MERMAID IN BATHTUB

This was my first attempt at creating a colorful illustration. Transition from monotone ink sketches to vibrant color work presents a unique challenge, as the cognitive processes involved in interpreting graphic imagery vs richly colored painting differ significantly. The techniques used in monochromatic drawing often become incompatible when directly applied to color, leading to a sense of discord. Aware of this conflict, I deliberately reduced my reliance in linework—particularly in areas like hair, which has previously been a key element in adding detail to black-and-white compositions. I selected a vivid photograph of a woman in bathtub full of flowers. The interplay of highly saturated fill light in the shadow areas of the figure captured my interest and I replaced the lower half of her body with a mermaid tail, imbuing the work with a dreamlike, fairy-tale quality.