50 Best Beach Painters (& Their Best Beach Paintings) — 2022
The BEST beach painters? Yes! As someone who's kind of obsessed with beach themed and ocean themed art, I’ve looked at a whole lot of beach paintings by a whole lot of beach painters.
So today I want to share the best beach paintings by those folks I feel are the 50 Best Beach Painters of 2022.
Each year I update this list and each year I'm amazed at the number of artists I find who I want to highlight — beach theme paintings, abstract oceans, beach watercolors, paintings of beaches, etc. — it's quite a task each year, but I feel it's worth it. I hope that you find a painter or 2 you fall in love with who has created a beach painting or 2 that you fall in love with here in the Seashell Madness year-end wrapup of the best for 2022!
Here we go:
Lada Kholosho
Romantic Couple by Lada Kholosho
Seascape Sunset by Lada Kholosho
Palm Tree Tropical Sunset by Lada Kholosho
If you’ve gone through a few pages of Seashell Madness, you may have seen me comment more than a few times about how much I love purple. Love it! So when I saw purple silhouettes of palm trees against a purple sky in Lada Kholosho’s beach themed "Palm Tree Tropical Sunset" I was immediately hooked. I immediately felt this was one of the best beach paintings out there. The purples and blues of this one? Just stunning!
As I further explored her work I found that it wasn't just purples that she was good with. Lada has an amazing talent for using colors in a way that produces eye-popping results. Her painting "Romantic Couple" is definitely one of my all-time favorites when we're talking about best beach paintings. I love the pinks and golds that make up the sunset sky and are reflected in the skims of water as the tide receeds.
And "Seascape Sunset?" Yet another example of amazing use of color. This one makes me long to head for the beach to stare out at the golden ocean at sunset.
And an interesting note about Lada's work: she only sells originals. These days most painters sell prints of their paintings, but Lada does not. Meaning that if you buy one of these great beach paintings, you will be the only one who has it. An amazing perk, especially with such wonderful work from one of the best beach artists!
See all of our Beach Artist Pages:
Best Beach Painters •
Best Resin Artists with a Beach Theme •
Best Seashell Artists •
Best Driftwood Artists •
Best Beach Jewelry Designers •
Hannah Louise Singleton
Sea Fish Shoal by Hannah Louise Singleton
Cornwall Wave by Hannah Louise Singleton
Abstract Ocean by Hannah Louise Singleton
I always like art that is presented from a different perspective than you usually see. Like "Sea Fish Shoal" by Hannah Louise Singleton which shows a circling group of fish depicted from beneath the surface of the ocean, looking up at the sun. It’s a perspective that usually only comes to scuba divers, but here we get to see it too! This is definitely one of my all-time favorite ocean-themed paintings. Says Singleton, "I like to create a sense of character throughout my work portraying the ever-changing current of the tide and the sea creatures that inhabit them."
I also really enjoy the way that Hannah paints waves and reflections. These paintings really draw me in. "The many beaches and sea views call me to create intriguing artwork," she says, "I developed my love of the ocean and love of being creative into a range of products that represents my passion, I now create ocean inspired original art as well as illustration prints and coastal handmade decoration."
I for one am glad that Hannah found her way to the sea.
Erik Abel
Green Palm Point by Erik Abel
Sunset Moonrise by Erik Abel
Sunday Funday by Erik Abel
Growing up in the beachside city of Ventura, California, artist Erik Abel learned a thing or two about ocean waves. "I first discovered surfing when I was 11," he says. And that love of the ocean and riding the waves shaped his outlook as an artist right from the beginning. "To me, the ocean and making art were one in the same. An inherent expression of spirit, fun, nature, and freedom."
I love the clean lines and bold color choices that Erik makes in his art. And though he now lives away from the beach in Portland, OR (check out some of his Oregon-based art — it's awesome as well!) its clear that growing up along the coast has made a permanent mark on his artwork — Erik is most definitely a coastal artist. "Green Palm Point" has to be one of my favorite paintings in all of this list, and I'm absolutely in love with his artistic style.
Agostino Veroni
Sunset by Agostino Veroni
Portofino by Agostino Veroni
Beach by Agostino Veroni
"Nature is the protagonist of my paintings," says painter Agostino Veroni. A prolific painter of landscapes, seascapes and similar beach art, Veroni works in a style that evokes the classic masters, yet he brings it into the modern age with his emphasis on chromatics — one of the best beach painters, here is an artist who is not afraid to make bold color choices. Big, bold strokes of oil paint bringing forth an enticing scene. I love the brightness of the blues of the ocean contrast with the yellow sun peeking through.
And did I mention prolific? Agostino has probably painted hundreds of beach and ocean scenes: paintings of coasts, paintings of coastal villages, paintings of beaches and beach towns have all been created by this artist's hands. Simply wonderful.
Nelson Ruger
Sunset Surfer by Nelson Ruger
Current View 2 by Nelson Ruger
Tower Life 7 by Nelson Ruger
Wow! The colors!
If you enjoy big, bold colors in your beach artwork, then look no further than the beach paintings of Nelson Ruger. I mean, can you get bigger and bolder? I don't think so.
