Oceans Month at the Opal Door

I have not tried to paint ocean life since 2012. The last time I did was my first time working with acrylics, and I painted a jellyfish for Glenn.

Jellyfish are special to us - it’s kind of like our relationship thing. Now, I’m painting 10 of these enchanting creatures for Oceans Month, and the reference photos I’m using are incredible. 

I painted this octopus recently and I’m in love with it. I also painted this shark. I’ve been feeling so joyous and inspired by Ocean Month and I’m very excited to share these pieces with you.

A Coastal Routine

When we lived on the coast, I went to the ocean every day.

I have never been one to lay on the beach or play beach sports, but I love to walk. I’m a prairie kid, so flat surfaces mean I don’t tire, and I can walk really fast. Sometimes I find myself nearing a sprinter’s pace. It’s pleasurable to me, and I really enjoy the rhythm of moving my body through walking.

Anytime I felt upset or couldn’t breathe, and everything was crashing down, I’d go for a walk at Crescent Beach in Surrey. I would venture out on the 20-minute drive, and then walk for an hour and a half on the gravel path.

One fork in the path leads to a bird sanctuary, ending at the tip of a peninsula called Blackie Spit. This is home to me. I would make my way out to the very farthest point and then sit in the crushed rocks and shells. I’d watch the water curl around the spit and listen to the crying of gulls and pipping of the shore birds. And on the walk back, I would wander through the brackish marshland.

There’s something about being near the water. Around the wildlife. Connecting with treasured habitats that people are caring for. 

All of that centers and grounds me. It’s like coming home. Finding groundedness. To this day, if I find myself in Surrey, I go and take a walk on the beach.

Grounded in Perspective

Staring out at the horizon over the water reminds me how insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things.

That perspective keeps me grounded.

Now, I get to paint the life that I used to study while I meandered on the beach.

I’ve done so much art making in the past 11 years since my first jellyfish painting. I’ve grown so much, and I hope you all feel my joy this month as I embark on this series.

I’m feeling connected to my kids, to my partner, and a part of my heart that I haven’t been able to explore before.

To consistently find new things that excite me that I want to paint - that’s a big deal, and I’m celebrating it.