"Majestic Jewel Peacock" - A Regal 3D Paper Sculpted Peacock

With Majestic Peacock Jewel, I set out to capture the mesmerizing beauty and proud presence of one of nature’s most striking birds—the peacock. This piece is a detailed paper sculpture combining hand-cut and painted elements to bring the vibrancy and texture of the peacock’s vivid plumage to life in an intimate yet commanding way.

Measuring 9.75” by 13” within a 15” by 12” shadowbox, Majestic Peacock Jewel is one of my more expansive compositions to date, inviting viewers to lean in and explore the intricate layers that define the bird’s form and surroundings. The peacock’s body is rendered in a rich, almost electric blue, crafted from an array of three-dimensional paper feathers that offer both depth and a subtle tactile quality. Each individual feather in the tail is hand-painted to reveal the iconic eye-like patterns in blues, greens, and purples, creating an almost hypnotic spread that seems to shimmer within the frame.

The background immediately sets a warm, vibrant tone, featuring swirling motifs in golden-orange hues that contrast beautifully with the cooler tones of the bird. These swirling designs are not mere decoration but part of the visual rhythm, echoing the elegant curves of the tail feathers and reinforcing the regal grandeur of the subject. In the upper right corner, a cluster of lush green leaves adds a natural counterbalance to the composition, anchoring the piece in a garden-like setting that hints at the lush environment where these magnificent birds thrive.

Majestic Peacock Jewel draws its inspiration from a memorable visit to a garden alive with peacocks, where one male—I nicknamed “Henry”—captured my imagination. Henry’s confident strut and extravagant displays of fanned feathers, flaunting jade and violet hues, were as commanding as they were beautiful. It was this experience that rekindled my fascination with the texture and complexity of peacock feathers, inspiring me to craft a piece that honors their natural splendor while emphasizing their tactile, sculptural qualities through layered paper and paint.

The process was both meticulous and rewarding. Each feather required precision cutting and detailed painting to capture the subtle color shifts and iconic eye patterns characteristic of peacock plumage. The three-dimensional layering creates an interplay of light and shadow that imbues the bird with presence beyond the flat plane, offering viewers the chance to appreciate the physicality and elegance of the feathers up close.

The fiery orange background, accented with delicate gold swirls, was deliberately chosen to convey a sense of majesty and warmth, framing the peacock in a glow that elevates its regal aura. This backdrop also visually separates the bird from its environment, highlighting the boldness of its form and the intricate handwork involved in sculpting its feathers.

Majestic Peacock Jewel is more than a representation of an exotic bird; it is an homage to the vibrant energy and splendid complexity of nature. Its layered textures, refined details, and vivid color palette invite collectors and viewers into a tactile experience that bridges realism with decorative elegance. This piece holds a distinctive place within my body of work as a celebration of natural beauty expressed through paper sculpture—a medium uniquely suited to capturing texture, depth, and color variation.

For those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and three-dimensional artistry, Majestic Peacock Jewel offers a captivating addition to any collection. Its scale is substantial enough to command attention on a feature wall, yet intimate in its details, rewarding careful, contemplative viewing.

Majestic Peacock Jewel is currently available for viewing and purchase at Seaside Art Gallery in Nags Head, NC. Priced at $2,850, it stands as a refined statement piece for collectors who value both the technical rigor of hand-cut paper sculpture and the lyrical narrative of wildlife inspired art.

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#PaperSculpture #PeacockArt #DimensionalArt #FineArtCollectors #HandCutPaper #MixedMedia #NatureInspired #WildlifeArt #SeasideArtGallery #NagsHeadArt

Flower Wall Art - Monarch Butterfly on Thistles

Flower Power - 3 Thistles and Monarch - Wall Art

This series is comprised of three distinct, yet harmonious, 6" x 6" artworks, each vividly capturing the enchanting dance between purple thistles and delicate monarch butterflies on a lush green stage.

These three paper sculptures are a part of the Florals: Hello Spring! show at Seaside Art Gallery!