I know that when I first saw his painting "Sunset Surfer" I just stopped in my tracks. The way that he conveys this scene — you almost feel like you need sunglasses with that sun coming at you! — is perfect. The sun, the palm trees, the surfer... just perfect.
Nelson has a theatrical background (he designed a Broadway production of Wind in the Willows among other projects), and perhaps it is that background that makes his paintings so dramatic. I don't know. All I know is that I think these big, bold paintings are truly spectacular. "I have one simple principle here at Nelson Makes Art!" he says, "Everybody deserves awesome."
Indeed!
Dakota Daetwiler
Wave Mermaid by Dakota Daetwiler
Centerville Sunset by Dakota Daetwiler
Ocean Practice by Dakota Daetwiler
I would never have guessed that Dakota Daetwiler is self-taught as a painter. Especially when she has paintings like "Centerville Sunset" which at first glance look photorealistic (and is, in my opinion, one of the best beach paintings out there). She has several painting that have beach or ocean themes and I love the way that she paints rolling water. The way that the light passes through the crashing waves in her paintings just takes my breath away. She says, "I am inspired by anything bright, vibrant, colorful, peaceful, and beautiful." And that certainly comes through in her artwork.
"Wave Mermaid" is also one of my favorite beach-themed paintings. I simply love the depth and detail that are apparent in this painting — notice the multiple layers going on here with the splashing waves closing in on the subject. I wish that I could think of a better word than just beautiful, but beautiful it certainly is. I can honestly say, without reservation, that Dakota is one of my favorite painters out there, and paintings like this one are the reason why.
Kelly Tracht
Bathing Beauties by Kelly Tracht
Pelican Surfing Ocean by Kelly Tracht
Sunset Palm Trees by Kelly Tracht
Artist Kelly Tracht grew up along the gulf coast of Florida, which obviously inspired her use of the coastline, sea creatures and sea birds in the majority of her paintings. Kelly is most definitely a beach artist. And the colors! Her trademark use of very bright colors in her artwork, as can be seen in beach themed paintings like "Sunset Palm Trees" brings a sense of joy to her work.
And shouldn't a day at the beach be joyful?
Also check out "Bathing Beauties," a minimalistic view of a woman floating on a tube as her sea turtle companion glides along gently below her. The colors just make this painting: the wonderful, wonderful colors. There aren't a whole lot of details to this painting, just a few simple strokes in a few bright colors that bring about such phenomenal results. And that's what makes her one of the best beach painters out there.
Shellie Mitchell
Her Happy Place by Shellie Mitchell
Bravely She Went Into Depths Unknown by Shellie Mitchell
Beyond the Sea, She Saw Her Hopes and Dreams by Shellie Mitchell
"Through my work, I hope to make a connection with the viewer as each piece tells its own story," says artist Shellie Mitchell. And in my opinion she definitely accomplishes that connection in her beach themed work — all of her art conveys an amazing story. Look at any one of the above and I think you'll agree.
In fact, though she gives her works wonderful titles, those wonderful titles are pretty much unneccesary. "Her Happy Place" depicts a scene of meditative yoga at the beach, "Bravely She Went Into Depths Unknown" depicts a free dive into beautiful depths and "Beyond the Sea, She Saw Her Hopes and Dreams" depicts a woman doing just that.
I am also in awe of her technique as there's a mind-blowing detail that you may not have noticed in her work: they aren’t paintings! She achieves the incredible effect of a deep and beautiful painting using fabrics! Let’s meditate on that!
Sabina Fenn
Sunset Dreamer by Sabina Fenn
Paddle Board by Sabina Fenn
Surfers by Sabina Fenn
Host of a popular art-themed Youtube channel and an illustrator whose work is licensed all over the place, Sabina Fenn makes some really great, eye-catching beach-themed paintings. Her watercolors are especially effective at bringing out visions of water and sand.
Painting with "a goal to bring warmth and tranquility into the home" with her collection of lush and feminine art prints, Sabina's beach art reflects the warm and inviting beach life that so many of us long for.
A painting like "Paddle Board" for instance... doesn't that just send you to that place? Don't you just want to be there with these folks — whoever they are — during a liesurely paddleboarding experience in a tranquil lagoon? Of course you do.
Lis Scott
Coastal Collection (diptych) by Lis Scott
Coastal Beauty Collection by Lis Scott
Abstract Beach Blue by Lis Scott
There is a lot of fluid motion to the ocean abstract diptych Coastal Collection by Lis Scott — some wonderful abstract paintings of beaches. I love how the teals of the ocean flow toward the tans of the beach. Says Scott, "The way I paint is very spontaneous and instinctual. It involves a lot of movement and passion. I use my hands as well as a brush to create the flow that I want on a piece."
It's a technique that definitely works for Lis. She has, in my opinion, some of the most eye-popping abstract beach paintings around, which makes her one of the best painters in this style. "I started my art career painting murals and portraits," she says, "but have now transitioned into abstract canvas pieces where I feel the artistic freedom to portray who I truly am as an artist. As an artist I paint by feeling until the painting is an expression of myself."
And that works wonderfully.
