Okay, so I’ve been messing around with some art projects lately, and I got really into this idea of what sea turtles represent. I mean, they’re just so cool, right? Ancient, peaceful, traveling the world… I wanted to dig into that.
My Deep Dive (Pun Intended!)
First, I started with good old Google. Just typed in “sea turtle symbolism” and bam! Tons of stuff popped up. It was a little overwhelming, to be honest. Lots of different cultures and ideas.
I decided to focus on a few things that really resonated with me:
- Longevity: These guys live for ages, so obviously, they’re a big symbol of long life and wisdom. I thought, “That’s pretty awesome.”
- Patience: They’re not exactly speedy, are they? That slow and steady pace became a symbol of patience and taking things as they come. I felt that.
- Journey: They migrate thousands of miles! So, they represent journeys, both physical and spiritual. I totally connected with that, as a creative person.
- Protection: That shell is pretty iconic. It became a symbol of protection and resilience for me.
Getting My Hands Dirty
After all that research, I wanted to actually make something. Just reading about it wasn’t enough. I grabbed my sketchbook and started doodling. At first, it was just basic turtle shapes. Then I started playing with patterns on the shell, thinking about that “journey” idea.
I experimented with different materials. I tried some watercolors, thinking about the ocean. That was okay, but it didn’t quite capture the ancient, wise vibe I was going for.
Then I had this idea to use some textured paper and colored pencils. I layered the colors, building up the shell with greens, browns, and even a little bit of gold. I wanted it to look almost like an old map, with the lines on the shell representing different paths and travels.
The Final Result (For Now!)
I am not a drawer but by using colored pencils and textured paper, the sea turtle looks pretty good! It’s not perfect, but I’m pretty happy with it. It definitely feels like it captures some of that sea turtle energy – peaceful, strong, and on a long, interesting journey. I might even try sculpting one next, using clay. It’s a whole new adventure!