My inspiration for this series emerged during a walk in a local park, a transformed golf course now blooming with natural plants and wildflowers such as thistles and milkweed. As I wandered, I was struck by the vivid green and purple thistles swaying alongside fluttering monarchs. It is an amazing contrast. Delicate butterflies fluttering all around the thick thorny stems of these thistle plants, looking for a purple puffball flower to land on.

Creating this series was a compelling journey, drawing me deeper into the delicate intricacies of nature. Each piece in the series stands on its own, yet together, they form a narrative rich in life and resilience. Whether you decide to grace your space with one, two, or the complete trio, each piece shares a unique story woven with precision and care. All three of these paper sculptures are available at Seaside Art Gallery Seaside Art Gallery

While the butterflies gracefully perch on thorny hosts, this artwork serves as a subtle reminder of life's persistent beauty amid trials. It invites you to embrace a moment of stillness, to see the grace in obstacles, and to marvel at nature's choreography.

This series is more than a collection of paintings; it's a celebration of life's vibrant dance, offering a glimpse into the world’s silent symphony, waiting to be discovered and cherished."

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"Cuddles" the Framed Orange Cat Wall Art

Introducing "Cuddles," my latest artwork that's a heartfelt tribute to comfort and tranquility, all wrapped up in the delightful form of a cat. This piece, measuring a cozy 6” x 6” x 1.25” (including the frame), is created using hand-cut paper, watercolor, and gouache—an exploration that allowed me to delve deeper into the textures and colors that underscore the beauty of our feline friends.

At the heart of "Cuddles" lies the endearing portrayal of an orange tabby cat, brought to life with intricate details and vibrant hues. The cat reclines on a soft green cloth (made from paper), its in a relaxed pose—a sweet moment of calm that speaks volumes about the serene aspects of a cat's nature. With striking green eyes gazing soulfully out of the frame, the viewer is invited into a quiet, contemplative space where the colors of the background—blue to green gradients—mirror the depth in the cat’s eyes.

The process of creating "Cuddles" held a distinct uniqueness. From selecting the perfect palette to meticulously layering the paper and applying delicate paint strokes, each step was an opportunity to infuse a touch of life into the artwork. Notice the thinly hand-cut whiskers come out of the flat paper to create a three-dimensional scene. The blanket, made out of paper, is also three dimensional, adding that cozy, comfy feeling we get when we see our favorite blanket. Each aspect of the paper sculpture, is meticulously planned to harmonize the vivid colors with the intricate details.

The framing choice—a sleek black frame—was intentional, designed to accentuate the vibrancy of the scene and draw the viewer's eye to every delicate nuance and hue. This framing further enhances the vividness of the artwork, serving as a contrasting border that invites closer examination and deeper appreciation of the textures and depths within the piece.

What inspired "Cuddles" was the universal charm of cats and their unique way of turning any space into a sanctuary of warmth and affection. There is a gentle, soothing quality found in the presence of a cat that I aimed to capture—a reminder of the quieter, harmonious moments that weave into the fabric of our everyday lives.

"Cuddles" is a celebration of these little moments of peace and the gentle companionship that cats offer. Through this artwork, I hope to evoke a sense of warmth and tranquility, inspiring viewers to find their own cozy corners of the world. Whether you're a cat lover or simply someone who appreciates the gentle artistry of nature, "Cuddles" offers a little respite, an invitation to pause and relish the serene joy it envisions.

“Cuddles” is available for purchase. Please email melinda@MelindaFabian.com for purchase information.

#BirdArtWeek2025

Cornell Lab of Ornithology Invites Artists to Share their Bird Art During #BirdArtWeek2025 on Instagram - (@cornellbirds) in a week long event where you could post images of your bird art work. Even though I am not currently working on a paper sculpture of a bird, I have definitely created many birds over the years. I drew many illustrations of birds for magazine editorial pages such as these robins and also my own line of Can You Find?® greeting cards such as this owl illustration . But, I also created many three-dimensional birds out of hand cut paper and paint. I thought it would be fun to see how many paper sculpted birds I created over the years. Here’s a few examples:

That’s a lot of birds! There are probably a few more that I missed, but I like this sampling! Do you think I should make another paper sculpted bird? Which one should I do next? Some of the three-dimensional paper sculpted birds are available for purchase. Please let me know if you would like more information.