Ellen Negley
Mai Tai Sunset by Ellen Negley
Beach Bliss by Ellen Negley
Beach Babes by Ellen Negley
Bright, bright watercolors!
Now, this is the way to depict a fun and happy beach scene — lots of colorful watercolors. Which happens to be a hallmark of Ellen Negley's style of beach painting.
Her paintings of the beach have COLOR!
"For me, watercolor is the perfect medium," she says, "It's elusive, unpredictable and has a mind of its own. I'm fascinated by its nuances. One minute the colors are bold and electric and the next they're delicate and transparent."
I think that is a wonderful attitude and it's probably a big part of the reason that Ellen's work feels so full of life. Take a painting like "Mai Tai Sunset," for instance. The bright colors, the activity of the scene — you just get such a wonderful feeling that life is good. I'm a huge fan.
Lisa Elley
Monterey Dusk by Lisa Elley
Half Moon Bay by Lisa Elley
Mavericks by Lisa Elley
San Franscisco-based artist Lisa Elley has quite a few wonderful paintings of the coasts of Northern California (I'm really drawn to her paintings of beaches). I really love the rich oil paintings such as "Half Moon Bay" and "Monterey Dusk" which were clearly painted from the beach.
And It always adds another interesting layer when a painter uses a palette knife with oil paints. The bumps and ridges evoke feelings in and of themselves. Says Elley, "One of the most wonderful things about being an artist is the visual perspective it gives you on everyday things. I can often be spotted hanging out my car window at the lights trying to capture a photo of a random scattering of wildflowers that grow so prolifically here in California, despite the drought. When I go for an evening walk I'm often looking up at the dappled light filtering through the tree canopy, contemplating how to capture the form with my knives."
And that artist's eye and visual curiosity really come across in her paintings. They are mesmerizing.
For instance, check out "Montery Dusk," a brilliant coastal painting showing a shore at sunset. The pinks of the sky, the golds of the beach really convey that feeling that you get if you are lucky enough to be on the sand of the West Coast watching the sun set into the ocean. This is great coastal themed art.
Emily Wood
Umbrella Beach by Emily Wood
Tropical Palm Tree by Emily Wood
Amagansett Blues by Emily Wood
"I try to evoke the feeling that the beach and ocean still gives me — a sense of relaxation, calmness, happiness, and simplicity — in all of my art," says Emily Wood. Emily is a prolific painter who has a large collection of ocean-inpired art, from oceans to sea creatures. When she turns her brush to abstracts, like she does with "Amagansett Blues" she manages to bring an amazing depth using just a few shades of colors to evoke the ocean painting. A great beach abstract always grabs me. Always.
Emily is also one of the few artists out there who render the beach in both abstract and realistic styles in ways that I really enjoy — she's just one of the best painters all-around on this list. "Umbrella Beach," which is part of her Santa Barbara-inspired series, is a simply beautiful little painting that I can't keep my eyes off of. I love the color combinations and minimialistic rendering of this very simple scene of umbrellas at the beach. And "Tropical Palms?" How wonderful is that?
"These days, my practice tends to go a few different directions," she says, "I always enjoy doing minimalistic drawings utilizing lots of lines and dots to create a simple, but beautifully complex, image. The second path I tend to gravitate towards is full of creamy, heavily layered acrylic and watercolor abstract paintings."
And I always enjoy whatever paintings of the beach that Emily comes up with.
Karina Mirzoeva
Coastal Painting by Karina Mirzoeva
Abstract Sunset by Karina Mirzoeva
Large Ocean Painting by Karina Mirzoeva
I really like the moodiness in the abstracts by painter Karina Mirzoeva. She has an entire line of ocean-inspired paintings. Most of which are larger format and good for display in large rooms. I love her paintings of the beach. I particularly enjoy the look of "Abstract Sunset," and the darker blues of the coming night. Definitely one of the more striking beach scene paintings out there, as well as one of my favorite abstract beach paintings out there.
While we're on the subject of abstract paintings, I know that there are a lot of people out there who simply don't "get" abstracts. I have one friend who thinks an abstract painting is just some paint thrown at a canvas. But does work like Karina's look just thrown on to you? It doesn't to me. To me the color combinations and compostition used are made with the clear intent to portray an ocean scene — Karina has put thought and artistic will into this ocean abstract. And I think it's wonderful.
Randi Schneweiss
Florida Beach by Randi Schneweiss
The Three Umbrellas by Randi Schneweiss
Beach Day by Randi Schneweiss
While artist Randi specializes in pet portraits, a glimpse at her store page shows a painter who is comfortable working in all sorts of styles. For instance, her acrylic painting "The Three Umbrellas" has quickly climbed its way up my favorites list of paintings of beaches. For starters, the overhead point of view is just terrific and I love the way that the colors just leap off of the beach in this scene of the tide creeping up on a trio of beach umbrellas. What a wonderful beach scene.
While at the same time, "Florida Beach" and "Beach Day" each bring something special to the genre of beach paintings. I love Randi's use of blues — if you're going to paint beaches, you need to master blues — in both of these works. The contrast between an impending sea storm and a sunny day at the beach are clearly shown by the uses of blues.
