Mermaid Ashley Grande Art and Story by Robert Kline

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Mermaid Ashley “Grande”

Mermaid art and story by Robert Kline

Mermaid Ashley Grande Art by Robert Kline

Mermaid Ashley Grande Art by Robert Kline

This is a retired mermaid art print that is very limited in supply and therefore currently available for purchase in the following matted sizes: 8″ x 10″ and 11″ x 14″.

Purchase art here

This beautiful mermaid art print and story is from a collection of mermaids, mermaid babies, merman, pirates, lighthouses and fairies created by renowned artist and novelist Robert Kline of St. Augustine, Florida. The print is a lithograph reproduction of Robert’s original watercolor and pencil painting. Hand labeled and signed by Robert in pencil, all the prints come with a 1/4″ foam backing and the 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″, 11″ x 14″ are matted so all you need is a frame and they are ready to hang on your wall! Each print also comes with an excerpt from Robert’s novel The Forgotten Voyage of H.M.S. Baci. A fantastic saga in which multiple generations of the Roberts’ family explore the seven seas in search of the world’s mermaid and merman population. Thus, you receive the passage from Robert’s novel describing the particular event in which the character(s) in the print were sighted. The following is the excerpt written for the Mermaid Ashley print:

In the summer of 1912 Western civilization had every right to believe it was finished with rumors of Sea Maidens. And yet, in that most scientific of years, while the world cavorted in self-absorbed folly near the quicksand that would be the War to end all Wars, there occurred a conjunction of destiny, madness, loneliness and a son’s need to find his parents that once again brought those mythical creatures to the fore. Edmund C. Roberts, grandson and sole heir to the vast fortune of Sir Edmund Roberts, purchased a steamship, hoisted his Bleriot XI aeroplane (a modern wonder of sticks, canvas, piano wire and a reluctant engine) and set sail (more accurately “steamed forth”) to solve the mystery of his parents’ disappearance. Along the way he intended to put an end to the haze of derision that had befogged his family and his youth by capturing a Sea Maiden and returning with her to swim before his doubters. Ironically, Edmund C. Roberts, noted womanizer, society scoundrel and currently bereft from the loss of the only woman he had ever truly loved, longed to be shut of them; this quest, therefore, to take place “in the glorious absence of female company and temptation”. Afloat with a ship full of men, he was determined to come to grips with his past. They left England and immediately navigated a third of the way around the globe.

Edmund C. Roberts stood on his side of the bridge and felt the comforting resonance of the ship beneath him. A pall of black coal smoke floated as a diminishing line above their wake; an apt marker for a voyage that was so far, a disappointment at best. He had encountered no living soul with even a vague recollection of his parents’ passing. He’d seen no Sea Maidens, and his attempts to take off and land his aeroplane from the makeshift platform that ran the length of his ship were exercises in survival, consuming the mountain of spare part she’d bought and frequently bringing him to within the shadow of serious injury or death. Of the five engines boxed and stowed aboard, two were now smashed and one was somewhere at the bottom of the sea. And his plan to keep his ship all male had proved a mockery from the beginning.

But he was off the coast of Gran Colombia now, lost in thought, depressed and clutching in his hand the finale letter from his parents. More than thirty years old, tattered and soiled, fondled, cursed and salt stained, it was the last touch from his mother’s hand. “We will be back, my dearest Edmund, though not soon enough for your mother’s aching heart. And when we return we will never, ever leave you again. I will hold you tightly, my precious child, and I will not let go. Dream of me, sweet dearest, and always, always remember our kiss—our baci finale. Until you are in my arms once more, I am and always will be, your loving mother.”

Edmund C. did not remember that kiss, though its thought haunted him, its reality elusive; alive only in the fading script of his mothers words. The sun had risen, the ripe smell of land and jungle overlaying the ever-present sweetness of burning coal. Today his luck would change. Today the cloak of loneliness and despair would start to rend.

