Breaking waves painting ‘Rolling into Shore’ by Kate Ferguson
This week’s artwork of the week is realistic sea painting by Kate Ferguson. Kate’s has used acrylic on a box canvas at 30 x 30 cm (12” x 12”) and is varnished and ready to hang.
The artwork depicts breaking waves on a tranquil beach and sea with a blue sky above. It is very realistic, I can almost feel the calmness and sounds of the sea, just looking at the painting.
Kate has painted the edges of the canvas with a continuation of the scene, which is really effective. However, it can still be framed or hung as it is. Personally, I like to see those detailed edges, which are quite unique.
Here are Kate’s words about her work
I was born within a mile of the sea and it is something I love to paint. When I paint the sea I’m carried away to my ‘happy place’. This original painting reminds me of a summer’s day on the beach, watching the waves as they break and gently roll towards the shore. I have aimed to capture the light reflecting on the breaking waves and to provide a sense of movement in the water between the waves and the beach. It is painted using a brush and palette knife and I have continued the painting around the sides of the canvas for effect. Two coats of varnish have been applied for added UV protection and a canvas hanger is attached.
About the Artist
I was fortunate to grow up in South West Cornwall, which exposed me to art from a very young age. Influences from Lamorna, the Newlyn School and St Ives were all virtually on my doorstep. I loved creating art and enjoyed the kudos of being ‘arty’. But life eventually led me down another path and, despite dabbling here and there along the way, I had little time to devote to art until about 10 years ago. Better late than never I say!
Like many artists, I find my inspiration in nature and I originally started out as a wildlife artist (which I’d briefly studied at art college). However, the sea and landscapes have become much more of a focus lately. My style ranges from the highly detailed realism of animal portraiture, to lose, flowing seascapes, aimed at capturing the movement of the ocean.
I spend part of my time working on commissions for private clients (UK and overseas) and the rest producing paintings which are mainly sold through online galleries. I like to support my local art community by exhibiting my work in annual events and I’ve even been invited to talk about my work on local radio a couple of times, which was great fun.
Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy looking at my work.
Questions to the Artist
First, do you produce your artworks from photographs, life, or both?
Both. To paint a realistic seascape I think it helps to have spent time watching the ocean, to understand the formation of the waves and how they break onto the shore. I often use photos as a reference when painting, but I also paint from imagination.
How do you manage to create such realism in your seascapes – especially the waves which look so realistic?
I’m a bit of a perfectionist and spend a lot of time on each of my paintings. I originally learned to draw and paint from observation, looking at form, colour, perspective, light and shade and so on. This definitely helps when painting the sea.
I acrylic your favourite medium to paint with – have you tried any others?
Acrylic is currently my favourite medium for painting on canvas. I’ve tried many mediums over the years, but mostly watercolours, pastels and acrylics.
Finally, I can see you also painting animals and still life. Is any in particular subject your favourite and why?
I don’t think I have a particular favourite, although I do seem to have painted a lot of hares. I’ve always been intrigued by this elusive creature, only rarely having seen one in the wild. I particularly enjoy the challenge of capturing the movement of a running hare.
