Choosing Art for Coastal Spaces
What Painting is right for your new beach house?
Your space does not need to have sea-shells, dead coral, or anchors to express a coastal atmosphere.
In fact, your art does not have to reference the ocean at all, but rather feel like a space nearby.
Here is what I recommend looking for when searching for that new art piece to add to your life:
Leave Literal Imagery Behind.
Rather than sandy motifs search for the movement between the positive and negative spaces.
Find the subtle contrast between subjects, shapes, or scenes. Choose Natural color settings.
Art that hints towards water tends to express better than art that announces it.
Scale Matters More Than Subject
For coastal and open spaces you want paintings that fulfill the space acting as an anchor.
A strong single piece creates serenity whereas multiple small paintings clutter and distract.
When Small Paintings Work Best:
Small paintings are often neglected and used in the wrong context.
When they are established properly, they elevate the space to feel refined, personal, connected and collected.
Use Smaller Works for:
Transitional spaces
hallways, stair landings, entry nooks, powder rooms, reading corners, hidden walls.
these spaces benefit from discovery.
Layering Not Anchoring
Small Paintings work best as part of a set
Combine a pair or trio with some breathing room.
Combine with sculptural objects and shelving
They are accents not the main event.
The Goal is Intimacy
small works of art are great at inviting people closer; they are ideal for:
Bedrooms
Quiet Corners
Spaces meant for slowing down and relaxing.
in coastal homes, these works feel personal and found - not installed.
You Are Starting a Collection
many collectors start with smaller paintings.
Why?
Small works are approachable, flexible and easy to live with. They pave the way to larger collectors items.
How I Design in the 9 x 12 scale:
I do not scale down larger works - I design specifically for the purpose of rewarding attentiveness.
I paint them with balance, movement and restraint to reveal more the longer you live with them.
My paintings ask you to step towards them inviting you into my mind as an artist capturing the coastal community around me.