It began just after noon, the day already steamy, his monoplane once more poised and noisy at the end of his makeshift runway, the Baci Finale heading into the wind, slicing the warm Pacific sea with her plumb bow. “Wish me luck, old chap,” he shouted to his mechanic, the little aeroplane shaking as the latest engine sputtered and coughed before truly coming to life. Three sailors released their grasp of the rudder as Edmund C. powered up and squinted ahead. The latest version of their catapult snapped into action and the tiny aeroplane and its pilot accelerated toward the end of the ship and the wide ocean. The tail lifted and they raced on. Off the bow of the ship, and then the stomach-churning drop as Edmund C. and his aeroplane fought for airworthiness. It was gained sooner than ever before and he was aloft and in tentative control. He circled his ship as he fought for altitude and then headed off toward the beach described in his grandfather’s notebook. A splash of orange and white and it was done—his first Sea Maiden sighting. The aviator quietly smiled and then after a gentle diving curve flew by once more. The Sea Maiden, startled from reverie, looked up shielding her eyes. Edmund C. passed, she removed her self to the oceans embrace, and the adventure was engaged.

Edmund C. Roberts’ notebook reads:
One cannot but wonder where it will lead. My first Sea Maiden sighting.
Maidenus satisfactus
Ashley
Tail of a clownfish. Wonderful chest. Long hair.
Gran Columbia, South America
August 4, 1912


Mermaid Anna Aft Art and Story by Robert Kline

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Mermaid Anna – Aft

Mermaid art and story by Robert Kline

Mermaid Anne Aft Art by Robert Kline

Mermaid Anne Aft Art by Robert Kline

This is a retired mermaid art print that is limited in supply and therefore currently available in the following matted sizes: 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″ and 11″ x 14″.

Purchase art here

This beautiful mermaid art print and story is from a collection of mermaids, mermaid babies, merman, pirates, lighthouses and fairies created by renowned artist and novelist Robert Kline of St. Augustine, Florida. The print is a lithograph reproduction of Robert’s original watercolor and pencil painting. Hand labeled and signed by Robert in pencil, all the prints come with a 1/4″ foam backing and the 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″, 11″ x 14″ are matted so all you need is a frame and they are ready to hang on your wall! Each print also comes with an excerpt from Robert’s novel The Forgotten Voyage of H.M.S. Baci. A fantastic saga in which multiple generations of the Roberts’ family explore the seven seas in search of the world’s mermaid and merman population. Thus, you receive the passage from Robert’s novel describing the particular event in which the character(s) in the print were sighted. The following is the excerpt written for the mermaid Anna print:

Confusion and mayhem, the handmaidens of Sir Edmund Roberts, make an appearance high in the Andes mountains of Gran Columbia. As usual, it was left to Sir Edmund Roberts to recover; which he did. Key to his success was the remarkable beauty of the golden maiden he had brought up from the cold depths of Lake Guantavita. Remarkable beauty and her haunting resemblance first to Captain Constance Daphne Fitzwillie; for she shared her glorious figure, this inspiring the remaining crew. But most impressively, she had facial features uncomfortably and closely related to one of the Indian guides who had returned to the naturalist’s camp after Nasty Natalie (Naughty Natalie?) the pirates and the bulk of the crew had departed with the lake’s golden treasure. To a man the Colombians fell to their knees when they saw her.

After lengthy but halting translation came to be known she was El Maideno Revierdo, the revered maiden, the last sacrifice of the doomed Inca civilization before they succumbed to the treachery and avarice of the Spaniards. She was the most beautiful in the land, the daughter of the greatest chief and every bit as sacred to the survivors of the proud race as the sun god himself.

And where less than 50 Indians helped the Bacis into the lofty mountains originally, now hundreds flocked to view their lost princess. With great and wise fanfare Sir Edmund Roberts liberated her ancient remains from the gilt sarcophagus after which reverent celebration gave way to gratitude for her recovery. Sir Edmund, Constance Daphne, Gnarly Dan and the few Bacis left were fairly spirited by the throng from the high mountains to the coast once more.

