Painted Seashell Ideas, Ocean City Maryland

Painted Seashell Ideas, Ocean City Maryland

Living in Maryland, we vacation frequently at the beach, and the beach all Marylanders know best is Ocean City.  Not Ocean City, New Jersey, but Ocean City, Maryland.

As a kid, and even now, everyone’s favorite pastime, besides body surfing, tanning, reading and sand castle building is collecting seashells.  Ocean City is not particularly known for it’s seashells but just about everyone should be able to find some of the above clam shells.  We’ve always called them clam shells but apparently they are also known as quahogs.

The last time I was at the beach I stumbled upon a mini art gallery of painted clam shells.  Someone (or many someones) had hand painted about 50 clam shells and displayed  them all along the walkway thru the dunes to the beach.

From this picture they don’t look like much, but trust me, each one is a whimsical work of art.  No two shells are alike. Each shell has a small hole drilled near the top and is attached to the fence with a zip tie.

If you want to visit this mini art gallery head to 123 rd street and the beach, you can’t miss it.  If you have kids, head a few streets over to the playground at Northside Park, and if you’re there in the summer time, each Sunday features live entertainment and sundaes in the park.  After the show, make sure you stay for a fireworks display.

 

OK, back to the shells…a couple of  signs along the way encourage all to paint their own shells for  everyone to enjoy.

I never realized that seashells make such great little canvases.  Now for your seashell inspiration…

I hope these were sprayed with some kind of varnish, I would imagine the salt and wind would be harsh on these little cuties.

Also, if anyone knows the creator of all these works of art, I would love to include their name.

Paint your own Seashells

Now that you’ve been properly inspired it is time to paint your own seashells.  Of course you’re going to have to gather your shells first.

If you don’t have access to shells, I encourage you to revisit the post on painted rocks.  So many ideas, so little time.  😀

Just like the painted rocks from a month ago, you’ll need a set of acrylic paint pens.  These  apply  so smoothly and fine lines are super easy to create.  So much easier than a paintbrush.

This set of 24 acrylic paint markers have dual tips, which just means they have a fat and skinny side, they dry quickly and they cover well.

For those shells that you want a background color,  when there is a little too much color for just a marker, may I suggest  this set of 24 acrylic  mini tubes. It’s listed right now on Amazon for only 7.99.  Of course, if you already have a bunch of acrylic paints, use those first.

I hope you were inspired, I know I was.  And the next time the grandkids join us at the beach I will definitely show them this little seaside art gallery.  I need to start gathering my shells now. 🙂

Until next time…