Holly • 11 • Donegal

8-11 Category   •  2026
I used modelling clay to create the mermaid. I sat her on a rock I found at the beach. Once dry, I painted her skin using a mix of white, yellow and red paint. I used a turquoise paint for the mermaid tail. I added shells and seaglass to the tail by using glue. I used unusual shells to create her crown and used seaweed for her hair and for her top. I glued a starfish fossil and some shells beside her also. My art is about showing people that art can be created using anything plus your imagination. I find lots of nature pieces on walks with my family and have created pictures and other crafts. I was inspired to create this art by time spent by the sea and at the beach. I love to swim in the sea and explore under the sea using my goggles. I like to imagine that my mermaid creation could live under the sea and pop up to sit on the rocks when nobody is watching. The 'This is art' brief was so broad. it meant that I was able to choose to create my art from so many mediums and 'including imaginary creatures' meant that my Mermaid would fit right in! I really enjoyed taking creating this art project.