Rebecca Stringer Korpita
Three Women Friends by Rebecca Stringer Korpita
Feet in the Water by Rebecca Stringer Korpita
Girlfriends Patrol the Beach by Rebecca Stringer Korpita
How fun is this? I absolutely adore the whimsical nature of the paintings of Rebecca Stringer Korpita. I know that sometimes I can get so wrapped up in art that I start to take it maybe a bit too seriously, and then an artist like Rebecca comes along and makes me remember that great art can also be great fun.
"I am influenced by southern culture, the coastal area, people enjoying life, New Orleans and tropical areas," she says, "I love the old, the rustic and the quirky. And as you can tell, I love color and humor."
These are definitely some cool beach paintings.
By the way, her sense of humor can also be spotted in the way that she describes her own work. If you happen to go to her Etsy shop, make sure that you read her descriptions of her paintings. They are entertaining in their own right.
Christa Kadarusman
Ocean Sunset by Christa Kadarusman
Somewhere Far Away by Christa Kadarusman
Setting Sun by Christa Kadarusman
I love the wonderful lines of Christa Kadarusman's ocean-themed work. It's almost a geometric style, but with a much more organic feel to it. Like in the painting "Ocean Sunset" whose dimensions and depth almost feel like a wood-block carving but with wonderful color contrasts. I'm in awe of the look of that crashing wave against the rocks.
It's not surprising that Christa is able to bring such great vision to beach scenes, as she has been around beaches her entire life. "I am originally from San Diego, California and have lived on Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii for more than 15 years," she says, "I draw inspiration from my beautiful island home, the ocean, California and Hawaii beaches and places I've visited around the world."
And it works. Really well.
Kate Shore
Heat Wave by Kate Shore
Ocean Wave by Kate Shore
Perfect Beach Day by Kate Shore
Says artist Kate Shore, "I always feel better by the water." And that feeling really comes across in her abstracts of shorelines, like, for instance, "Heat Wave." About this particular painting, she says, "As this painting evolved, it reminded me of running across the hot sand at the beach, then the cooling relief of jumping in to the ocean on a hot summer day."
I love that image and I love knowing that detail about a painting. Especially with an abstract, knowing the story behind the painting can bring an added layer to the experience. I know that it does for me.
Chelz Franzer
Laguna Beach Paradise by Chelz Franzer
Love Long Beach by Chelz Franzer
Turtley Awesome by Chelz Franzer
I first became familiar with artist Chelz Franzer when I stumbled upon a painting she had done called "Octogalaxy" which featured a brilliantly luminescent octopus heading toward the surface. I was hooked on her art after that.
I love her take on California’s Laguna Beach with her acrylic work "Laguna Beach Paradise," which features a classic VW bus parked in the hills overlooking this iconic beach. On her painting inspiration, Franzer says, "I wanted to start creating through my eyes, my perspective which consists of bright, fun colors that you can't help but make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Living & creating colorfully is who I am."
Which, one might argue, is the essencre of beachy art.
And "Turtely Awesome?" I mean, come on. How can you not smile at the joie de vivre in the face of this turtle? I love this painting. Love it, love it, love it.
Kirsten Koza
Summer Wash by Kirsten Koza
Western Lake at Grayton by Kirsten Koza
Surf's Up by Kirsten Koza
"I try to feel through my pieces as I paint them, creating an emotive scene or snapshot that stirs a soul," says artist Kirsten Koza. And she has certainly done that with works like "Summer Wash" or "Surf's Up."
Looking at "Summer Wash," I love the feel of the water on this one,the coastline with its sunbathers and lifeguards, and I really enjoy the way that she has let the acrylics run into the foreground — it just adds to the feeling of the approaching tide.
"Many of my pieces are created with a palette knife," she says, "adding organic layers of interest, the look of peeling paint and evocative texture." I'm guessing that's the case with "Surf's Up," which is a fantastic rendering of a rolling wave. It's definitely an effect that works for me.
A. A. Steiner
Setting Sun by A. A. Steiner
In The Sea by A. A. Steiner
To The Sea by A. A. Steiner
Color! I really love the use of Color (with a capital "C") used by artist A. A. Steiner on the abstract entitled "Setting Sun." She says of the painter’s inspiration behind this acrylic: "My mother lived in Bradenton, Florida for a number of years and we spent one evening together at a lovely restaurant on the water. Watching the sun set while enjoying a fabulous dinner and sipping our wine is a memory I will always cherish."
She may not have a lot of sales (yet), but the quality of her work is fantastic. I love the use of color in the work. Here's an ocean painter to keep an eye on.
Camilo Mattis
In Cadiz by Camilo Mattis
El Puerto by Camilo Mattis
In Motion by Camilo Mattis
Artist Camilo Mattis has quite a few very appealing abstract seascape paintings. I really like "In Cadiz." First I love how wide it is. It’s like when they make movies that are really, really widescreen so that they can show epic landscapes. That’s what’s happening here with this acrylic seascape. Also, where we live we experiences a lot of foggy days, and this painting gives me that feel of staring out at the beach on a foggy morning, where a few determined beachgoers have set up their umbrellas, optimistic that they will eventually see the sunshine.
