In the center of the page, the mermaid carefully waters a patch of vibrant flowers that grow right out of the sand. She is joined by several cheerful companions, including a curious seahorse, a swimming fish, and a tiny crab resting near the rocks. Each character has a friendly expression, adding to the whimsical mood of the entire scene.

The background is rich with textures, from the flowing seaweed and intricate coral to the scattered shells on the seafloor. Look closely to find the tiny bubbles rising toward the surface and the grand shell archway that frames the path to the distant castle. Every corner of this illustration offers something new to discover, from the patterns on the fish to the delicate petals of the undersea blooms.

For the mermaid, you might choose soft pastels or bright, bold tropical colors. Since she is the main focus, using a shimmering metallic gel pen for her tail can add a magical touch. The flowers and coral provide a great opportunity to use a rainbow of colors, making the garden pop against the cooler blues and greens of the surrounding water.

Try using light blue or teal for the bubbles to give them a translucent look. You can create depth by coloring the castle in the background with lighter, more muted tones while keeping the foreground elements like the crab and watering can more saturated. Using colored pencils allows for gentle shading on the shells and rocks, giving the scene a three-dimensional feel.