
Above: Detail from Cornish artist Joanne Short's seaside print of Polruan and Fowey in Cornwall. Buy online
Introduction to Seaside Art
Seaside art is a genre that beautifully encapsulates the serene and vibrant essence of coastal life. From the calming blues of the ocean waves to the lively hues of beachside activities, seaside art reflects the natural splendour of the coast. Our collection of seaside art prints draws inspiration from the breathtaking coastlines of Cornwall and beyond. Each print is meticulously crafted to bring the tranquillity and charm of the seaside into your living space. Whether you’re aiming to infuse your home with a touch of beach house elegance or simply wish to escape to a coastal paradise, our seaside art prints are the perfect choice to transform your environment.
Seaside Art
The John Dyer Gallery in Falmouth, Cornwall has a large collection of paintings of the seaside. The gallery also offers limited edition seaside prints created by artist Laura Wall. All three of our gallery artists, John Dyer, Ted Dyer have been painting the Cornish seaside art for many years. Our gallery has a large range of paintings,posters, and prints of the stunning Cornish coastline.
“I love painting the coast. I am lucky enough to call Cornwall my home and spent much of my childhood enjoying time at the beach and in the sea. I loved going to the seaside; painting it now is a joy. For me, my love of the coast is highlighted by the beauty of the wildflowers that grow along the cliffs in Cornwall. Capturing the changing seasons through the variety and changing natural colour palette of the clifftops is one of my main focuses when painting.”
Joanne Short
In her remarkable painting of Godrevy lighthouse, Joanne captures the radiance and hues of a balmy spring sunset. The boats circle the lighthouse while the colourful flowers sway on the cliffs above in the gentle breeze. With its entrancing selection of colours, this artwork evokes special memories from carefree holidays spent by Cornwall’s seaside.
What are paintings of the ocean called?
Paintings of the sea and ocean are generally called ‘seascapes’. Historically, artists have often been attracted to the coast for their inspiration. There is a constant change of light and colour, which adds interest to an artist’s palette and subsequent painting.
Above: Ted Dyer Fine Art Print. Open Edition Cornish Art Print. 'Early Morning Calm, Falmouth Waterfront'. Buy online.
When there is a focus on boats and ships at sea, the work is referred to as ‘Maritime art’. Over the years Ted Dyer has often focused his art around sailing boats and yachts.
In this image, artist Ted Dyer captures the soft light of an early morning on the river Fal. The misty light in this painting creates a feeling of tranquillity and calm.
Above: Ted Dyer Fine Art Print. Open Edition Cornish Art Print. 'Summer Sailing, Falmouth'. Buy online.
This seaside painting, however, although based on the same subject, is clear and bright and creates more of an uplifting, joyful feeling of summer holidays and sailing on the river. The uniqueness and quality of these artworks are further enhanced by the fact that many of them are original paintings, offering distinctive pieces that cater to various interior styles.
How do you find artistic inspiration?
Above: Cornish artist John Dyer creates a seaside painting of the coast of Tresco.
When asked how he finds his artistic inspiration, Cornish artist John Dyer replied:
“I have always been inspired by the joy of nature, the amazing colours of the seaside, the extraordinary that hides in the ordinary, the fun and life of being on the beach and watching people enjoying the sea, architectural plants and bright flowers, dogs and cats, fishing boats and sailing boats and blue skies and sunny days. Inspiration is all around me; I have to paint it.”
John Dyer
Beach house art captures the essence of coastal living and provides inspiration, evoking a sense of serenity and the beauty of seaside landscapes.
Above: A selection of coastal seaside beach house art prints in a beach room setting. Explore our open-edition prints online.
Who are the British sea artists?
Throughout history, artists have used their brushes to immortalize the majestic beauty of Britain’s seaside. For centuries, the awe-inspiring beaches and seascapes of Britain’s coastline, especially in Cornwall, have been a source of endless inspiration for artists.
Possibly the most famous British seascape painter is J. M. W. Turner, who spent his career trying to capture the character of the sea with his energetic seaside paintings.
Turner’s most famous paintings are part imagination (and emotion) and part reality. A mixture of imagination, emotion and reality makes a painting a true work of art.
A number of contemporary British sea artists have made a significant contribution to the genre. Cornish seaside artists Joanne Short, Ted Dyer, and John Dyer are well known for their unique depictions and reactions to the sea.
Above: 'Sunshine and Sea Life at Castle Beach, Falmouth'. 33x40 inches original art acrylic on board by John Dyer. Available to buy online.
These three artists are based in Falmouth, Cornwall and have all been inspired by the beauty of the Cornish sea throughout their lives. They explore themes such as life on the coast, fishing boats, fun on the beach, sailing boats and the wildlife and plants around the coast. They all capture the essence of their subjects and the essence of the seaside in their paintings.
Above: Ted Dyer framed an open-edition fine-art print of Tresco shown in three different framing styles to fit a beach house seaside-themed interior. Buy online.
Beach house art prints by these artists can enhance modern interiors with a coastal theme, offering a warm, inviting beach house feel.
Featured Artists
Our collection of seaside art prints proudly showcases the work of talented artists who are deeply passionate about capturing coastal beauty. From well-established names to emerging talents, our featured artists are dedicated to creating unique and original pieces that truly reflect the essence of the seaside. Each artist brings their own perspective and technique, resulting in a diverse and captivating collection. Discover the stories, inspirations, and creative processes behind their art, and find the perfect piece that resonates with your love for the coast.
Cornish Beaches and Villages
Cornwall is celebrated for its stunning coastline, picturesque villages, and rich cultural history. Our collection of Cornish beach art prints beautifully showcases the unique charm of this remarkable region. From the iconic vistas of St. Ives to the quaint fishing villages of Mousehole and Polperro, our prints capture the essence of Cornwall’s coastal allure. Each print is thoughtfully crafted to transport you to the sun-drenched beaches, rugged cliffs, and charming villages that make Cornwall so beloved. Explore our collection and bring a piece of Cornwall’s coastal magic into your home.
Buy your perfect seaside art and seaside painting online
Above: 'Summer Swimmers, Penzance', 24x36 inches acrylic on board. Cornwall Art Gallery Painting by Cornish Artist John Dyer. Buy online
We have a unique collection of seaside art in stock that you can purchase online. Discover your perfect painting or art print to transform your walls and enhance your home decor with a beach house aesthetic.
Here are four popular seaside painting examples available as open-edition art prints. These are all museum-quality reproductions of well-known seaside art that can last 100+ years in perfect conditions, so they can last a lifetime and will bring the sea into your home every day.
Above: John Dyer Framed Open Edition Cornish Fine Art Print. Falmouth Tall Ships Races 2023. Buy online.
Above: John Dyer Framed Open Edition Cornish Fine Art Print. 'Cornish Springtime, St Michael's Mount'. Buy online.
Above: Ted Dyer Fine Art Print. Open Edition Cornish Art Print. 'Afternoon on the Beach. St Ives'. Buy online.
Above: Joanne Short Framed Open Edition Cornish Garden Art Print. 'A Garden of Colourful Delights, Tresco'. Buy online.
Discover a seaside painting for your home
All of the original seaside seascape paintings currently available in the gallery can be seen below. Beach house art prints can enhance the coastal theme in home decor, creating a serene atmosphere. Read more about seascape paintings on our blog.