Claire McCall
Rockpool Jumping II by Claire McCall
Motherhood by Claire McCall
Noosa Beach by Claire McCall
There is something about the texture of a palette knife and oil paints. As artist Claire McCall says, "With a brush in hand, I was often tempted to agonise over the detail. I actually love the loss of control that the knife provides and the application of oil paint with its buttery texture."
And I love the effect that knife brings to a canvas and the way that she uses that to great advantage when painting beach scenes — something which Claire is particularly good at. Take a painting like "Rockpool Jumping II." I absolutely love how alive this painting feels! And I think it has a lot to do with the palette knife technique, the way that it brings added dimensionality to the work just brings it to life.
Lucky for us, Claire has used that palette knife on a great number of beach paintings. There's one in there for you, I know it.
Tim Woods
Beach Wave by Tim Woods
Rolling Wave (diptych) by Tim Woods
Sunset Wave by Tim Woods
"I love thinking and silence. I love looking at trees, flowers, beach, wave, clouds, etc. and thinking how beautiful nature is. Then I will have the impulse to paint it," says painter Tim Woods. This artist has several great abstract paintings of waves and beach scenes. "Rolling Wave" — a terrific painting of the beach which features a soothing blue coastal break in a stunning diptych — is one of my favorites. The way the wave rolls in is just perfect.
But I won't lie: when I see something like "Sunset Wave" with its unique color scheme, I also tend to flip — the purples and reds just add something unique to the image of a beach painting (there just aren't a lot of paintings of the beach in reds and purples. And I love it.
Adena Noble
Ocean by Adena Noble
Ocean Waves by Adena Noble
Sailboats by Adena Noble
There are some painters who are just really good at blue. I don't know how to explain it exactly, they're just good at blue (and beachy art tends to feature blue) Adena Noble is one of those artists. Whether painting abstracts or more realistic fare, the blue paintings that Adena does just grab me.
For instance, in "Ocean Waves" I absolutely love the blue on blue of the rolling wave against the backdrop of the ocean. Works for me.
Slaveika Aladjova
Octopus Tentacle by Slaveika Aladjova
Whale Tail by Slaveika Aladjova
Blue Sea Turtle by Slaveika Aladjova
Slaveika Aladjova is a prolific watercolor artist who specializes in very bright watercolor paintings of animals and sea creatures. I love the vibrancy to her work, which is plainly evident in works like "Octopus Tentacle" and "Sea Turtle" — you really feel the energy in her paintings.
And the color combinations of her watercolor paintings are so unique, so definitive, that you can look at one of her paintings and know that it is one of hers.
I also love how she is the kind of painter who allows the watercolors to kind of go wherever they want to go — those splotches and runs add another layer of character to paintings which are already full of character.
Kate Shephard
Poole Wave 1 by Kate Shephard
Sandbanks Wave 1 by Kate Shephard
Wave 1 by Kate Shephard
Kate Shephard is one painter who is definitely influenced by the sea. Living in a coastal area of Britain, she often chooses beach scenes for her paintings. "I feel especially inspired by the colours of the ocean and the constant tumbling of waves as well as the beach, sunsets by the sea and surfing as I see a lot of it in the harbour near where I live," she says.
And though she paints a wide variety of subjects (trust me), I've chosen to focus on her paintings of waves. There's just something beautiful and hypnotic in the way that she depicts those crashing waters. I'm hooked.
Lisa Nohren
Ocean Blues by Lisa Nohren
Navy Gold by Lisa Nohren
Blue Ripples by Lisa Nohren
As you may have noticed on this or other pages of Seashell Madness I am a big fan of well-executed beach abstract paintings — great paintings of beaches that aren't literally paintings of beaches. While I also love art that represents the beach in a realistic manner, there's a certain something about when an artist simply evokes the feel of the beach without actually showing a beach.
Artist Lisa Nohren is one painter who is particularly good at this sort of thing. A painting like "Ocean Blues" instantly transports me to a beach frame of mind. Instantly.
By the way, Lisa also works that same magic with floral abstracts, but of course I am kind of single-minded when it comes to the beach so I don't feature florals here. That's just me. But if you like great watercolor paintings of flowers, Lisa has some good ones that you should check out.
And "Blue Ripples?" Wonderful beach abstract art.
Alina Jelvez
Blue Abstract by Alina Jelvez
Ocean Abstract by Alina Jelvez
Beach Abstract by Alina Jelvez
Artist Alina Jelvez has quite a few ocean-inspired paintings. Many of her oil paintings — including "Ocean Abstract" — feature beautiful abstract depictions of coastlines and beaches. I love the soothing feeling of this one as the waves come rolling in gently, swirling in riptide after riptide.
Meanwhile, the tempestuousness of the ocean is evident in a work like "Blue Abstract," where you can almost feel the ocean reaching out its wild tentacles in this very different piece of coastal art.
"I love variation," says Alina, "And I like exploring and challenging my own artistic boundaries."
This is pretty apparent when you take a look at the varity of Alina's work. But, as I say, I'm a big fan of those ocean-themed abstract beach paintings. And I hope that she keeps them coming.
