"MANGO JUBILEE" by Jade N. Bengco

He is in love with her, but cannot do anything about it for now. His current duty as a Dryad is to protect the ancient mango tree that grows by the bank of a small secret lagoon. Maybe, when he is released from his assignment, he can pursue the quest for the fair maiden’s heart. One thing he can do, for the meantime, is to make sure that the choicest, plumpest, and sweetest mangos are within her easy reach. She loves to sit under the mango tree to enjoy its fruit, and often has this feeling of being watched. But, somehow, this doesn't scare her--just makes her imagine if it could be someone that she could fall in love with. Surrounded by beautiful exotic blooms and ferns, she has decided that this place will be her secret sanctuary.

The sweet, yet whimsical scene shows a beautiful mermaid with dark auburn hair held back with exotic orchids, a lavender tail ending in an enchantingly-hued fin accented with jewels, while a hunky male tree spirit (dryad) watches over the gnarled old mango tree--and the mermaid (of course!).

Done in acrylics on canvas panel.