Maritime Art - The Lure of the Sea

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Decorating with maritime art can create a unique and powerful ambiance in any room. The lure of the sea is a cross-cultural phenomenon. Although seascapes and the ocean are usually symbolic of serenity, the ocean can also be threatening. Calm seas can become stormy in a matter of moments. The ocean has also traditionally been symbolic of the feminine side of life. Sailors refer to the sea as a lover or a lady.

Water is generally considered to be a symbol of the emotions. Water has always been symbolic of the highest good in life and the source of life. Agricultural people worshipped water in the form of rivers, clouds, mist and rain. In the West, water is symbolized by the colors blue, teal and aqua.

In the East, water is symbolized by the colors black and navy blue. Water is also symbolized by the dragon, one of the most ancient and popular of Chinese sacred animals. Rain is often symbolic of tears. Dreams in which water and rain are prominent can mean many things: rejuvenation, cleansing, overwhelming emotions, depression, or fear.

Ships are traditional symbols of the Christian church. The symbol may have originated with Noah's ark, which protected God's faithful during the flood. In the New Testament, Jesus' calming of the storm reinforced ships as symbols of safety and refuge. Later Church theologians compared the church as a whole to a ship, and the cross of the crucifixion to the mast of a ship. Incidentally, The central seating area of a cathedral is called the "nave," which is Latin for "ship."

The romance of Britain's sea-history led many artists to devote their entire careers to maritime subjects. Writers also penned innumerable novels and accounts of the heroic deeds of sailors, not to mention the extensive body of lore surrounding pirates.

British artists favored pen and ink and watercolor for their maritime subjects. The ever-changing sea seemed best captured in a medium that required the artist to work quickly and accurately. Eventually artists learned to depict the boiling, rolling waves in oil and heavier mediums through layering and the use of opaque highlights.

Shores, bays and peninsulas near large bodies of water have a long history as settings for romance, rejuvenation and pondering the mysteries of life. The blue of the ocean and the sky are cooling and relaxing, reminding us of the peace and calmness of night. Most design motifs associated with blue are smooth, flowing patterns. Blue tends to be connected to asymmetrical, free-form and curved images such as ocean waves or meandering streams. Blue skies are emblematic of optimism and better opportunities.

Try a seascape or piece of maritime art in your home or office to experience the power and majesty of the ocean on a daily basis. After all, when a blue sky reigns over a blue ocean, life is at its best!

Kathleen Karlsen is a professional artist, writer and design consultant residing in Bozeman, Montana. Kathleen is best known for her contemporary impressionism style and her colorful forest, landscape and flower paintings. Kathleen's original art and fine art gifts can be seen at http://www.livingartsoriginals.com For an extensive article about flower symbolism see http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/infoflowersymbolism.htm To see a selection of Kathleen's flower paintings, please visit http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/originalfloralart.htm

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