Cheryl Liston
A Moment in Time by Cheryl Liston
Peninsula View by Cheryl Liston
Harbour Lights by Cheryl Liston
There are some beach painters who are really good at painting the water of the ocean — Cheryl Liston is great at it. I can look at an ocean in one of her beach paintings — like the spectacular "Peninsula View" — and feel that same unexplainable pull that I feel when standing and looking out at the ocean in person.
Wonderful, wonderful coastal paintings.
"I have a particular love of painting the sea and all things coastal," says Cheryl, who specializes in painting the coasts of Britain, "There's something so uplifting about the vastness of the skyline sitting over the ocean. I love the colours of the ocean, the ever changing sky and the openness of the coastline."
And I love the way she paints that water. Yes I do.
Carol Fazio
Seventh Street Beach, Ocean City by Carol Fazio
Sea Spray by Carol Fazio
Waves for Days by Carol Fazio
I love the bold colors of the abstract beach painting "Seventh Street Beach, Ocean City" by Carol Fazio. And the way that the watercolors melt together to form the incoming waves just really pulls me in. About the inspiration for this painting, Fazio says, "My childhood vacations almost always took place on a little island called Ocean City in New Jersey. From looking for shells in the very early morning to Kohr Bros frozen custard on the boardwalk, it holds a special place in my heart and memory."
That early fascination with the beach certainly informs most of her work, as you can feel the shore calling in most of her abstract beach paintings — beachy art for sure.
Shelly Cox
Florida Palm by Shelly Cox
Sea Turtle by Shelly Cox
Big Sur by Shelly Cox
As I've stated once or twice on the pages of this website I am a big fan of watercolors when it comes to creating beach paintings or other ocean-inspired works, so it should come as no surprise that the watercolor paintings of Shelly Cox are on my favorites list.
"It takes me some time to decide what subject to paint," she says, "but every landscape has something special. It might be the beauty of the water, the color of the trees, or just the setting in which it takes place which is many times on my bucket list to visit!"
Works like her painting of a sea turtle really connect with me (I also have a thing for sea turtles) and I love how the gentle flow of the watercolors fits in with the gentle flow of these giant creatures.
Cecile Rancourt
Scuba Diver by Cecile Rancourt
Crashing Waves by Cecile Rancourt
Beach Clouds by Cecile Rancourt
Cecile Rancourt is an artist who paints in many different styles, and produces wonderful works in all of them. A cancer survivor who took up painting as therapy over a decade ago, Rancourt says, "When I paint I feel energy. I get my inspirations from everything around me."
She has many ocean-themed watercolor paintings and I'm in love with pretty much every one of them. Cecile is one of those painters who manages to get wonderful emotions out of watercolors, no matter what the subject matter.
I really enjoy her depictions of crashing waves and beach clouds, but I have to say that her "Scuba Diver" has quickly become one of my favorite ocean themed paintings — the flow of the work and the colors used are simply amazing.
Julia Bars
Yachts by Julia Bars
Abstract Coastal by Julia Bars
Silence I by Julia Bars
I am fascinated by colors, textures and shapes," says painter Julia Bars, "and the emotions they awake in me and others." Which, in my opinion is exactly the sort of attitude that it takes to make a great abstract painting. You see, some people may think that abstracts are just random paint, but that's simply not true — in order to create a really great abstract painting you have to feel it.
And Julia has created quite a few really great ocean-themed abstract paintings. You can most definitely tell that when it comes to painting the ocean in abstract, she really feels it.
Kristen Boydstun
Shoreline by Kristen Boydstun
Race! by Kristen Boydstun
Morning Stroll by Kristen Boydstun
I get a real thrill when I see something which is in a style that I've not seen before, and I definitely got that thrill when I encountered the work of Kristen Boydstun. The minimalist nature of these beach scenes really caught my eye. For instance I love how in the painting "Shoreline" there are just these minimalist figures frolicking around a gentle curve. Though this painting lacks many of the beach theme conventions — like lots of blue for instance — it doesn't need them. You don't need any more than those figures on a curve to know that you are looking at a scene of beachgoers heading into the ocean.
Says Kristen, "My work is heavily inspired by my husband's hometown on the Mediterranean coast in Italy." And knowing that, I can clearly see it now. This is most definitely Mediterranean beach inspired art.
Sometimes it's amazing what a few simply strokes of a paintbrush can accomplish.
Michelle Mospens
Beach Girl by Michelle Mospens
West Coast California Beach by Michelle Mospens
Hilton Head by Michelle Mospens
The first painting of Michelle Mospens' that I saw was "Beach Girl," and I was immediately hooked. First, her use of watercolors is exceptional (by the way, she has a whole amazing line of watercolor floral paintings) and there was something about this scene that she depicts with "Beach Girl" that really got me. It evokes those feelings of peace and calm that happen when you get a chance to simply sit at the beach and stare out at the ocean.
Michelle says she is "about creating a cheerful experience through her original watercolor illustrations. My mission is to create whimsical artwork for all who cherish positive vibes and fine art. Whether you are a gardener dreaming up your next garden or prefer to relax on the shore."
With beach theme paintings like the above, I feel like she is accomplishing her goal.
Beach inspired art, indeed!
