Fearless Friday, Seahorse

Last week we had Fun with Watermelon, experimenting with different mediums. This week I intended to do a rough sketch to refer to as I painted a decorative board, but I ended up getting a little carried away… so you can see two very different versions of the seahorse, one in marker and ink, and one in acrylic paint
First pencil to get the proportions right, then ink
My original plan was to just paint a simple seahorse shape on a rustic board to set out by the beach house entry
As I sketched I thought well, I’ll just add a few details for fun…
Next thing I knew, it was covered with patterns and curlies and begging me to color it
I chose to use just a few Tombow Dual End Markers, they are very versatile and you can blend them like watercolor
Coming to life…
and finally, bubbles!
I knew I couldn’t paint anything this intricate on a rough board but I simply began painting and decided to just let it happen
One thing you have to consider when you have a coastal home is how unforgiving the salty climate can be
Things can rust in the blink of an eye and the sea breezes can be strong
I have found I can add a weatherproof, no maintenance, decorative touch to my entry with seasonal boards
This board is actually the back side of my fall pumpkin board, which is why it has the vertical support boards
I decided to use them to “frame” the seahorse with decorative shells and sea glass
I used glossy acrylic craft paint and paint pens to add more color and details to the seahorse
Sorta silly and funky, but that’s the way we like it around here, super casual
Ready for duty!
The board is nestled in with decorative pots which support it and keep it from blowing down
Next month it will be time to change it to the Sun Sand Salt Summer board, and then the Sand Dollar Flag
Summer’s on the way, I promise!!
Psst…you can get your own “Bubbles the Seahorse” here
Happy creating, and remember Be Fearless!
I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs:
Dishing it & Digging it, Between Naps on the Porch, Make it Pretty Monday
Coastal Charm, Cooking and Crafting with J&J, Celebrate and Decorate,
Delicious Dishes Recipe Party Oh My Heartsie Girl Full Plate Thursday
Super cute!!
How adorable. I love it.
Thanks Pam!
Jenna, what a cute board to display at your door. The sea horse tote would be perfect to pack up for the beach! Happy weekend!
Thanks Pam, I just might have to get a Bubbles beach bag for myself 🙂
I love your seahorse board — my favorite colors and I love the touches of color and sand dollars on the site. Makes me think summer!
thanks Jeanie, I know this winter has been extra long up there, hopefully Mother Nature will reward you with a perfect summer!
Oh I love them both!!
So much fun and my favorite colors. 😊💙💚
thanks Patty Anne, Happy painting!
How colorful and what a great entryway board! I love his name as well. Beach days are coming, yea! 🏖
thanks Cyndi, it’s fun to draw whimsical characters like Bubbles 🙂
Awesome seahorse and I love your instructions Jenna!
Thanks Sharon!
thanks Sharon, happy creating!
I love beach life and casual dress and decor. Your boards at the beach are always darling and if I had a beach house I would want you to dress it! I love bubbles and what a great welcome for the porch. Have a wonderful weekend…….
Thank you Emily, you are too sweet! Can’t wait until next week! Stay safe tomorrow, sounds like it’s going to be rough weather…
Enjoyed seeing your process photos, Jenna! 😄 I especially like your “doodled” seahorse! 💚💙💚 Great idea to paint different boards for the seasons… I noticed that I still have an Easter sign hanging near my front door today! 😳 I’d love to hear more about where you buy your boards for your holiday signs, or perhaps you make them yourself?
Walmart!! Thanks Jill! Hobby Lobby has boards too…I’d be dangerous with power tools 🙂
Thanks Jenna! 😃👍
Love your seahorses Jenna! You’re so creative and smart and I love how you used the opposite side of your board for a seasonal decor. Happy Weekend. ♥
Storage is scant around here, so I have to use every square inch wisely…I know you can relate!
Jenna, the seahorse is adorable. Love the pretty colors, especially aqua. How fun to be able to sketch and paint some cool signs and also create fun accessories. It makes sense to use the back side for a different look. Enjoy the weekend.
Thanks Linda, luckily my husband is very supportive of his crazy artist wife 🙂
Jenna, this is fabulous! Thank you for sharing the how too! I cannot wait to give it a try!
you are so welcome!
This is so pretty!! We just bought a place at the beach and I am looking for decorative crafts and ideas to out my touch on things!!! This is just perfect!!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful talents with us!!! Happy Monday!!!!
Thanks Robyn! Congrats on your new place, you will have a ball fixing it up!!