The Mermaid of Marden ids a legend in or around the Herefordshire region of the UK wherein there was once a Small Church atop a hill with a reknowned bell that rang out along the countryside to announce the service. But there was one who did not appreciate the sound. A Mermaid who lived in a ‘Pool’ or lake at teh bottom of the hill. One day the bell was being rung by its passionate priest and the fastenings which had been worn down- snapped and the bell went ringing down the hill until it reached the water and sank. The legent goes onto tell of an ambitious attempt to raise the old gian bell from the water but they didnt realize the sleeping mermaid with in it! Well it is said that she not only had Mermaid strength- she had the spirit of a woman from Herefordshire! She awoke and promptly threw the bell back into the water and before diving in her self told the poor priest and his flock never to bother her again. From then on it is said she was happy and got plenty of beauty sleep. It is also said that on a quiet day- the inhabitants of Marden and Herefordshire can here the very soft and distant ringing of a bell in the air… As you know I adore Mermaids and making art of them. I created this as part of the FOLKTOBER challenge of October 2021. She was done completely with Gouache as part of the love affair I am having with the medium. Another thing I enjoy about Gouache is in a sense the paint and colors seem to breathe and change as the day goes or the light falling upon it changes. See the two diplay images- the wood background has a chandelier directly falling to it whereas the white wall picture is a room with mostly sunlight in the day. The piece can change from a fairytale feeling to a mysterious legend depending on the time of day. That is this Artists opinion ofcourse.

please note: Frame is not included in the piece