"Please Don't Bug Me!" - a 3D Paper Sculpture

I'm thrilled to share my miniature paper sculpture titled "Please Don't Bug Me!" This piece is a delightful dip into the whimsical and lively world of nature, all brought to life through the meticulous medium of hand-cut paper, watercolor, and gouache.

Imagine leaning in to inspect a small 1.5" x 1.5" creation, set within a minimalist dark brown frame measuring 6" x 6". The artwork features two realistic, three-dimensional acorns with textured brown caps, nestled against an oak branch with vividly detailed green leaves. These elements are so lifelike, you can almost feel the texture of the acorns and the veins on the leaves. But wait, there’s a delightful twist—peer a little closer, and you might spot a curious praying mantis engaging in a playful stare-off with you!

When crafting "Please Don't Bug Me!", I embraced the joy of bringing together realism and whimsy. The title plays on this charming duality—the praying mantis and the viewer both staring at one another! Having a praying mantis amidst the serene acorn-and-oak composition cheekily demands a smile from the viewer.

The intricate process of creating this miniature sculpture was indeed a labor of love. Every detail, from the acorns' caps to the tender veins of the leaves, was carefully crafted to ensure an authentically natural feel. The small size posed its own challenges, requiring precision and patience, but it also granted the freedom to pour my heart into each delicate component.

This piece, (and five other paper sculptures), was entered into the Miniature Art Society of Florida’s 2025 International Miniature Art Exhibition. The journey with “Please Don’t Bug Me” has been incredibly rewarding, especially as it has brought me the honor of receiving the Sculpture and Scrimshaw Award. With "Please Don't Bug Me!" selling right on the first day of the show, it just adds to my excitement and nurtures my passion for paper sculptures that enchant and amuse.

For those who'd like to experience this creation in person, it is available as part of an exhibition at the Gallery at Creative Pinellas in Largo, Florida. The show will be open from January 19 through February 9, 2025. I'm displaying a total of six pieces, each ready to spark wonder and joy. Whether you visit online or in person, there's always something special to discover in the colorful realm of my artwork.

Jellyfish Aquarium

As an artist, I am thrilled to introduce my latest creation, the Jellyfish Aquarium. This intricate piece of art measures 4.5" x 7.5" and is made using a combination of paper watercolor and gouache.

The Jellyfish Aquarium features a stunning sculptural representation of a jellyfish, elegantly showcased within a clear cylindrical enclosure. This unique setup gives the impression of a sample collected for scientific observation or display, adding an element of curiosity and wonder to the artwork.

The jellyfish sculpture itself is a sight to behold, with a translucent, ethereal quality that captures the delicate nature of these mesmerizing creatures. The dome-shaped bell and detailed tentacles cascading downwards are finely structured, showcasing the intricate beauty of a jellyfish's anatomy.

Resting atop a textured base that resembles a coral or underwater environment, the Jellyfish Aquarium is brought to life with vibrant turquoise hues that contrast beautifully with the neutral tones of the jellyfish and the clear cylinder. The base is adorned with sea-life motifs, such as starfish and coral, further enhancing the aquatic theme of the piece and creating a captivating undersea tableau.

What inspired me to create the Jellyfish Aquarium was my fascination with marine life and the ocean's mysterious beauty. I wanted to capture the essence of these otherworldly creatures and create an immersive experience for viewers to appreciate the intricacies of the natural world.

The process of creating this artwork was truly unique and challenging. From meticulously sculpting the jellyfish to carefully designing the base and selecting the perfect colors, every detail was thoughtfully considered to bring this piece to life.

I hope that the Jellyfish Aquarium will inspire awe and appreciation for the wonders of the ocean and spark a sense of curiosity in those who view it. With its intricate details and vibrant colors, this artwork serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of marine life, inviting viewers to dive into the depths of imagination and exploration.

