Neon Jellies

This oil painting of bright yellow jellies against dark blue water feels so alive, like you’re looking right into a glowing undersea moment. The jellies have this vibrant, almost electric yellow, with tentacles that seem to sway in slow, graceful movements. Their translucent bodies catch the light, almost like they are illuminated from within.
The inspiration came from a memory I have of visiting the coast here in Monterey. There’s something magical about watching jellies move in the aquarium or even imagining them out in the open ocean. They’re so delicate yet so resilient, and their quiet beauty feels like a reminder to embrace the flow of life, even when it’s uncertain or turbulent.
The deep blue I used in the painting is meant to evoke the mystery and depth of the ocean, while the yellow jellies symbolize light and hope, even in the darkest places. As I painted, I thought about how connected we are to the sea here — its beauty, its rhythm, and the way it seems to calm the storms inside each one of us.