Mermay 2022

Wow, looking back at my Mermay creations from 2022 brings back so many fun memories! It's such a fantastic challenge for artists, and I still love seeing how everyone interprets the theme. If you're new to Mermay, it's essentially a global art challenge held every May where artists create a mermaid-themed drawing each day. It’s a brilliant way to push your creativity and develop your skills. When I participated, I really leaned into my favorite medium: watercolor! I find it perfect for capturing the ethereal, flowing nature of mermaids and their underwater worlds. One of my biggest tips for anyone wanting to join Mermay, or just get into watercolor art, is to embrace the unexpected. Watercolors have a mind of their own sometimes, and that's where the magic often happens! For my Mermay 2022 series, I started by sketching out my ideas loosely. I loved experimenting with different tail colors and hair shades – like that vibrant pink mermaid or the one with striking dark hair. It really made each piece feel unique. If you're just starting with watercolors for your mermaid art, don't feel intimidated! Begin with a good quality cold-press paper; it handles water much better without buckling. For paints, a basic pan set is perfectly fine. Focus on layering: start with light washes for the skin or background, then slowly build up darker tones and details. For instance, to get those shimmering tails, I often did a few translucent layers of color, letting each dry before adding the next, which creates a lovely depth. And don't forget the white gouache or a gel pen for those tiny highlights like scales or shimmering eyes – they really make the piece pop! What I loved most about Mermay was the freedom to create unique characters. For example, my mermaid with the witch hat? That was born from wanting to combine two of my favorite themes! Or the one holding an ice cream – I imagined a playful, modern mermaid enjoying a treat on the surface. And the merman holding a skull? That was definitely inspired by a darker, more mysterious underwater lore. Don't be afraid to mix genres or add unexpected elements to your mermaids and mermen. Think about their personalities, their hobbies, and their environment. Do they live in a coral reef, a sunken ship, or a bustling underwater city? These details can spark endless creative ideas for different poses and expressions. Getting out of your comfort zone is key. I remember struggling with drawing hands or specific mermaid poses, but with Mermay, the daily practice really helped me improve. Even if a drawing didn't turn out exactly as planned, it was still a step forward. The community aspect is also amazing – sharing your progress and seeing others' incredible work is so motivating. It's not about perfection; it's about consistency and enjoying the creative journey. So, whether you're a seasoned artist or just dipping your toes into the watercolor world, I highly recommend giving Mermay a try next year, or even just picking up your brush today and painting your very own mermaid or merman masterpiece!