Another saved idea off the to-do-list. This project gave me the wonderful opportunity to use up some on hand stashed supplies (always a good thing) of Dollar Tree shells, canvas panels, pool noodle and finally a thrifted frame that was enhanced to attempt an art piece that I had admired.

Inspiration

My project is an inspired repro of a type of framed art series viewed/screenshot on possibly 1st dibs/Pinterest. I cannot seem to redirect back to identify the designer/artist(s), purchase point, dates or fabrication.

Google lens does not identify any currently for sale or redirect me to an artist.

Reminiscent feel of John Derian, could not find it there.

Not absolutely sure- but I seem to remember decoupage mentioned in one piece, believe they were several hundred dollars and found each piece appealing due to the unique custom one-of-a-kind shell enhancement.

The centerpiece nautical designs of my screenshot inspiration examples were too small to attempt to try to replicate. I used an an antique ship oil painting notecard I had on-hand for reference for my hand painting the shell framed subject matter.

The project briefly

Frame

A (shadow) boxed frame-extender was created to place on the reverse side of a thrifted 99 cent frame along with a new thin mdf painted backing. A ragging off, later stippling technique used on backer board. Glass secured -after problem solved.

Painting

Small canvas was painted ( first try abandoned - clipper ship size was too tiny)

Thin amber transparent glaze washes applied to completed ship painting as to mimic the look of an aged varnish.

Matte sealed

Attached to mdf backer

Shells

Scallop shells backside cavities were filled with shaved foam to have optimal adhesive grab ability.

The shells exterior plainer white and light beige color tones were modified with acrylic paint. Each shell painted or glazed. Intent was to make assortment cohesive and attempt to repro the inspiration pieces more attractive tonal colorations.

Dimensional shell “mat framing” glued in place around mounted painting.

Final step after adhesive cure and any touch ups was -to mount the matte sealed art/backer to frame with some thrifted wood screws.

Every inch of this project was touched with paint, paint made it possible.

I have been fascinated with sailor shell art mosaic pieces and this type, an unconventional oddity- appealed to my existing maritime aesthetic and it did include paint use necessary for the challenge entry. Not a personal fan of mass produced art, but more so a appreciation of vintage, antique or one of a kind unique pieces.

Its always a learning experience doing something for the first time, some mistakes and bumps along the way. Pleased, overall -love this incentive to create something I had admired and happily at a very minimal cost.

Apologies, I am an unskilled video creator, still trying tho!

Maritime art shadow box with interior shell surround