Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Release

Here is a composite from this morning's Kemps Ridley turtle release. Corpus Christi / Padre Island is one of two places in the United States that the public can view these releases. I, personally, think it is a blessing to be living close to the National Seashore. The Kemps Ridley turtle is the most endangered sea turtle in the world. Of those turtles released here that survive, many come back to the island 15 years later to lay their eggs. Last year I began a painting to represent the National Seashore of the turtle release, but the day I went out there it was drizzling, no sun... no shadows, and tons of seaweed on the beach. I just wasn't happy with the way the painting was going. I'm so glad I got better reference photos today. After I heal from carpal tunnel surgery, I'll be starting this painting over again. 

Run For The Sea

Run for The Sea

4.5"x 6.5" (unfr) watercolor on paper

by Debbie Cannatella

$60

Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle is the smallest and the rarest of all sea turtles and critically endangered. I am fortunate enough to live near one of its nesting areas. There is a huge conservation effort at Padre Island National Seashore to gather clutche, aid in hatching, then release the hatchlings within 24 hours after hatching. The temp of the nest determines the sex of the hatchling. Conservationists raise the temperature to produce more females to repopulate this nearly extinct turtle.