Coastal art captures the beauty and majesty of the sea, depicting scenes of beaches, boats, lighthouses, and wildlife. Within this genre, there is a wide range of styles and mediums that artists have used to create their work. From traditional techniques like an oil painting to contemporary approaches like digital art, coastal art encompasses a diverse range of artistic expression.
Traditional styles and mediums
Oil paintings have a long history dating back to the 15th century. Oil paints are made by mixing pigments with a drying oil, such as linseed or poppyseed oil. One of the key features of oil painting is its ability to create a wide range of textures, from smooth and glassy to thick and impasto. Famous oil painters of coastal scenes include Claude Monet and Winslow Homer.
Watercolor paintings are another traditional medium for depicting coastal scenes. Watercolors are made from pigments suspended in a water-soluble binder, such as gum arabic. Watercolor paintings are known for their luminosity and transparency, as the water-based medium allows light to pass through the layers of paint. John Singer Sargent and Edward Hopper are notable watercolor painters of coastal scenes.
Acrylic paints are a more modern medium that has been used to create coastal art. Acrylic paints are made from pigments suspended in a synthetic polymer binder, which dries to a hard, durable finish. Acrylic paints can be used to mimic the texture and techniques of oil paints, but they dry much faster. Georgia O'Keeffe and David Hockney are notable acrylic painters of coastal scenes.
Etchings and lithographs are printmaking techniques that have been used to create artworks of coastal scenes. In etching, an image is carved into a metal plate using an acid-resistant substance, and the plate is then inked and pressed onto the paper. In lithography, an image is drawn onto a flat stone or metal plate using a grease pencil, and the plate is then used to print the image onto paper. James McNeill Whistler and Katsushika Hokusai are notable printmakers of coastal scenes.
Contemporary styles and mediums
Digital art is a relatively recent medium that has been used to create coastal scenes. Digital art can be created using a range of software programs and tools, such as Adobe Photoshop and Wacom tablets. Digital art allows artists to create images with a high level of precision and detail and to manipulate and enhance their creations using a range of techniques. Rachel Whiteread and Olafur Eliasson are notable digital artists of coastal scenes.
Mixed-media art is a term used to describe artworks that incorporate a range of mediums and materials. Coastal mixed media art may include elements such as paint, collage, printmaking, and found objects. This medium allows artists to create highly textured and layered artworks that can be rich in symbolism and meaning. Jean-Michel Basquiat and Jenny Holzer are well-known coastal mixed-media artists.
Collage is a medium that involves the creation of artworks by combining and layering different materials, such as paper, fabric, and photographs. Coastal collages may include elements such as magazine clippings, postcards, and personal mementos to create a sense of place and memory. Famous collage artists of coastal scenes include Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
Photography is a medium that has been used extensively to capture the beauty and majesty of coastal landscapes. Coastal photography can range from documentary to artistic and can be captured using a variety of cameras and techniques. Ansel Adams and Dorothea Lange are notable photographers of coastal scenes.
Video art is a medium that has been used to create immersive and experiential artworks of coastal scenes. Video art may include elements such as film, animation, and sound and can be used to create multi-layered and multi-sensory artworks. Bill Viola and Stan Douglas are notable video artists of coastal scenes.
Parting Words
Coastal art encompasses a wide range of styles and mediums, from traditional techniques like an oil painting to contemporary approaches like digital art. The Carolyn Johnson Gallery is home to a diverse collection of coastal art, featuring works by the creative artist, Carolyn Johnson. By exploring the different styles and mediums used in coastal art, Carolyn provides a serene delight to lovers of coastal art.
Visit the Carolyn Johnson Gallery to view, explore, appreciate, and own a coastal art piece today!
