Waiting for Summer — Shell Illustrations and Shore Memories

Shell illustrations are on my mind today.It’s still chilly in my North Carolina studio on this April 10th. But, I’m looking forward to the coming Season at the Jersey Shore! It is only several weeks away, and I’ll be packing up to move into my ‘summer studio’ after mid-May. And so, it behooves me to review some seaside images that I’ve garnered and created over the years… The ocean at Long Beach Island is always a tantalizing Beauty. You can almost smell it!While we’re here, beach tools are always handy.Here is a rather graphic depiction of a pearl and oyster. The one below is a more naturalistic rendering. I enjoy drawing in both modes.While I’m at the seaside, I occasionally enjoy entertaining my neighbors with a bagpipe serenade at sunset. Sometimes I get a crowd, so I must be prepared and put on a good show!This complex design has a scalloped edge and beautiful, flowing lines.On the contrary, the nautilus is simple, elegant and sleek.This last image of a celestial conch shell is a favorite of mine. I worked hard to try and capture the wavelets washing into shore. The pull of the sea is irresistible, and it inspired me to create this tribute. This was the cover illustration for an issue of “Lunch”, a New Jersey poetry magazine.See you on the beach…