Ten Mermaid Character Portraits

Original drawing on paperAnonymous amateur artist; Contemporary outsider art

Ten Mermaid Character Portraits

Style & Movement

Contemporary illustrative, influenced by 'Chibi' and 'Magical Girl' anime/manga styles and Western character design aesthetics

Medium & Technique

Black ink pen for outlines with colored pencil or marker infill on standard white paper; utilizes a grid-based character sheet technique

Creation Period

Early 21st Century (c. 2010s-2020s)

Dimensions & Format

Approximately 8.5 x 11 inches; Landscape orientation with a 2x5 grid layout

Subject Description

A grid of ten individual female characters depicted as mermaids or dressed in sea-themed attire, each identified by name (Fifa, Shirley, Irma, Betty, Zoey, Laura, Bella, Kikki, Coral, Pearl) and age (27 or 28). The figures feature stylized stick-figure torsos with elaborate hair, seashell accessories, and color-coded costumes.

Condition & Value Assessment

Condition Assessment

Fair; visible creasing, folding marks, and a small tear in the upper right corner

Estimated Market Value

$5 - $25

Auction Estimate

$10 - $50 (largely dependent on sentimental or niche collector interest)

Provenance History

Private collection; Likely originated as a personal sketch or fan-art creation within a domestic setting

Art Historical Significance

Representational of the pervasive nature of internet character-design culture and 'OC' (Original Character) communities; demonstrates contemporary folk-art traditions where individuals create serialized character variations.

Notable Features

Includes specific textual labels for each character denoting a fictional age and name, suggesting a larger narrative or world-building context behind the illustrations.

Condition Issues

Prominent horizontal and vertical fold lines suggesting the paper was stored folded; slight curling of edges; tear in top right corner; minor surface smudging

Conservation Recommendations

Store flat in an acid-free archival sleeve; keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the fugitive dyes in the coloring media

Identified on 3/7/2026