Lynn Fogel
Carpinteria Bluff's Morning Glow by Lynn Fogel
Hollister Ranch by Lynn Fogel
Point Reyes by Lynn Fogel
There's an added thrill when you see a great work of art that is also representative of a place you know well. That's the thrill I got the first time I saw "Carpinteria Bluff's Morning Glow" by Lynn Fogel. For those who may not know, Carpinteria is the home of Seashell Madness and I can tell you the exact spot that Lynn would have set up her easel for this painting.
Setting aside the hometown gushing for a moment though, if you are looking for a wonderful seascape painting of California's Central Coast, then here is the artist for you. I've often referred to the coastline in that area of California as feeling both wild and tame at the same time — where jagged cliffs overshadow beaches of the finest-grained sand your toes will ever feel — and Lynn has a way of capturing that essence in paints.
I love it.
Yao Cheng
Ocean Waves in Blue by Yao Cheng
Ocean No. 3 by Yao Cheng
Beach No. 2 by Yao Cheng
If you've spent much time looking around the Seashell Madness website, you know that I'm a fan of abstract art that brings about a beach feel to it. And as you can see in the above samples, the abstract works of Yao Cheng do just that.
By the way, Yao does much more than just abstracts (her floral watercolors are really quite stunning) and maybe it's that she can do other forms of painting that makes her abstract oceans so good. And good they are.
"My passion for painting began when I was a child, it is how I relate to and understand the world around me," she says. "Over a decade ago, I first discovered watercolor and the immediate joy it can bring to the painting process." And that joy definitely shows in the quality of her work.
Danny Phillips
Ain't it Fun by Danny Phillips
Pier Pressure by Danny Phillips
Stylin' Umbrella by Danny Phillips
"My desire in art focuses on authenticity, age, and the historical relevance of objects in places and how they trigger our memories and emotions," says mixed-media artist Danny Phillips, "I'm trying to create a saturated memory."
I personally think that he succeeds in his goal. I really enjoy how these collages pull together so many different elements (I particularly like his use of thick lines of paint atop wood for backgrounds) to create a verifiable beach vibe. You definitely think "beach" when you look at these works. And for me, that's a wonderful thing.
Peter Lee
Laguna Beach Walk by Peter Lee
Beach Walk by Peter Lee
Laguna Beach California by Peter Lee
I love the candid nature of the beach paintings of Peter Lee. You really get a feel for the scene in his work. For instance, I really enjoy how in "Laguna Beach Walk" he has capured a fairly low-key normal scene (a woman walking her dog) so effectively. Just a woman and her dog at the beach. But it really pulls you in, doesn't it?
Rain Townsend
Open Waters by Rain Townsend
The Link by Rain Townsend
The Wave by Rain Townsend
The thing that I really like about the ocean-themed abstract beaches by Rain Townsend is that the waters are, well, calm. While I do enjoy ocean painters who like to show the action and the violence of the sea, there is something calming and meditative about being on a shore and staring out at an ocean. And that is conveyed perfectly in Rain's paintings.
Leigh Barry Nodar
Fenwick by Leigh Barry Nodar
Sanpipers by Leigh Barry Nodar
Beach Sunrise by Leigh Barry Nodar
Watercolors definitely make for some of the best beach paintings around, and artist Leigh Barry Nodar most definitely has the right stuff when it comes to watercolor beach paintings. "Watercolor has always been a great passion for me and I find inspiration for painting literally everywhere!" she says.
I love the subtlety she uses in her watercolor work, the way that the colors softly blend together is great use of the watercolor technique and gives Leigh's work a subtle, peaceful tone. Like in the painting "Fenwick" I really enjoy how the shadows from the fence play along the footprint-divots on the sand. Or the way the sunlight melts against the water in "Beach Sunrise." It's wonderful.
Michal Sparks
Beach Umbrella Shade by Michal Sparks
Beach Chairs by Michal Sparks
Palm Tree by Michal Sparks
I was really blown away when I first saw the painting "Beach Umbrella Shade" by Michal Sparks. I love that it has the feel of both a sketch and a watercolor at the same time. And all of that blue!
"I have been fortunate enough to not only have grown up in the art world but have a career that has allowed me to paint, design, and illustrate," says Michal. "My art is a never ending journey, I am always creating new pieces and discovering new methods and ideas."
Here is a coastal artist who knows how to do it right. Personally, I feel that her journey is going to all of the right places and I look forward to whatever form of art Michal comes up with next (especially if there's lots of blue!).
Kateryna Lemesheva
Palm Tree Hawaii by Kateryna Lemesheva
California by Kateryna Lemesheva
Seascape by Kateryna Lemesheva
Although Kateryna Lemesheva covers a wide range of subject matter in her oil paintings (she's pretty prolific!) I am especially drawn to her seascapes, beach scenes and similar coastal themed art. I love that she manages to bring quite a bit of brightness and joy into her work.
A work like "Palm Tree Hawaii" manages to bring a depth of feeling to the subject matter. I love the choice of colors in this painting, and the way that the sunset is peeking through the palm trees is just breathtaking.
"Art is my life and I want to share that," she says. "I love traveling and it inspires me to come up with new ideas for my artworks. I usually paint in my art studio or outdoors when I travel."
