Over the next few months, I’m embarking on an exciting studio experiment - building an entire illustrated tropical world through 100 original 6x6-inch mini paintings.
Why 100 mini canvases? First, I want to see how my style evolves over the course of the project. By keeping the theme (tropical paradise), the medium (acrylics), and the substrate (6x6 stretched canvases) consistent, I’m using this process to refine and lock in my signature artist style. Second, I want to invite you along for the ride to share the quiet breakthroughs, the surprises, and the evolution along the way.
Once all 100 pieces are complete, the original mini coastal wall art canvas paintings will be available for purchase (also in print format) so you can bring a piece of this tropical paradise into your own home.
I’ve divided the project into ten distinct sub-themes—and today, I’m thrilled to share the first ten finished pieces!
Category 1: Sea Life - Coastal Wall Art Canvas Collection
I chose sea life for my very first theme because it is such a foundational element of any tropical environment. Plus, animals are a recurring theme in my own work simply because I love painting them—they’re sweet, expressive, and bring me absolute joy. I hope they bring a little of that same happiness to you.
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What Surprised Me Along the Way
My original plan was to paint one canvas per day. That was the rhythm I successfully maintained during My 100-Day Project 2025. But this project has already taught me a valuable lesson in pacing.
In last year’s project, my focus was simply painting a single motif or element on a flat page. There wasn't much composition to manage, and whether I loved the outcome or not, I moved on to the next page the following day.
These 6x6 canvases are much more complex. They feature layered compositions, rich backgrounds, and multiple elements interacting together. I’ve found myself becoming much more discerning. If a piece doesn't feel quite right, I spend the time reworking and tweaking it until it clicks, which means several of these took longer than I planned. There are still a couple that I may tweak further before the project is completed. And I've decided that’s completely okay—the extra patience is where the magic happens.
Featured Piece: The Sea Turtle
Out of this first collection of ten, my absolute favorite is the sea turtle. I spent extra time building up the subtle color variations across its shell and weaving depth into the surrounding seaweed. That extra layer of contrast really paid off—it gives the piece a wonderful dimensionality that makes the sea turtle feel like it’s floating right off the canvas!
I'd love to know which is your favorite. Please post a comment below and let me know.
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What’s Coming Next?
Now that the first of the coastal wall art canvas collection is complete, I’m turning my focus toward the lush greenery of the tropics. Up next: Botanicals!
I can’t wait to show you how the tropical leaves, blooms, and color palettes come together in the next installment. Subscribe here to be among the first to be notified when the next installment is released.
About the Author: Nydia Heintz is the artist and designer behind Pink Sapphire Designs, LLC. She has been creating original acrylic and watercolor paintings and surface pattern designs inspired by color, nature, and her travels, since 2024. View her current designs on her website at www.pinksapphiredesigns.com.