The Jellyfish Aquarium can set on a tabletop or it can be displayed on the electric, rotating lighted base that can display a range of rainbow colors, or be fixed on one color.

View Arts Center - Paper Cutters: "Paper Trails" Gallery Show

Two of my paper sculpture pieces have been accepted into the Paper Cutters: “Paper Trails” show at View Arts Center, 3272 State Route 28, in Old Forge, NY 13420. The exhibition runs from June 1 - July 21, 2024. The View Arts Center is located in the Arts in the Heart of the Adirondacks. If you happen to be in the area, please stop by to check out the exhibition. Please go to View Arts Center for more information. View partnered with the Guild of American Papercutters (GAP) for this wonderful exhibition.

“Majestic Forest” is a richly textured and dynamic paper sculpture showcases a magnificent bald eagle perched on a branch, with intricate details that bring the scene to life. Vibrant colors and a dynamic composition create a sense of depth and movement, invoking the eagle's natural habitat with an artistic flair. Medium: Hand cut paper, watercolor and gouache 5” x 7” x 1.25”………………..$495.00

“Autumn Ants”

Step into the enchanting world of "Autumn Ants," where the essence of fall is vividly captured in a realistic portrayal of the forest floor. Tiny ants weave their way through the scene, adding a touch of whimsy. Scattered leaves, acorns, a gum ball and seed pod are layered throughout creating depth.

Medium” Hand cut paper, watercolor and gouache 5” x 7” x 1.25”……………….$495.00

Double Trouble

Hello, art lovers!

"Double Trouble” is a stunning artwork that creates a mesmerizing display of hand-cut paper, watercolor, and gouache, showcasing two jellyfish sculptures that are truly a sight to behold.

Measuring at a size of 4.5" x 7.5", the under the sea themed aquarium sculpture features a cylindrical glass container mounted on a patterned, conical base in a beautiful turquoise color. Notice all the different scenes that takes place on the base. Inside the clear cylinders are delicate white filaments or tendrils that support white jellyfish-like forms at different heights. The jellyfish appear to be floating within the ocean, creating a dynamic and ethereal visual effect. The lighting within the glass aquarium adds to the quality of the artwork, highlighting the intricate textures and transparency of the paper filaments and jelly-like creatures.

Inspired by marine life, "Double Trouble" is a stylized representation of jellyfish in their natural environment, inviting viewers to interpret the narrative behind the artwork.

What makes "Double Trouble" unique is the meticulous process behind its creation. The jellyfish and teal-colored base are hand sculpted from acid-free and archival papers, painted in watercolor and gouache. The sculpture can be displayed on a tabletop or with a rotating, lighted base that changes colors, enhancing the overall visual impact of the artwork.

If you're captivated by the beauty of marine life and enjoy art that tells a captivating story, "Double Trouble" is a must-have addition to your collection. Don't miss the opportunity to bring this exquisite piece of kinetic art into your space for $950.00. Check it out in my SHOP

Thank you for joining me on this artistic journey, and I hope "Double Trouble" brings you as much joy and wonder as it has brought me in creating it.

Floating Free - Paper Jellyfish

Hey there, art enthusiasts! Explore the depths of the ocean with my latest creation, Floating Free. This unique artwork, measuring 4" x 7.5", is crafted from paper and adhesive, creating a mesmerizing underwater scene.

Imagine a captivating under the sea aquarium piece illuminated by a soft blue light, showcasing intricate sculptures of jellyfish in motion. Their graceful tentacles and flowing bells are carefully crafted to transport you to a serene underwater world.

Inspired by the serene beauty of jellyfish, I challenged myself to recreate their elegance in paper form. The result is a stunning display that captures the peaceful essence of marine life.

Floating Free can be displayed on a rotating, lighted base that offers a spectrum of colors, allowing you to customize your underwater oasis. Select your favorite hue or let the colors cycle for a dynamic display.

Bring the magic of the ocean into your home with Floating Free. This whimsical and enchanting artwork will create a sense of tranquility and wonder, inviting you to dive into the depths of imagination. Experience the beauty of marine life like never before!