Geraldine Burles
Mersey Island Beach Huts by Geraldine Burles
Wells-Next-the-Sea Beach Huts by Geraldine Burles
St Ives Cornwall by Geraldine Burles
Sometimes precision can come off as cold, but that is certainly not the case in the paintings of Geraldine Burles. Her depictions of seaside towns have very clean and precise lines and a feel that every single element of the subject matter is in focus, and yet there is a definite feeling of freedom in the paintings.
"I love drawing beautiful old towns and villages, as well as beaches and coastal areas," she says. "I have always loved the retro travel art of the 1930s and wanted to capture their beauty with a contemporary twist, using my own style of drawing."
And by the way, all those crisp, clean lines? There's not a bit of photoshop or digital trickery there, just meticulous painting technique. How fantastic is that?
Joe Giuffrida
Long Island by Joe Giuffrida
Fire Island Beach by Joe Giuffrida
Block Island by Joe Giuffrida
"My paintings are mostly impressionistic," says painter Joe Giuffrida, "and try to capture a feeling, an impression that will hopefully go beyond just the intellectual appreciation for what is seen by the naked eye."
I personally feel that Joe has achieved this goal in his coastal themed art. For instance, his wonderful use of watercolors, oils and acrylics when depicting beach and ocean scenes really brings up quite a bit more emotion than just the images in the scene would evoke. For instance his depiction of "Block Island" definitely evokes a sort of serene, almost melancholy, feel so effectively. There's no way that a photograph from that spot would evoke such emotions, but Joe manages to make them real.
Michael David Sorensen
The Morning Walk by Michael David Sorensen
Pacific Mist by Michael David Sorensen
Pacific City, Oregon by Michael David Sorensen
Sunlight and water often go togther. The way that light plays upon the water or filters through the trees which grow near water is a wonderful thing to see in real life. So when we are talking about artistic depictions of those scenes, the ability to capture that special interaction of water and sunlight is a great skill to have.
And artist Michael David Sorensen definitely has that skill. For instance, just look at the way that the light comes through the early moring palm trees in "The Morning Walk." It's just stunning.
And he uses that skill on most of his beach-themed paintings and coastal-themed paintings. It really works.
Lynn Marie Jones
Ocean Fury by Lynn Marie Jones
Peaceful Shores by Lynn Marie Jones
Hay Stack Rock by Lynn Marie Jones
"I use nature to show me the wide range painting has to offer," say impressionistic painter Lynn Marie Jones. And I, for one am in awe of the way that she has combined nature and painting to produce some amazing emotions. When I first saw her painting "Ocean Fury," I was floored. More than just a wave crashing upon a rock, I feel like that solitary rock is a character and I can feel its eternal struggle with the ocean.
"Painting is a release and a motivating process. I truly believe that art heals the soul," she says. And that spirit of release is most definitely felt in her ocean-themed artwork.
Ken Harris
Summer in Huntingon Beach by Ken Harris
Newport Pier by Ken Harris
Newport Harbor Morning by Ken Harris
There's just something about watercolor paintings that works really well when rendering the ocean. There's a connection with the water of the ocean and the water of the paintings which, when done right, makes this the perfect medium for painting beach scenes.
Luckily, Ken Harris is one beach artist who knows how to do it right. The feel of the water that he gets into his paintings definitely draws you in. And I admit that, as someone who's beach experience is mostly Southern and Central California coasts, I love the depictions of the Newport, Huntington areas.
And again, the waves are just perfect.
Dolores Robak
Emerald Coast by Dolores Robak
Coastal Agate (diptych) by Dolores Robak
Amethyst Currents by Dolores Robak
Dolores Robak is another of those coastal painters who works in all sorts of styles (her watercolor paintings of horses and cats are really great!). So when she turns her brushes toward something abstract, the results are pretty compelling and what we end up with is one of the most fantastic abstract beach paintings.
Works like "Emeral Coast" and "Amethyst Currents" really evoke the feel of being near a coast. I love the feel of the waves rippling toward the shoreline. This is actually much harder to accomplish than you would think. You need more than just a few squiggly lines to portray the ocean in abstract, you need a special artistic "something else," which Dolores definitely has, as she is definitely one of the best beach painters in abstract.
Natallia Siarozhankina
Friendship by Natallia Siarozhankina
Lady Wave by Natallia Siarozhankina
View on Sicily by Natallia Siarozhankina
Although I don't usually put relative newcomers on a best-of list, I was really impressed with the beach-themed artwork of Natallia Siarozhankina. She simply does some great paintings of beaches. Take, for instance, "Lady Wave"" — you can almost feel a sense of this woman melting into the sea. And I find myself wondering if she is melting into the sea out of joy or despair. I love paintings that touch me that way and make me wonder about the story connected to them.
Says Natallia, "My paintings are part of my soul and emotions, which are mixed with the image on the canvas! I'm hope my panitings give warmth, kindness, love, passion,, tenderness and positive emotions!"
Best Beach Paintings from the Best Beach Painters
Thanks for reading through what I think at the Best Beach Painters on Etsy. If you liked this article, please share it on your social. Thanks!
Written by Renee
