This is my entry/contribution for an oil spill calendar fund contest on DA. Wish me luck on making the cut! =D

I have a friend who works for a company who cleans up spills in Southern Mississippi so you can imagine how busy he is right now. When I spoke to him about doing an illustration for this fund he suggested a Green Turtle, because sadly he says these little guys are all over their beaches. Living on the Atlantic side of the Florida coast has kept me from viewing the disaster first hand so far, but it's only a matter of time. =(

Green turtles are one of the few species that almost predominantly herbivorous feeding on sea grass in lagoons. They travel long distances across the tropical equator line of the world's oceans and are endangered due to illegal poaching, pollution, and habitat loss. They bury their eggs on beaches in spring and summer and can live up to 80 years!

I know a turtle is not the most loved creature native to these waters but they are a vital and gentle part of the ecosystem. Losing an entire seasonal clutch is going to cripple them as a species. Thank you for your consideration.

Background is watercolors and salt. Turtle is watercolor, colored pencil, ink, and acrylic paint.