Inspiration Behind My Seascape Paintings

Introduction

The sea has always held a special place in my heart. As I grow older, it continues to spark my creativity and sense of possibility in myself and my art - I find it brings out a sense of positivity and renewal.

The mechanics of the seashore and the coast, despite their familiarity, still capture my imagination and inspire my art. It is the ever-changing natural environment that interests me and makes me want to express it through paint. Beautiful views of the soft and subtle interplay of light over the water and the sand, the open horizons and the displays of clouds as the skies as the weather changes.

For me, every seascape painting is a window into time and place, revealing nature within a picture.

Featured Seascape Paintings

Here is are two of my favourite recent watercolours, both paintings of Lytham St Annes beach.

The winter months are particularly special for me in terms of light. The colder atmosphere and shorter days sometimes produce a magical, radiant light in the sky, reflected in the sea and the wet sands. The skies fill with illuminated clouds of beautiful form and tone, sculpted by the wind.

As the shorter day comes to a close, the colours start to intensify, producing a beautiful show of low light beaming from the horizon. With the winter beach often being quiet, it is a wonderful, serene place to stand. Where you can listen to the wind and embrace the cold amongst a beautiful atmosphere, and a smile forms inside for a few moments. Visually arresting and peaceful, it is these moments I remember which inspire me to paint.

After a day of sunshine and showers at St Annes-on-sea, I went out for a walk along the beach at the end of the day, probably late afternoon during the autumn. In the fading light, the rain clouds were still visible in the distance. At the same time, you could see the faint orangey-red colours of sunset-tinged clouds in the sky amongst still blue, clear patches. It was a beautiful mix of clear and showery weather with a breeze which seemed to change the skies quickly. I like this contrast of clear and hazy in this seascape, lit by the end of daylight. It so often represents the beautiful views you see here during the spring and autumn. You can explore my watercolour seascape paintings for sale online.

Behind the Scenes: How I Start My Seascapes

My process for seascapes begins on location. I spend time looking and taking in the atmosphere. I note my emotional and mental impressions and turn these into images in my mind. I do not sketch very much. When I do, they are notes or lines describing where the clouds are and where the movement is in what I have seen. My pictures are composed directly from the light and the movement of what I have seen. They tend to start from these signposts of lines and movements and develop into personal, unique images based on what I see and experience.

Occasionally, I refer to photographs for details, and I try to let my creativity guide me as far as possible. For me, there is a slight overlap in my use of the mediums. My memory and mental impressions of that moment in time are more important to me than using photos. If you’d like to learn more about how I approach each painting, you can read about my watercolour painting process.

Why Seascapes Speak to Collectors

Seascapes have a unique way of connecting with people. They offer calm, inspiration, and a sense of escape—whether you live by the coast or miles inland. Many of my collectors tell me how these paintings remind them of a special place or a particular moment they have experienced. Or simply that their painting brings a little peace and beauty into their daily lives.

For more inspiration, visit my art news page.