In the early 20th century, a small fishing village in St Ives, Cornwall, was home to a very special artist. Alfred Wallis was born in Devon and lived in various coastal towns, including Devonport and Penzance, before settling in St Ives. Alfred Wallis was a self-taught painter who had no formal artistic training and began painting at the age of 70. In his early life, he had a working background as a fisherman and in other manual trades, including jobs as a cabin boy and cook, later taking on odd jobs to make ends meet. Wallis painted from memory and imagination, often depicting port landscapes and shipping scenes inspired by his maritime experiences. 

From crashing waves to calm horizons, the sea has long stirred the imagination of artists. Its power, beauty, and ever-changing moods have inspired some of the most iconic works in art history. In this article, we examine how renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Hokusai, and Claude Monet depicted the ocean in their works. Leonardo da Vinci even created a bird's-eye view of the coastline in 1515, demonstrating an aerial perspective of the Earth's geography.

Let's take a deep dive into how renowned paintings and famous artworks have inspired filmmakers, artists, and other creatives throughout history. We will explore how inspired paintings and masterpieces have sparked the imagination of creatives in many creative industries, from Shutter Island's reference to 'The Kiss' painting, to Django Unchained's costume design inspired by Francis Bacon's 'Head VI',how Marc Chagall inspired a John Dyer painting that formed the centre of the artist's wedding to Joanne Short and the fantastic makeup of artist Lexie Lazear.