Treasure of the Sea

Treasure of the Sea, 22" x 23", #6-cut wool on linen. Designed and hooked by Brenda Ellis Sauro/Painted Mermaid Designs,South Paris,Maine, 2011.

I love mermaids and the sea. I grew up near the ocean, surrounded by its beauty and wonder, and that has influenced my art since early childhood.     

To capture the vibrancy of the ocean, choose cooler colors (blues, purples, greens) for the background, ocean, and wave border. These colors will make the background recede and keep the focus on the mermaids in the foreground. I used warmer colors (magenta, pinks, yellows) to make the mermaids stand out against the background. Keep the focal point on the pink pearl and seashell by using the lighter colors for contrast. The mermaids’ hair is a combination of turquoise and turquoise greens, which are complementary to the magenta red.