This painting was inspired by a photo that my great-niece, Amanda, shared of her snorkeling adventures in Maui. I knew right away I wanted to paint it. I knew I wanted the look of wild hair floating and swaying in the current. I also wanted to show the light filtering down from above and onto her outstretched arms. I added bubbles from the movement of her hair and waves above her head but chose to leave the lower portion of the painting rather static because I envision her floating, bobbing with the current while looking at the menagerie of fish around her. I also didn't want to detract from the eyes and mask with too much movement.
Reference photo
Pencil drawing directly on 140# Arches cold press watercolor paper
To be honest, I actually really like this cropped version. As you can see, I took a lot of artist license here. I wasn't trying for a portrait of my niece but rather the wonderful feeling of floating and moving with the gentle current but with some excitement in the colors.
Snorkeling Maui
Watercolor
8-1/2 x 12
Arches 140# Cold-Press Paper
