Ships at sea

(C) 2017 Dale DiMauro

There are some amazing marine painters producing inspiring work at their easels. Amongst others, I admire the work of Carl Evers and Jim Griffiths. Carl Evers was a master at portraying water and the many moods of the sea while Jim Griffiths captures historically accurate vessels from a different era with a fresh perspective. 

Both artists have been affiliated with the American Society of Marine Artists(A.S.M.A.) which paint historically accurate pictures of ships during their heyday based on considered research. There seem to be a limited number of these painters who work in watercolor. However, they are quite impressive.

In that vein, I was eager to attempt an ocean scene of my own, not expecting to achieve their prowess any time soon. From my own experience I do enjoy the atmospheric effects one experiences when in coastal Maine down by the docks or in a protected inlet. When you add the rich smells of the sea and the sounds of the coastal birds you can begin to imagine all kinds of history. 

Watercolor is a natural medium to capture the atmospheric effects of fog descending upon a ship or the last light of day.