aquarium.  The unicorn fish!  Did you know there was a unicorn fish?  Moon jelly fish under florescent display lights are too pretty to be scary.  The moray eel on display has frightened me since childhood. I wonder if he'll out live me.  Pardon me while I google that.