I have always loved ocean artwork. I am especially drawn to a certain bold and sinuous style of ocean art which conveys the movement and power of the sea. This style is encapsulated in the works of Ukiyo-e printmaking, found in the artwork of Arthur Rackham, and present in the works of various modern artists. You will find some examples of these below.
The Ocean in Ukiyo-e Art
Ukiyo-e is a genre of woodblock prints (or woodcuts) and paintings produced between the 17th and the 20th centuries in Japan. The word translated, literally means “pictures of the floating world”…and though not all Ukiyo-e prints involve water, those that do often capture it’s movement and tension stunningly.
Two of of the most famous Ukiyo-e artists were Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige. Below are examples of their treatment of ocean waves.
Two of of the most famous Ukiyo-e artists were Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige. Below are examples of their treatment of ocean waves.
Anime
Anime is a style of animation originating in Japan (although it has come to also mean any style of art which mimics this form). In Anime I see the influence of the Ukiyo printmakers. It has the same bold lines, and the same powerful sense of motion…even when the Anime artwork is not in animated form. See an example below:
Ocean Art by Arthur Rackham
Ocean art with a similar style to the Ukiyo printmakers can be found around the world, not just in Japan. English artist Arthur Rackham’s illustration are an excellent example. His waves are very reminiscent of Ukiyo-e prints, both in style and presentation. While the colors are softer, there is the same striation of the waves, and the same sense of motion that you see in the prints by Hokusai.
Do you like this style of ocean art? Know of any more examples? Please share in a comment!
Do you like this style of ocean art? Know of any more examples? Please share in a comment!
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