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.