In this enchanting artwork—a timeless sketch—it feels like we are peering into a secret world, where the air is thick with the scent of salt and the whispers of ocean waves. The focus of the piece is a captivating mermaid, her upper body emerging from the watery depths. With flowing, long auburn hair framing her ethereal feminine form, she appears contemplative, her gaze fixated on an object in her hand as if it holds the secrets of the sea. The soft, almost mystical quality of her skin contrasts beautifully against the deep greens and blues of the water, creating an inviting yet mysterious ambiance.

Waterhouse’s technique shines in the fluid brushstrokes that mimic the gentle motion of the surrounding water. The composition draws the eye around the swirling currents—inviting us to explore the delicate balance between land and sea. The rocky foreground, combined with the distant shadowy outline of a coastal town, creates an atmospheric backdrop; it’s as if the artist is reminding us of the duality of the mermaid's existence. This beckoning space stimulates a sense of longing, connection, and perhaps a tinge of sadness, encapsulating the age-old tales of longing and unattainable desires intertwined with the myth of mermaids.