4.5” x 7.5” (includes the lighted, rotating base……………………..……………………………………………$950.00

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Under the Sea Themed Print

"Aquatic Harmony" is a vibrant and colorful representation of marine life, featuring sea turtles, fish, shells, and sea anemones. The background is a beautiful shade of blue, giving the impression of water and creating a serene underwater scene.

One unique aspect of this artwork is that the sea turtles, sea anemones, seashells, and fish are all created from hand sculpted paper and paint, giving them a three-dimensional quality. Each element is meticulously crafted to showcase intricate patterns and textures, adding depth and movement to the composition.

The process of creating "Aquatic Harmony" was a labor of love, as I carefully painted and assembled each piece to bring this underwater world to life. The combination of paper and paint allowed me to explore different techniques and textures, resulting in a dynamic and cheerful artwork that is sure to captivate viewers.

I hope that "Aquatic Harmony" brings a sense of tranquility and joy to all who see it, and that it serves as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of marine life. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my artwork, and I look forward to sharing more of my creations with you in the future.

You can keep up to date with my latest paper sculptures I am working on by subscribing to my newsletter. Newsletter Sign-Up Link Sometimes I will share a glimpse into my studio for a behind-the-scenes look. ALl captured in the email newsletter.

Where Are All My Baby Sea Turtles?

I have created many different pieces and parts for my Under the Sea themed aquariums. I made sea turtles, seashells, sea anemone, sea plants, starfish, rocks, coral and lots and lots of hand cut paper sand.

I started working on this project after reading about the baby sea turtles and the adventures they must go through just to survive. Researching sea turtles really sparked my interest and inspired me to create an entire series of paper sculptures with an under the sea theme. Many of these finished pieces highlight sea turtles and their lives and some of the finished pieces reflect the beautiful under water world that exits in our oceans.

After a sea turtle hatches from its’ egg, they must work their way down the sandy beach til they reach the water. For the first ten years of their lives, scientists aren’t exactly certain where the sea turtles live. I imagine they will thrive living among the coral reefs.

I found that to be so interesting which started me on a path of creating interesting ways of showcasing a variety of different under the water scenes. I thought you may be wondering where all these baby sea turtles have gone, and how did I incorporate them into my art. Here are some close up views of the sea turtles along with the finished aquariums.

"Baby Sea Turtle Adventures" - Highlighting the Life of Sea Turtles

Introducing "Baby Sea Turtle Adventures," an extraordinary paper sculpture that delves into the awe-inspiring journey of sea turtles. At the heart of this captivating artwork is the story of these marvelous creatures and the mysterious first decade of their lives.

As you gaze upon "Baby Sea Turtle Adventures," you'll be immediately drawn to the enchanting sight of a tiny baby turtle hatching out of its shell. Ready to embark on an arduous journey, the baby turtle sets foot on the long, difficult sandy path that lies ahead. These little creatures make their way down the beach, desperately yearning to reach the ocean as quickly as possible.

In this intricately handcrafted sculpture, the baby turtle must find a small opening, its gateway to the breathtakingly beautiful ocean world. The entire scene is situated on a wooden base, meticulously textured to represent the sandy beach.

Every element of "Baby Sea Turtle Adventures" is meticulously made from hand-cut paper, including the minutely detailed grains of sand. Enclosed within the coral reef aquarium, you'll discover a plethora of exquisitely textured coral, starfish, seashells, and fish - all lovingly created using paper and paint. This vibrant and colorful world is the new home for the turtles, a place of safety and wonder once they reach their destination. Take note that one lucky turtle has already found its way to this spectacular undersea haven.

During my research, I stumbled upon a fascinating fact that adds another layer of intrigue to the story of sea turtles. For the first decade of their lives, scientists know very little about their whereabouts. After the tiny turtles make their way to the ocean, their exact location and journey remain a mystery. This period is often referred to as the "lost years." This very notion ignited my imagination and served as my inspiration while creating "Turtle Adventures."

In my vision, the undersea world represented in "Baby Sea Turtle Adventures" is a safe and peaceful sanctuary. It is a hidden realm, imbued with vibrant colors and brimming with life, where the turtles can flourish. This place emphasizes the importance of preserving these mystical undersea worlds for the sake of the newly hatched sea turtles.

