Art has the profound ability to touch our emotions, and few genres do this as strikingly as coastal wall art. From the serene to the tumultuous and dramatic, images of the coast bring the majesty of the sea into our homes and hearts. There exists a unique emotional resonance surrounding coastal wall art, and I want to examine how (and why) it can transform our moods and living spaces for the better.
The Allure of the Coast
The coast has always been a subject of fascination in art, capturing the intersection of land, sea, and sky. Renowned artists like J.M.W. Turner, known for his expressive colorizations and moody maritime paintings, have long depicted the sea's dramatic and tranquil moods. Turner's works, such as 'The Fighting Temeraire' (pictured below) not only showcase the sea's beauty but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection. These elements are inherent in coastal art, appealing to our deepest emotions.
You only have to open your favorite meditation app to see how close to our hearts the coastline is, as there are plenty of ocean soundscapes that offer us the tantalizing illusion of sitting on our favorite beach as we meditate or drift ourselves off to sleep. Almost all of humankind have a deep lust for all things coastal, which is why this theme of wall art has been deeply popular throughout the ages.
Coastal Art in Interior Design
In interior design, coastal art can create a serene and inviting atmosphere. The soothing blues and soft tones found in Claude Monet's beach scenes, for example, can introduce tranquility and calm into a room. At Offley Green our Malibu, Santa Monica and Venice Beach coastal art collections favor light blues and warm sandy tones that evoke the nostalgia of California’s glorious past. Like Monet and Turner, we use these colors to bring calm to a space which can positively influence the mood if you take a moment to reflect.
The Emotional Spectrum of Coastal Scenes
Different coastal scenes evoke different emotions. A tranquil beach at sunrise, like our ‘Boardwalk Palms’ Venice Beach print (pictured below) can instill a sense of peace and new beginnings. In contrast, Winslow Homer's "The Gulf Stream" depicts a turbulent sea, evoking feelings of awe and respect for nature's power. In our own coastal wall art collection, we have similar juxtapositions between our soothing Southern California wall art collection and our more dramatic depictions of the awe-inspiring Big Sur coastline. These diverse emotional responses illustrate why coastal art is so versatile and compelling.
Incorporating Coastal Art for Well-being
Coastal art also plays a role in enhancing well-being by bringing elements of nature into our living spaces. Works like Hiroshi Sugimoto's seascapes, with their minimalist horizon lines, can induce meditative states and mental clarity. Our ocean print ‘Soothing Blue Sea’ (pictured below) is directly inspired by Sugimoto’s works. This approach aligns with biophilic design principles, which suggest that connecting with nature can have therapeutic effects.
The Therapeutic Power of Coastal Imagery
Studies have shown that nature imagery, including coastal scenes, can reduce stress and improve mental health. For instance, the serene coastal photographs by Ansel Adams can transport the viewer to a place of quiet and contemplation, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The frequent incorporation of such art in therapeutic settings such as medical offices underscores its calming effects.
"Every time I view the sea, I feel a calming sense of security, as if visiting my ancestral home; I embark on a voyage of seeing." - Hiroshi Sugimoto
Selecting the Right Coastal Art for Your Space
When choosing coastal art, it's important to select pieces that resonate with you personally. For example, if you are drawn to the dynamic energy of the sea, a piece like our Surf and Rocks print from out Big Sur collection might appeal to you. Conversely, if you prefer a more tranquil depiction of the coastline, you might lean towards the softer, more impressionistic scenes of our ‘Sail Boats Approaching’ nautical print, or the serene coastal landscape of our ‘Point Dume’ print.
Coastal wall art has a unique power to evoke emotions and create atmospheres, from tranquility and peace to awe and respect for nature's forces. By considering the emotional impact of these pieces, you can choose art that not only beautifies your space but also enhances your mood and emotional well-being.
Offley Green has a diverse collection of Coastal Photographic Artwork that caters to both the serene, and the dramatic. Shop our collection of framed, canvas and matted prints to bring the healing power of coastal art into your home or office.
