Discovering Dumbo Octopus and Blobfish: Inspiration for My Underwater Painting

I’m diving into another underwater painting, and of course, there will be an octopus. Yes, another one. Apparently, my current obsession is the octopi, and I can’t resist adding them to my aquatic scenes.

Discovering the Dumbo Octopus

As I pondered which octopus to include in my current underwater painting, I went down the inevitable Google rabbit hole. That’s when I met the Dumbo octopus. Who knew such a thing existed?? I had to learn all about it. These little guys live on the ocean floor in freezing, pitch-black depths. They’re tiny—about 8 inches on average—but in painting terms, they can be life-size, which is perfect. And those “ears” (actually fins)? Pure charm. I’m already imagining one—or two—floating gracefully in my new scene.

(If you want to see more of these cuties, click here: 54 Interesting Facts About Dumbo Octopus - Animal Hype)

Painting which will have a Dumbo Octopus when I am finished. Right now, it looks like a ghost.

The Blobfish Makes an Appearance

Before I climbed out of the Google rabbit hole, I discovered the Blobfish. What a terrible name! Yes, it’s real. And yes, it’s absurd. I immediately had to learn more:

1. It was discovered in 2003;

2. lives on the ocean floor;

3. has no bones or muscles

(just a gelatinous blob outside of the pressure of the ocean floor); and

4. can live to be 130 years old.

Click here for more fun facts! Blobfish: Fun Facts About This Unsightly Ocean Creature

It is even the mascot for The Ugly Animal Preservation Society. Nope, I am not making that up either: Ugly Animal Preservation Society campaign | British Science Association

Either way, the sad, squishy face immediately made me chuckle, and I just know this little guy is begging to be immortalized on canvas.

Planning an Underwater World

So here I am, knee-deep in octopus research, generally plotting an underwater world that’s equal parts awe and weirdness. Stay tuned, my sea creatures have stories, and they’re far from finished.

Thanks for reading The 3rd Flamingo—a blog for art lovers, creative wanderers, and anyone who’s ever made a beautiful mess.