Anatomy of a Shell
How many of us have picked up shells on beaches, turning over a smooth and perfect whorl, or marveling at the pearly shine inside a clam or mussel? We owe our fascination, of course, to the mollusks that created and lived out their lives in these structures, and then left them behind for the sea to recycle or someone to find. I hadn’t really thought much about the anatomy of shells before, but it’s time I learned. This page illustrates some of the major features of both bivalve and gastropod shells, along with a few different types of shells. The second piece reflects my fascination with Alphabet Cones. I’m headed to the California coast soon and this will give me a whole new understanding when I am exploring tide pools, strolling the beach, and painting my finds.
Tips and Techniques- If you’ve stowed away a few shells from your beach wanderings, pull them out and take a closer look. Sketch them from a variety of perspectives. Notice how the body whorl spins around the central axis and how each whorl grows substantially larger with each rotation. Don’t worry about copying every line and detail. Work on getting the shape first. The colors are often so subtle that it’s worth starting quite light and paying attention to the values so that you can make the shell dimensional before going too dark.
Drawn In 
Beautiful, Jean! Giving me ideas for my page.
Glad to hear it, Susan! I look forward to seeing it.
Am enjoying your class and the “Drawn In” website. You are definitely doing your part to keep the arts alive and helping us appreciate sues beauty through art. Thank you. Lou
Thank you, Lou. That’s very kind of you to say. I’m glad you are enjoying the class!
Beautiful pictures. I love to draw and paint shells but they never look quite as I had hoped. You’ve inspired me to try again.
Keep at it! They are not easy to do, but they are a worthwhile challenge.
Beautiful! And great tips, as usual. This is timely as I’m meeting friends to sketch today. I’ll bring some shells. Thanks! Alison
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Hope your sketch session went well! Shells are a refreshing subject in the dead of winter.
Beautiful and subtle painting.
Thanks Laura!
Lovely, as always! The colors are beautiful❤️
Lot’s of subtly to master. Thanks Denise!
Love the touches of pale lavender for the shadows, gives a sense of luminosity.
Thanks Sam. I’m not a fan of dull gray shadows. They can easily kill a subject. I used only about four colors for the entire page.
My husband was once a serious shell collector, and I learned about some of these types. Your images are stunning!
I can imagine the fascination of collecting shells. I have a few, and I’m happy to collect more in my sketchbook.
Have you ever found an Alphabet cone? I sure haven’t but like you, I find them fascinating. Your tips are excellent and could apply to photography, too, in some ways.
The slipper, clam (I love they way you did that one), moon snail and whelk are old friends from the Atlantic that look perfect on your page. Where are you going in CA? Have a great time!
You’ve struck upon my favourite subject, and what better way to finish a beach walk than to draw the found objects!