Clamming
If you’ve ever enjoyed a clam roll or chowder or steamers, then you know the flavor of Mya arenaria, the soft shell clam. Before these mollusks reach your table, they eek out a life burrowed in soft mud or sand, filtering tiny plankton from sea water. Most clams today won’t reach their potential life span of 10-12 years, nor will they reach anyone’s plate, because they will be eaten first by highly invasive green crabs or other predators. Here’s a look at the ins and outs of clams and a few of the other creatures that share their watery home; sketched while sinking into the dark muck myself during a program on soft shell clams, hosted by the Vinalhaven Land Trust in Maine.
Tips and Techniques– Rocky coastlines, mud flats, spruce forests, and tidal basins were my muse last week while vacationing on the island of Vinalhaven in Maine. I brought my sketchbook on all our outings, including hikes, canoeing, and intertidal explorations. What I find works best for sketching on the go in varied environments is to pair down to just a sketchbook and a pen or pencil, a small set of paints, and a water brush. These fit in a waterproof Ziplock bag and are light enough to carry easily. If time is tight or conditions are too challenging, I just make an ink sketch, which I paint later. Don’t lug too many art supplies with you. Stick to the basics and you’ll likely come home with fresh sketches from your travels or time in the field.
Drawn In 
Thank you for your lovely paintings and sensitive words. Your love of nature’s handiwork is evident in all you draw, paint and say in written word. Thank you for such lovely artwork and explanations to help us see through your eyes.
Bernadette- What a thoughtful thing to say. I appreciate having this space to share what my explorations and I’m happy and grateful when something connects. Lugworms and clams aren’t for everyone, but they are fascinating creatures that are valuable for healthy marine ecosystems. I loved being part of their world for a few hours.
I found myself wanting to throw you a rescue line to keep you from sinking too far in the muck! Talk about a unique, timed sketching exercise …… ha! What magnificent sketching and painting under pressure. Loved hearing about these elusive clams, and despaired about the invasive crabs. Such a shame. Thanks for sharing your beautiful pages and tips and techniques for sketching when conditions are challenging!
Thanks for the rescue line– what worked best was not standing in once place for very long. Otherwise, the mud starts to suck you in and you’ll lose your shoes!
Those Green crabs are a problem here, too. Well done all around! And you made the crab awfully attractive! 😉