All were astonished at the rapidity of their return to the sea until they deduced their original ascent had been circuitous in the extreme; the guides leading the explorers in cruel circles, traversed the highest and most dangerous peaks. But now, steeped in gratitude they took the old Inca highway through the passes and valleys, returning to the ship well in advance of the pirates and the treasure; early enough to prepare a surprise!

But a battle was not to be, for it was only the lost Bacis, depressed, defeated and hang dog, who finally stumbled out of the jungle. They had attempted an attack on the pirates but were soundly drubbed, unable to retake the treasure and lucky to keep their own skins intact. All they brought was the sad news that the pirates had turned inland and due west, bent on a rendezvous at the Orinoco river.

And so, reunited, the Bacis set sail once more, finally and truly intent on carrying Sir Edmund to the Galapagos Islands. Becalmed en passage, they rousted the diving bell and Sir Edmund sighted his 27th Sea Maiden.

His journal reads:
“Most awesome sight!” We sighted a profoundly healthy specimen drifting by the bell, stretching and preening for what seemed like hours. Gnarly Dan noted (who could stop him?) that her excessive and obvious lung capacity allowed her prolonged time sub aquatic. Says he, “Any maid what has a chest like that ain’t in no hurry; anything she wants ’ll likely come her way if she be patient.

Maidenous buxomus
“Anna”
October 30, 1833
Pacific Ocean, east of Gran Columbia


Mermaid Angel with Merman Art by Robert Kline

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Mermaid Angel with Merman

Mermaid with merman art and story by Robert Kline

Mermaid Angel with Merman Art by Robert Kline

Mermaid Angel with Merman Art by Robert Kline

This wonderful mermaid with merman art print is available for purchase in the following matted sizes: 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″ 11″ x 14″.

Purchase art here

This beautiful mermaid and merman couple art print and story is from a collection of mermaids, mermaid babies, merman, pirates, lighthouses and fairies created by renowned artist and novelist Robert Kline of St. Augustine, Florida. The print is a lithograph reproduction of Robert’s original watercolor and pencil painting. Hand labeled and signed by Robert in pencil, all the prints come with a 1/4″ foam backing and the 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″, 11″ x 14″ are matted so all you need is a frame and they are ready to hang on your wall! Each print also comes with an excerpt from Robert’s novel The Forgotten Voyage of H.M.S. Baci. A fantastic saga in which multiple generations of the Roberts’ family explore the seven seas in search of the world’s mermaid and merman population. Thus, you receive the passage from Robert’s novel describing the particular event in which the character(s) in the print were sighted. The following is the excerpt written for the mermaid Angel with merman print:

The true heart of the Baci Finale was neither her elusive captain nor the powerful steam machine below deck; it was in fact, her chief engineer, Irish Jimmy. He was equal parts; turned-steel, romantic and whiskey, able to deftly identify and remedy the most obscure mechanical problem or console and leave content and sans clothing the most emotional woman. That which commanded his attention stood no chance of remaining unchanged.
And now, in the middle of the night, off the Western American coast, it was a fire deep in his beloved ship that had Irish Jimmy aroused. At this point it was the genius of the problem—a spontaneous coal fire deep in one of the labyrinths of bunkers built into every corner of the ship. Unattended, it could be disaster. First, every crew member raced through the lower decks, a hand to the outside bulkhead feeling for the telltale heat. Black Lugger found it first. “Starboard, aft widow’s bunker,” he called out as he pulled open the hatch to a cloud of black smoke and a wave of heat. He tore into the mounded coal, tossing it out behind him, soon joined by others who handed, pitched and threw the accumulating pile back as they dug into the narrow, deep space. A bucket brigade, then a water hose joined the effort, water flooding the dark compartment to distant hissing. By dawn the outlaying bunker was doused and then completely emptied, Irish Jimmy finally satisfied. “Aye, shift it all at the for’d bunkers; we’ll not be usin’ this nest fur a bit.” He looked to those around him, all of them awash in coal dust, grime and water. “A fine way at spen’ the night. We’ll see if ‘Bob’s a diein” afore we turn to.” Which meant, of course, they would pull out a few bottles and belittle each other.

