Every artist has that one piece—the one that feels like a turning point, a burst of inspiration that changes everything. For me, that piece is Splendor Beneath the Waves, which represents the vast beauty of a coral reef. This painting, which was featured in my exhibition Off the Hook: A Journey Beneath the Waves at the West Baton Rouge Museum, was the spark that ignited the entire show.
The Story Behind Splendor Beneath the Waves
It all started with a gift: a set of iridescent watercolor paints. As someone who primarily creates realistic portraits of dogs and cats, I couldn’t imagine where these shimmering colors would fit into my work. I mean, how could I paint a glowing purple cat when someone’s expecting a perfect representation of their orange tabby?
That’s when the idea struck—fish. Fish are naturally iridescent, vibrant, and perfect for experimenting with shiny, sparkling colors. Around the same time, I had also acquired a new size of watercolor paper I was itching to try. So I decided to create a piece that brought these elements together: an intricate coral reef teeming with life and color.
The Joy (and Challenge) of a Coral Reef
Creating Splendor Beneath the Waves was a labor of love. At first, I didn’t quite grasp how much time and detail would go into painting an entire coral reef. Each coral branch, every fish, and the play of light beneath the water demanded patience and precision. But it was also freeing—a chance to break away from my usual subjects and dive into a whole new world.
Working with the iridescent paints was a revelation. They added depth and a touch of magic to the piece, capturing the shimmer and movement of life beneath the waves. When the painting was finally complete, I stepped back and knew I had something special. Not only was it a piece I was proud of, but it also sparked the idea for an entire show celebrating the beauty of the ocean.
Bringing the Ocean to Life
Splendor Beneath the Waves became the centerpiece of Off the Hook: A Journey Beneath the Waves, a collection of paintings that explore the vibrancy, mystery, and life of underwater ecosystems. From glowing coral reefs to playful clownfish and pufferfish bursting with personality, each piece in the exhibit owes its inspiration to this one painting.
Where to Find Splendor Beneath the Waves
For those who want to enjoy the piece but missed out on the original, a limited amount of signed and numbered prints are available. You can find them in my Etsy shop, or feel free to message me, and I’ll happily help you get your hands on one.