If ya want to read up on my most popular painting, know how & why it came to be, and see photos of my process, this if for you!

I just want everyone to know that your appreciation of this piece is the only reason I like it. My second and final version only got to be seen by the world because I had run out of time to start a third try.

A friend’s mom requested that I paint a sea turtle for her and I quickly started immersing myself in the world of turtles, learning about the lives of loggerheads and hawksbills through several documentaries. She is thoroughly obsessed with all things water- oceans and lakes and beaches and the critters that come with them.

The painting was started on a front porch in Omaha, touched up in Lincoln, and completed at my kitchen table in Grand Rapids. I started in April and finished in June (2021).

When I got home and realized time was running out to start over, I had to roll with what I had and cut and paste the little guy onto a new sheet. It’s 8x10 inches if you’re curious of the final dimensions.

While painting I did surround myself with anything ocean or turtle related that I could find. Even the coasters you see in this picture have patterns on them that remind me of a turtle’s back.

Here it is all framed up. I believe she did offer to pay but, if I’m remembering correctly, this ended up being a gift. I was just happy to know she was happy with it. It still makes me happy to think that she can see it everyday and maybe have it be a little source of joy.

I’ve made stickers & prints and they have been my number one seller for years! I’m really shocked that this is what people like the most of all my work but it truly does give me a huge appreciation for a piece that was one of my least favorites at the time of making it.

This image has traveled all around the world, not just online but physically as well. When my family took our second international trip to Cayman Island this year (we had also gone to Canada in ‘06). I got to pass out plenty of turtle stickers. In Caymanian culture sea turtles are of huge importance and their symbolism is found everywhere.

I even got asked to make a 12 inch version of the stickers for a woman who had to wear a back brace for 3 months following an operation because she saw the turtle and thought it would be perfect to decorate her shell.

I could probably go on about this painting forever because there is so much history and stories that go along with it. Maybe a part two can be written in the future but I think I’ve gone on long enough. If you’re reading this, thanks for your interest. I appreciate you.