Edmund C. Roberts was apprised of the occurrence the next morning. “Hope we didn’t disturb your honor’s sleep, but we had a wee problem.”

Roberts was still afloat, his ship apparently none the worse for wear, and his response was to invite his engineer to join him in the diving apparatus later that day. It was there in the company of the orphans, Sarah, Sue and Marie, and the naturalist, Dr. Marie Gabeaux, that Irish Jimmy had the pleasure of spying their 28th Sea Maiden rising for the inky depths, she in the arms of a Sea Master. “Sweet Mary, wouldn’t she be an Angel,” he proclaimed with unmasked reverence. “Christmas in March,” he added to the chagrin of all but little Marie. “Christmas,” she whispered in awe. “A Christmas Angel!” she agreed, for her innocence could see nothing but.

Roberts’ journal reads:
June2, 1913
Spied our 28th Sea Maiden. She with green tail, in the company of her Sea Master, he of red tail, sound build. Did not attempt capture.

Mermaid Amelia Art and Story by Robert Kline

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Mermaid Amelia

Mermaid art and story by Robert Kline

Mermaid Amelia Art by Robert Kline

Mermaid Amelia Art by Robert Kline

This mermaid art print has been retired and is sold out. It is no longer available for sale.

This beautiful mermaid art print and story is from a collection of mermaids, mermaid babies, merman, pirates, lighthouses and fairies created by renowned artist and novelist Robert Kline of St. Augustine, Florida. The print is a lithograph reproduction of Robert’s original watercolor and pencil painting. Hand labeled and signed by Robert in pencil, all the prints come with a 1/4″ foam backing and the 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″, 11″ x 14″ are matted so all you need is a frame and they are ready to hang on your wall! Each print also comes with an excerpt from Robert’s novel The Forgotten Voyage of H.M.S. Baci. A fantastic saga in which multiple generations of the Roberts’ family explore the seven seas in search of the world’s mermaid and merman population. Thus, you receive the passage from Robert’s novel describing the particular event in which the character(s) in the print were sighted. The following is the excerpt written for the Mermaid Amelia print:

On December 26th, 1831, Sir Edmund Roberts outfitted the H.M.S. Baci for a naturalist’s circumnavigation of the globe. His primary and sole purpose was to observe and subsequently classify the various oceans’ diversity of Sea Maidens as he called them. Convinced that they existed outside of folklore, Sir Edmund was determined to systematically pursue them. “I’ll find them, for I am more patient than Job,” he loved to say.

Roberts took with him two watercolorists schooled in botanical illustration. They were the first harvests of the voyages fantastic ill luck. Williams, the primary artist, perished in a gale just four days out of port. Bistro, his assistant, and a suspect romantic, lost his footing and fell to the sea one night while admiring the Baci’s figure head.

Sir Edmund determined to learn the craft himself. Roberts completed his voyage in 1837. He had, however, become progressively more eccentric with each year at sea and was completely undone when his Sea Maidens – Notebooks and Observations was dismissed as “lunatic ravings in the company of obscene art.”

Both the notebooks and the illustrations remained in obscurity until discovered in a London warehouse in 1998. Selected excerpts and paintings are to be released in succession.

It should be noted that while Sir Edmund selected the Latin name for each Sea Maiden, he gave the honor of bestowing the common name to the seaman who first sighted her. Consequently, there followed a fool’s carnival of names with mothers and prostitutes predominating.

Maidenus Magnifica

“Amelia”

February 18, 1832

Cape Verde Island

Seen on a moonlit night by a member watering crew who strayed in the company of a bottle of rum. He Observed her for most of the night until he gathered sufficient sense to report to me. We watched her until  the false dawn. Medium height. Medium weight. Dark hair. Could not identify the object of her preoccupation. Exultant with our first sighting so early in the voyage.