Original artwork description:

Oil painting of a rainbow-colored seahorse against a sand background. I chose to accentuate the jewel-tones that were set-off against the dominant tan and yellowish-green craggy and bumpy surface of the seahorse's skin. I had planned to leave a completely white background, and although I do like how white can contrast beautifully against a very colorful subject ...I felt that this painting needed one, so I added a very light abstract one to suggest sand.

I had always entertained the idea of having an aquarium filled with some of these strangely sweet and mysterious little creatures. But upon researching them...I found that they would best be left alone in their natural habitat since they require constant feeding and salt water in order to survive. Too many exotic animals like these are being taken and sold in the pet trade, many times; to owners who have neither enough information or the commitment to raise them correctly.

One thing I learned while I was researching them, is that they have the ability to camouflage themselves in a similar way as other sea animals do, such as the octopus. Seahorses can also change color to convey different states of emotion, especially during courtship. I read a fascinating article online, that describes the complex system that allows seahorses to change their colors, which adds even more charm to these already amazing little animals...and in my mind, makes them "living art". If you share my adoration for these amazing tiny 'Equus' of the sea.

Materials used:

oil paint, linseed oil, canvas

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