Seascape, or marina, is one of the types of landscape painting that emerged in European art in the 17th century, and it has not declined in popularity since then.
Why is sea landscape drawing such a popular type of landscape art?
There were many countries that were situated on the coasts of the seas and had developed art by the 17th century, but the seascape became an independent theme in the Netherlands, a nation of freedom-loving people and skilled seafarers. The so-called “Little Dutch” have many picturesque paintings devoted to the sea: quiet, stormy, with sunshine and moonlight tracks, with light boats, merchant ships, military frigates and, of course, with fish markets on the shore.
The evolution of the seascape can be roughly divided into three stages: classical, impressionist and modern. But if transition from classical marinas (Claude Lorrain, Joseph Vernet, Jacob van Ruisdael, Francesco Guardi, Ivan Aivazovsky) to impressionistic, which often were outdoor paintings, can be called a revolution, then further development of seascape in the twentieth century was divided into many experimental trends. As a result, modern paintings of seascapes are extremely diverse.
What is the secret of their popularity? It probably depends on the object itself: the sea, the ocean, the free element that can be so gentle and so threatening. The ocean means world travel and grandiose discoveries, daring dreams, an eternal thirst for wanderings. It is also a beautiful sight, filled with peacefull and calm.
Most popular materials of sea landscapes paintings
Paintings of the ocean, sea, bay, coast used to be painted in the traditional manner in oil on canvas. Today oil is no less popular, but other materials are also used for seascapes: acrylics, watercolours, gouache, pastels… Art photographs of seascapes are common – realistic, surrealistic (often with real and invented sea animals) or in other styles. Nautical graphics, engravings or prints are also good, such as in the Japanese style, where there is a great tradition of drawing seashores and waves.
What interier design suits the best forSeaLandscapes paintings?
Once the home of an aristocrat or bourgeois was unthinkable without sea or ocean scenery with quiet Italian lagoons, heroic battles or turbulent romantic ‘nine shafts’ in gold frames. Today there are no hard-and-fast rules about seascapes in the interior of the house or office, but any designer would agree that they are a good option.
- In the living room the marina creates a festive atmosphere.
- In the bedroom a seascape soothes, relaxes.
- in a library tells about the heroic past
- in a nursery fantasy of a child
- in a hallway it instantly announces a romantic master
But of course, a seascape in any room should be chosen according to colour, size (spectacular large or small chamber), shape (elongated horizontal, vertical, oval) and style. So don’t rush into choosing an ocean or seascape look – consider several options and perhaps consult a designer.
Where to buy sea landscapeed artworks?
So where to buy a quality contemporary seascape for your interior or as a gift? This very common genre can be found in galleries and dealers as well as online shops. The online art platform G.ART Gallery sells nautical motifs by professional Eastern European artists and photographers in a wide range of styles, from realism to abstract expressionism, from grotesque to impressionism. Nudes, animalism, coastal landscapes – at G.ART everyone can choose a nautical painting to their liking, and the purchase of works of art is made conveniently, quickly and with all guarantees.