Red-Earred Slider ~ On the easel

A few weeks ago, I started a group of Red Earred Turtles.  Here I've just started filling in the basic base coat on the turtles and logs in this shot.  This painting is an 8" x 18" vertical acrylic on canvas.


These and other fresh water turtles are extremely shy.  First site of anyone getting a bit too close and off they plunk into the water.


I must have had literally dozens of shots deleted just showing a splash!


The Ohio River and it's creeks are full of Red-Earred Sliders, Snapping Turtles and one other type.  This was my main source for observation.  They love that thick green algae or muddy type water.   The visibility in their preferred ponds and creeks is low.    Sounds pretty gross to us but they are thriving here and are in abundance.


I've placed this group of five on a rather wide piece of Real Estate but often they would be tottering on the slenderest of branch soaking up the warmth of the sun.  Anything sticking out of the water is fair game for sun worshiping.   They are quit comical to me.