By Chelsea Reed
Like peanut butter and jelly, summer goes hand in hand with maritime voyages. A day on the boat can be as exciting as a personal treasure hunt or as delightful as a simple cruise over shimmering waters.
Plenty of locals have navigated Outer Banks waters for their livelihoods. Ships from all over the country and the world have navigated these important waters for various purposes, too. Witness the beauty and thrill of high seas adventure with maritime art without getting wet!
Fishing off Nags Head by Karen Chamblin, Oil Painting
This scene hearkens back to the rich fishing history of the Outer Banks. A lone fisherman braves the relentless surf as he sets his sights on harvesting the fruits of the sea. Golden paint around the canvas borders provides a rich look and suitable “frame” for the dramatic scene.
The Magic Hour by Karen Schafers, Oil Painting
Anyone who loves being on the water knows how special “the magic hour” is. That’s the time just after sunrise or sunset when the light turns golden and everything outside looks magical. This painting does a perfect job capturing that feeling all in a single square foot. The soft pastel colors evoke a dreamy atmosphere suitable for a bedroom or reading nook.
Goldenrod on the Outer Banks by Janet Pierce, Acrylic Painting
We love this perspective of a cargo ship going by from the top of a flowered dune. Vibrant goldenrods offer a sense of visual balance with the calming blues of the ocean and sky. It’s a clever take on a common late summer sight for Outer Banks beaches.
Pegasus Under Sail by David Hunter, Etching
Anchors away! Pegasus sailboats are prized for their ability to travel long distances over the open sea. This classic etched depiction of a Pegasus on the water is a fitting nod to the rich heritage of nautical scrimshaw. Billowing clouds in the background and rippling waves in the foreground create an interesting sense of depth.
US Coast Guard Training Ship by Beverly Abbott, Oil Painting on Ivorine
The USCGC Eagle is a fascinating military sail cutter that has been in active service by the US Coast Guard since the Allies captured it from the Germans in World War II. These days it’s used for training future commanding officers. The oil paint on ivorine background provides an accurate depiction of the ship’s pearly majesty and intricate detail.
Cruising Home by Lorraine Dey, Acrylic Painting
All high seas adventures must come to an end, but the way home can be just as breathtaking. A lone sailboat silently cruises through the glistening liquid silver towards the colorful horizon of the setting sun. The sail that’s down and neatly folded indicates that this sailor is not in a hurry and has every intention of taking in the great view along the way.
Let the inspirations of the sea and those who venture on it wash over you with elegant seascapes and maritime art. You can see Seaside Art Gallery’s complete marine art collection here on the website.
Chelsea Reed is a copywriter who writes winning content, articles, blogs, and websites from her base in North Carolina. She might not be building sandcastles or swashbuckling with pirates these days, but the Outer Banks beaches continue to keep her young at heart.
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