Stormy Seas & Calming Seas – Two Sides of the Ocean’s Story

The ocean has always fascinated me—its unpredictability, its power, and the way it can shift from chaos to serenity in what feels like an instant. That contrast is exactly what I wanted to explore with these two paintings: Stormy Seas and Calming Seas.

Stormy Seas came first. I wanted to capture the raw energy of a restless ocean, waves crashing in deep inky blues and blacks, surging with movement and intensity. Using texture paste and acrylics on A5 canvas board, I built up layers to create depth, mimicking the way the sea churns in a storm. The painting is moody, dramatic, and full of motion—one that pulls you in and makes you feel the power of nature at its most untamed.

Then came Calming Seas, the natural counterpart. This piece represents that quiet moment after the storm, when the sea, though still dark and brooding, begins to settle. The same rich blues, blacks, and whites are there, but this time, they balance each other more gently. The texture remains, drawing you into the details, but the energy shifts—it’s more about reflection and peace rather than turbulence.

Both paintings are framed in a simple grey mottled frame, without glass, so the texture can take centre stage. The depth of the layers is what really brings these pieces to life, and I wanted them to be fully experienced without a barrier.

Although these originals have now found their homes, I love revisiting the process behind them. The sea will always be a source of inspiration for me, and if you’re drawn to this kind of work, I’d love to create something just for you.

Commissions are open, and I’d be happy to work on a piece that captures the mood, movement, and texture that speaks to you.

Feel free to reach out, or follow along on Instagram: @jadesart to see more of my work and behind-the-scenes process.

Let’s create something beautiful together.