Into the Blue

by Lance Hewison

My newest exhibition explores the maritime world with monochromatic, dreamlike vignettes that evoke a sense of longing and connection to the sea and nautical themes. Painted entirely by hand with oil paint, the artworks also draw inspiration from 19th-century cyanotype photography, with its stark contrasts and rich Prussian blue palette.

The original artworks as well as high quality giclée prints are available for collectors here on my website. When browsing the shop, select either "original" or "print" when adding to your cart.

I. Nautilus

Nautical painting of chambered nautilus shell in blue pigments by artist Lance Hewison

oil on panel, 2024

40 x 30 cm
Purchase the Original or Limited Edition Print

This painting depicts a cross section of the nautilus's chambered shell. Aside from the shell's mesmerizing geometry, this sea creature is fascinating for another reason: it has survived more or less unchanged for over 500 million years, making the nautilus a 'living fossil'.

II. Amphora

oil on canvas, 2024

65 x 51 cm
available for purchase

Amphora was inspired by an Etruscan vase (c. 325 BC) that was decorated with sea creatures; some real, some mythological hybrids. It was excavated from the archaeological site of Vulci located in central Italy. A reminder of our ancient and mysterious human past.

Left to right: Monastery on Amorgos, Amphora

III. Nostos (Homecoming)

oil on panel, 2024
100 x 67 cm
available for purchase

Nostos comes from Ancient Greek meaning 'to return home'. It's where we get our word nostalgic, too. A silhouette of a 19th century ship looms on the horizon, a nod to the importance of seafaring throughout human history. The piece suggests a sense of adventure out on the open sea, and the inevitable homecoming to familiar shores.

Nautical paintings in a designer living room

Left to right: Windmills of Mykonos, Nostos (Homecoming)

IV. Monastery on Amorgos

Painting of the famous monastery of Hozoviotissa on the cliffs of Amorgos island in Greece

oil on canvas, 2024

65 x 51 cm
Available for purchase

Monastery on Amorgos depicts an 11th-century monastery built on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. The Cycladic islands are known for the white limewash paint used on their churches and houses, like on this monastery's façade. On a cloudless day beneath the sun, the monastery's presence dazzles.

V. Seahorse

Nautical painting of seahorse in monochromatic shades of blue

oil on panel, 2024

27 x 20 cm
available for purchase

The focus here was simply capturing the diaphanous beauty and texture of this whimsical creature of the sea. The spiral shape, a recurring image in this series, can be seen in his coiled tail.

Seahorse

VI. Floating

Nautical painting of spiral shell in monochromatic shades of blue inspired by cyanotype photography

oil on canvas, 2024

55 x 40 cm
available for purchase

In this piece, my aim was to capture a deep sense of tranquility and stillness, along with the beautiful textural element of the seashell. The soft luminosity draws the eye slowly in, and the spiral line creates a meditative experience.

VII. Venus Comb Murex

Nautical painting of spiny shell called Venus Comb in monochromatic shades of blue inspired by cyanotype photography

oil on panel, 2024

40 x 30 cm
available for purchase

This piece takes its name from the impressive, spiny shell of the Venus Comb Murex sea snail. The fanciful name comes from Venus, Roman goddess of love, who was said to have been born from the sea. The intricate spines seem to glow against the deep Prussian blue background.

Left to right: Spiral Shell, Venus Comb Murex

VIII. Windmills of Mykonos

Nautical painting of windmills of Mykonos, Greece in monochromatic shades of blue inspired by cyanotype photography

oil on panel, 2024

100 x 56 cm
Available for purchase

This painting depicts the iconic windmills on the Greek island of Mykonos silhouetted against the deepening blue of the sky. Windmills of Mykonos invites viewers to experience the quiet, timeless charm of this historic landscape, where the simplicity of form and color conveys a deep sense of calm and continuity.

IX. Porthole

Nautical painting in monochromatic blues of a ship's porthole with a view of soft waves on the sea

oil on canvas, 2024

60 x 60 cm
available for purchase

This painting offers a unique perspective of the sea through the circular frame of a ship's porthole. The view captures a stunning seascape and a sunny sky, inviting the viewer to experience the tranquility and beauty of the ocean from the comfort of a nautical vessel.

Porthole

X. Spiral Shell

oil on panel, 2024

23 x 30 cm
available for purchase

In crafting this oil painting, I focused on capturing the serene majesty of a spiral shell against a contrasting deep blue backdrop. The shell, highlighted in luminous whites and soft blue tones, symbolizes the quiet strength and resilience found in nature.