I invite you to immerse yourself in the captivating saga of the sea turtles by exploring the intricate details and vibrant colors of "Baby Sea Turtle Adventures." Let the artwork remind you of the delicate balance of our environment and the crucial role we play in ensuring the preservation of these mysterious undersea realms.

“Baby Sea Turtles Adventures” is available for purchase at my SHOP

Thank you for joining me on this artistic voyage, and stay tuned for more stunning creations!

Capturing a World of Color

I am so excited to share with you my paper sculpture titled, “Capturing a World of Color”. It is also currently a part of the Animals in Art Show 2024 at Seaside Art Gallery in Nags Head, NC. You can view the show online or in person at the gallery. 10% of the proceeds from the art bought at this show, will go to the Coastal Humane Society in the Outer Banks, NC.

This piece is truly a labor of love, and I can't wait for you to see all the intricate details. Let me start by giving you a visual description of the artwork. “Capturing a World of Color” is a three-dimensional piece that features a cylindrical clear glass container as its centerpiece. This aquarium is surrounded by a beautifully textured sculptural base, which has an organic form with stunning pink, orange, and yellow hues. The textures resemble coral or exotic plant life, with starfish adding a touch of life and nature to the piece.

 Inside the glass aquarium, you will find a mesmerizing assemblage of colorful elements. These elements mimic aquatic flora and fauna, creating a vibrant underwater landscape. The underwater scene includes a variety of aquatic plants and creatures in different shades of blues, reds, and greens. Notice the sea turtle swimming among the plants. The colors and textures really come alive when the light interacts with them, thanks to the clear glass.

Now, you may be wondering what inspired me to create "Capturing a World of Color." Well, I've always been fascinated by the beauty of underwater ecosystems. I wanted to see if I could recreate that beauty using paper and paint, but with a twist. Instead of creating a traditional aquarium, I wanted to place the fish and coral reef inside a unique glass container, making the paper sculpture appear as though it is an actual underwater scene. The challenge of capturing the essence of an aquarium with unconventional materials was truly inspiring to me.

One of the most unique aspects of creating this artwork was the process itself. The entire piece is made by hand-cutting paper and then meticulously painting it with watercolor and gouache. The level of detail required was both challenging and rewarding. Additionally, the glass aquarium is placed on a sandy beach, which is also made out of finely hand-cut paper resembling sand. The colorful coral reef is not only displayed inside the glass aquarium but also on the sandy beach outside the glass, creating a cohesive and dynamic composition.

"Capturing a World of Color" celebrates the beauty of natural forms, textures, and the vibrancy of aquatic ecosystems. Through this piece, I hope to convey a message about the importance of biodiversity and the wonder of underwater life.

 I can't wait for you to experience “Capturing a World of Color" in person at Seaside Art Gallery in Nags Head NC., or online at Seaside Art Gallery

It truly is a unique and captivating artwork. Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to check out my other creations!

8” high x 4” wide…………………..$895.00

Paper Sculpture of a Blue Crab In the Ocean

I'm thrilled to share with you "Who Let the Crab In?" - a mesmerizing, three-dimensional sculpture that captures the beauty of an under the sea world.

“Who Let the Crab In?” is available for purchase through Seaside Art Gallery in Nags Head, NC. You can view this piece in person or online at Seaside Art Gallery

Measuring at 4.5" high and 4" wide, this stunning piece is made using hand-cut paper, watercolor, and gouache. The intricate details and vibrant colors mimic organic forms like sea plants, sea anemones, and coral, creating a fluid and dynamic composition that is truly captivating.

I was inspired to create this under the sea paper sculpture because I’ve always been fascinated by the mysteries of the ocean and wanted to bring a piece of it into the spotlight. Featuring a blue crab and set against a bed of sand, this miniature under the sea world is displayed under a clear glass dome, adding a touch of elegance and protection to the piece.

One of the most unique aspects of creating this artwork was the process itself. Each element was meticulously crafted by hand, resulting in a labor of love that truly shines through in the final product.

