Illustration for World Oceans Day

What is World Oceans Day?

According to Oceanic Global*, World Oceans Day 2021 ‘will shed light on the wonder of the ocean and how it is our lifesource, supporting humanity and every other organism on Earth.’

Since becoming a scuba diver I have enjoyed celebrating World Oceans Day each year. Most years I am fortunate enough to be scuba diving on the very day!

Scuba diving on World Oceans Day.

My illustration

As an artist who is also a scuba diver, spreading my love for the ocean and its inhabitants through my art is a natural process.

This year I wanted to focus on ‘the wonder of the ocean’ by showcasing some of my favourite fish, and including creatures of all sizes. My final design is part watercolour, part digital illustration. I hope you like it!

Watercolour elements of my illustration:

Scalloped Hammerhead & Tiger sharks

I include sharks in many of my sealife patterns. They are a crucial part of the ocean ecosystem and I hope with increased exposure and awareness, more people will come to love them as I do.

Juvenile Regal Angelfish

Gorgeous little reef fish, this little blue fish is the kind every snorkeler wants to see! These beauties change dramatically from juveniles to adults and are a dream to paint.

Pedersen’s Cleaner Shrimp

Shy little creatures who play a vital role in keeping the reefs clean. Master your neutral buoyancy when diving and you’ll be able to marvel at these cute little shrimp when they are brave enough to come and say hello. Although they’re not quite the same, once you’ve seen them underwater you’ll never eat another prawn again.

Juvenile Regal Angelfish watercolour painting.

Scalloped Hammerhead and Tiger Shark watercolour painting, converted digitally on the iPad.

Digitally drawn elements of my illustration:

Whalesharks

Nicknamed ‘gentle giants’, most people forget these majestic creatures are actually sharks.

Vase sponges and Staghorn corals

Adding in some artistic licence with the colours of my corals here! Contrary to popular belief (though being turned around with the help of wildlife documentaries), corals are not plants, but animals. They provide a home for many fish (i.e. the angelfish and cleaner shrimp), and without coral reefs there wouldn’t be any of the other creatures included in my illustration.

World Oceans Day Illustration 2021

Take a look at my other ocean themed work here:

* Oceanic Global is the official partner to the UN World Oceans Day events & celebrations.