It's Mermay again, and I'm absolutely thrilled to dive back into this amazing challenge! For those who might not know, Mermay is an annual art challenge where artists from all over the world commit to drawing mermaids throughout the month of May. It’s a fantastic way to push your creative boundaries, experiment with new styles, and connect with a global community of artists. This year, the prompt to "redraw a mermaid you have already drawn" really spoke to me, and it was the perfect opportunity to bring back my beloved Neapolitan ice cream mermaid. Redrawing an old piece isn't just about updating it; it's a journey through your own artistic growth. You get to see how far your skills have come, and it's incredibly satisfying to apply new techniques and tools to a familiar concept. For this particular redraw, I was so excited to experiment with the new Grabie art supplies I recently received. They sent me a fantastic box of 48 alcohol based markers and their incredible JUMBO glitter ink gel pens. Let me tell you, these pens are a game-changer for adding that extra sparkle! Using alcohol markers for the base colors provides such smooth, vibrant coverage. I love how easily they blend, allowing for seamless transitions and depth in my mermaid's tail and hair. But the real magic happens when you layer the glitter ink gel pens on top. The OCR mentioned how nice these Jumbo pens are, and I totally agree! They add an unparalleled shimmer that catches the light beautifully. Now, a little tip from my own experience: as the OCR also pointed out, they do take a little bit of time to dry. You really need to be aware you'll have like a glitter drag your hand if you're not careful. That's the only downfall, but honestly, the stunning effect is absolutely worth the wait. I usually work on another section of the drawing while the glitter dries, or simply grab a fan! When I approach a piece like my Neapolitan mermaid, I start with a light sketch to get the pose and proportions right. Then, I block in the main colors with the alcohol markers, building up layers for shading and highlights. Once the base is down and dry, that's when the fun really begins with the glitter pens! I use them to define scales, add shimmering accents to her hair, and create that irresistible 'ice cream' texture. The contrast between the smooth marker base and the dazzling glitter is just captivating. Participating in Mermay has truly helped me grow as an artist. It encourages consistent practice and pushes me to think outside the box with themes and character designs. If you're looking for an art challenge to join, I highly recommend finding a prompt list that excites you. Whether it's a daily sketch or a weekly piece, the consistency alone will improve your skills dramatically. And don't be afraid to revisit old art – it's a wonderful way to track your progress and rekindle your love for a past creation!