I hope "Who Let the Crab In?" sparks your imagination and allows you to escape into a world of wonder and enchantment. It's a true labor of love that I am proud to share with the world.

Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes peeks at my creative process.

Part Eight - Organized Undersea Paper Sculptures!

This is how I organize all of my under the sea pieces. It is a collection of meticulously hand-made paper sculptures inspired by the vibrant biodiversity of the ocean. Each piece is carefully hand-cut and painted in watercolor and gouache to create a lifelike and three-dimensional effect. I arranged these undersea creatures and plants in a variety of storage containers, not only keeping them neatly organized but also allowing for quick and easy access when creating the under the sea themed artworks. From graceful sea turtles to delicate sea anemones, every creation is primed for use in framed pieces or as standalone sculptures, demonstrating the artist's impeccable attention to detail and boundless creativity.

Part Seven - Time to Make the Seashells!

Seashells

Next, I wanted to make some seashells for my series of Under the Sea themed paper sculptures. I have a lot of seashells that I can use as my reference material in order to make shells out of paper.

After creating lots of sea-grasses, sea plants, and seaweed out of paper, I was ready to start making three-dimensional paper seashells. I’ve made other seashells out of paper in the past and always enjoyed if. Her is one of my photo realistic paper shell pictures.

One of the best things about making paper seashells (besides the fact that I think seashells are so pretty), is that it was very easy to find reference material for this part of the project.

Before diving in to make any shells, first, I had to look through my seashell collection. Well, it isn’t really a collection, I don’t seek out to find seashells to add to the ones I already have, but I must admit, I do have a lot of shells that I’ve somehow accumulated over the years. I am not even certain where they all came from.

A large variety of seashells that I can use as reference material to make paper shells.

I have some very pretty, dark magenta scallop shells and tan and ivory scallop shells. These are some of my favorite-colored shells and some of my favorite type of seashells to make. Can you spot the real scallop seashell in the photo below? I made a bunch of paper sculpted scallop seashells.The magenta colored scallop shells are my favorites of this variety. What colored scallop shell is your favorite?

One real, deep magenta scallop seashell amongst paper sculpted scallop seashells.

It did take me quite a few tries to figure out how to make the scallop shells. I wasn’t happy with the first couple of scallop shells that I made, but I kept working at it and discovered a way to make them so they looked realistic. 

I liked the challenge of trying to make the seashells out of paper and making them look so realistic that you can’t even tell which is the real seashell and which seashells are made out of paper.

Below are photos of my paper sculpted photos. Some of the photos include the real photo alongside of the paper sculpted seashell.

Paper Sculpted Starfish - Part Six

Starfish

Over the years I visited a couple of aquariums, some on the east coast and some on the west coast. Visiting different places, such as aquariums, different beaches, can really inspire you to create new art pieces. The best, most inspirational areas I’ve been to were beaches in California. The rocky beaches were home to sea urchins, sea anemones, a variety of starfish, teeny tiny crabs, snails and seashells. It was amazing!

Like many artists, I have so many ideas of things that I want to create. Sometimes it takes literally years, to work it into the schedule. Although, other times, I think it takes a long time for that idea to really “work” (or maybe a better word may be “percolate”) its way to the top of the list. Even though I have an idea for a series in mind, and even though I am not actively working on the project, I do think your mind is working and thinking through the project in a much more passive way, and eventually, when the time is right, the project will come forward and reveal more of itself when it is ready.

Eventually, I came up with the idea of creating an entire series of Under the Sea Themed Paper Sculpture Aquariums. This series will all have a common, cohesive look to the paper sculptures due to the fact that the sculptures will all be made inside similar glass containers.

From time to time I have made quite a few ocean themed paper sculpted art pieces. Even though my original three-dimensional brightly colored coral reef paper sculpture has sold, you can still purchase that coral reef image on a spiral notebook.

I also made a very photo realistic paper sculpture, appropriately titled, “Paper Shells”. Even the sand is made out of hand cut painted paper.

