Paula B. Holtzclaw, Meditations, oil on linen panel, 35 x 45"

North Carolina artist Paula B. Holtzclaw paints seascapes with a blend of classical realism and impressionism. Her coastal scenes are glowy and highly atmospheric, with brilliant skies and soft, moody light that creates stunning effects on the water. Living in a southern coastal state, Holtzclaw paints the Lowcountry marshes, beaches and lagoons. Meditations, an oil seascape by the artist, features gentle, asynchronous waves under a setting sun. “I paint what is beautiful and meaningful, knowing that this act of celebrating and communicating the beauty in this world, has the power to uplift and inspire,” Holtzclaw reflects. 

Top: Joanne Parent, Prelude, oil, 24 x 48". Bottom: Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach, Shadowplay, watercolor on paper, 9 x 12", by Becky Ryan; Gary Johnson, A Day At The Beach, oil, 8 x 8"

Another artist inspired by the sea is marine painter and ship captain Joanne Parent, who started sailing when she was 8 years old. Growing up along the coast of Maine, surrounded by forest and coastal inlets, Parent found herself immersed in what felt like an endless stream of artistic inspiration. Like many coastal Mainers, Parent had a calling for the sea. The artist, who once set sail for nearly 10 years in the 1990s, paints vibrant, dramatic views of the salty East Coast waters.

Victor Mordasov, Magic Wave, oil, 20 x 20"

As you continue to explore the pages of this collector’s focus, enjoy diving into the works of even more artists who find themselves beckoned by the sea. 

Top: Gary Johnson, Sunset Walk, oil, 8 x 10"; Victor Leger, Continuation, oil, 16 x 22 x 2". Bottom: Steve Rogers, Two Sheets to the Wind, acrylic on linen on panel, 34 x 58"

The Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach has a rich history rooted in Laguna Beach’s origins as an art colony, and the annual event is a must-see for marine art enthusiasts. “The breathtaking coastline and stunning beaches of Laguna have provided endless inspiration for generations of artists, shaping the artistic community’s deep connection to the ocean,” says Festival of Arts president David Perry. The festival brings beach-inspired works to life in a variety of mediums and genres, with artists from across the region. This year’s festival will take place July 2 to August 29. 

Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach, Silent Illumination, oil on canvas, 36 x 48", by Susan Leonhard

“I hope to elicit a mood, a memory, a feeling, a dream when viewers engage with my paintings. The plein air style is inspiring to me whether I’m painting from life or in the studio,” says Becky Ryan, an exhibiting artist at the Festival of Arts. Susan Leonhard, another exhibiting artist, says, “I believe the ocean has a naturally calming effect on us. My paintings take us on a journey below the surface of the water to experience the surreal beauty and peaceful mystique of the ocean.”

Sandy Bridgewater, Summer View, oil on canvas, 20 x 16";Victor Leger, Aspire, oil, 31 x 47"

“As I amble about my day, I randomly get glimpses of sites that instantly inspire me to paint [and] the ocean is a place that I get many glimpses,” says Connecticut-based artist Victor Leger. “There is something about experiencing the primal immensity of the ocean that is forever awe-inspiring. It instantly connects us to the natural world and to our ancestors who must have felt the same oneness with the great being. When someone is [viewing one of my paintings], I hope they can experience that same inspiration that I had.”

Marine Arts Gallery, Family Outing, oil, 36 x 46", by E.J. Paprocki; Marine Arts Gallery, Endless Summer, oil, 36 x 48" , by Mark Shasha. 

Celebrating 57 years as a family run gallery started in 1968 by Russell Kiernan, Marine Arts Gallery is now run by Peter R. Kiernan as a second-generation gallery owner. Peter enjoys advising new and seasoned collectors on their fine art collecting journeys and feels that a trusted dealer can be extremely helpful in navigating the art world. The gallery is open year round in Bonita Springs, Florida, and summers by appointment in Manchester-by-the Sea, Massachusetts. Represented artists are all drawn to the sea for inspiration.

Victor Mordasov, Sunlit Dance on Rocky Waters, oil, 20 x 20"

Victor Mordasov’s oil Sunlit Dance on Rocky Waters features a rocky shoreline with glistening waters. “I was inspired by the natural beauty of the coastal landscape and the quiet strength of the rocks beneath the calm waters,” he says. “In this painting the coast speaks in blue and green—steady, silent and strong against the changing currents and holding the weight of the world with grace. The sunlight glistens off the water, creating bright highlights and enhancing the serene and tranquil mood.”

Steve Rogers, Crow Brothers at Rest, acrylic on linen on panel, 32 x 46" 

Steve Rogers has always been interested in boats, ships and the marine environment. “Even at my age, I have a child’s sense of wonder when I’m in the field and see a derelict old shipwreck. I want to share it, so I will paint it,” he says. “I have consistently been fascinated by the ocean and I am drawn to harbors and marshes in equal measure. My work reflects my admiration and respect for those that make their living on the water. So much of our maritime heritage is slowly fading away under the irresistible and relentless pressure of development. Often, the places portrayed in my art no longer exist. My [paintings] are the only proof that they did.” —