Inspired from when I would go crabbing in Maryland, ere are just a few photos of some of the blue crab themed paper sculptures I made.

So far, I’ve been making a lot of the individual pieces that will go into this new Under the Sea Aquarium final pieces. So far, I made coral, seagrass, seashells, and sea turtles all out of paper and paint.

Now I needed to make some colorful starfish. Did you know there are over 2000 different starfish species around the world in a variety of different colors, styles and shapes. Most starfish have five arms, but some starfish, also known as sea stars and can have as many as 40 arms. That’s a lot of arms! As you can tell, I enjoy researching the items that I am going to make. Those  are just a few of the facts I learned.

Above, is a photo of a very interesting starfish I saw in a beach in California. At first I thought it was a little octopus. I didn’t know that starfish could have such long skinny arms. It was so interesting to watch it move all around and in between the rocks.

The starfish I made for the Under the Sea Aquariums are very colorful and vibrant. I wanted to stick to the color palette I had chosen for all of the aquariums. Pictured below is a sampling of my color palette - magenta, purples, gold, blues and greens. Vibrant and colorful.

To create the starfish, I started out with white paper. When I liked the size, shape and dimensionality of the starfish, next I added texture to them. I also wanted to emulate the rough texture a lot of starfish have.The final step was to paint them in the gorgeous purples, oranges and golds that you can see in the photos below. The finished three-dimensional starfish are colorful and have lots of texture as shown in the photos below.

Paper Sea Turtles - Part Five

Sea Turtles

I’ve always heard many stories and read articles about the sea turtles that lay their eggs on the beaches, and then when the baby turtles hatch, somehow, they have to make their way to the beach. It is a long trek and can be a dangerous one for these little animals.

I decided I wanted to make several final images using my under the sea aquarium concept to highlight sea turtles. I want to show some of the sea turtles still on the beach, hatching out of their eggs.I also wanted to illustrate the concept of the long, difficult journey that these sea turtles have to take to crawl back into the ocean.

Now that I had an idea in mind, along with some rough sketch ideas, I was well underway to developing my under the sea series, complete with sea turtles.

I started making a couple of different sea turtles using paper and then painting them in watercolor and gouache. They are about 1” - 2” in size. I love this turtles little face!

The babies are only about .5 inches. After making these adorable little sea turtles I got to work on creating their little eggs. Below are photos of some of the turtles I made so far.

Next, I will make some colorful starfish for my under the sea aquariums.

Creating Sea Anemones out of Paper and Paint - Part Four

Sea Anemone

Sea anemones are unusual creatures and a joy to watch. They look so peaceful and graceful as they move their tentacles over their bodies. But, don’t be fooled by the graceful dance of this under the sea flower, because they will sting to catch their prey. Looks can be deceiving.

Recreating the gently moving tentacles out of paper was a challenge and it took some experimentation to discover which type of paper to use. I feel I captured the feeling of these interesting, but sometime dangerous creatures.

Starting a New Series

Planning Stage For a New Paper Sculpture Series!

I decided I wanted to work in a new series – with an under the sea theme. I also decided I wanted the completed sculptures to have a different look than my other pieces. Instead of using a shadowbox frame, I wanted to create something new, something other than a framed paper sculpture. I wasn’t quite sure what exactly I was looking for, but felt when I came across it, I would know it and my ideas would begin to come together and make a little more sense. Sometimes this is just part of the process that you have to go through when you are trying to design an entirely new type of sculpture.

I began searching for various shapes of glass containers. As I came across various containers, I also started to sketch out some ideas.

I began to research coral reefs, a variety of fish, sea grasses, seashells, and of course cute baby sea turtles. More sketching took place as I started to formulate my ideas around some new glass containers I came across that I thought I would eventually house the sea creatures and plants.

After carefully planning out the different elements I would want to use in the sea “aquariums” I also started to create the color palette that I wanted to use for my paper sculptures. Beautiful magentas, purples, blues, coral, and greens seemed like a wonderful color combination that I could use to create colorful underwater scenes.

Now it was time to start paper sculpting! This is my favorite part. Stay tuned for part two - sculpting coral.