The Colors and Style of Surf Art are as Popular as Ever
For those who are passionate about the beach or water sports, electing to decorate with surf art is an obvious choice. Finding the best surf art to suit both the space and the personal taste of the buyer often means visiting a sport art gallery, either in person or online.
Surf Artwork
Surf artwork has been a popular choice for ocean enthusiasts for years. One could even argue that the famous Japanese painting titled The Great Wave off Kanagawa is the original example of surf art. Surfing itself actually began in ancient Polynesia. Another famous piece of art, called View of Karakakooa, in Owyhee, is an etching that was first displayed in London in 1790 and depicts surfing.
Surfing did not become popular in the United States until the early 1900s, however. It was at this time that amateur surfers made adjustments to the traditional boards and began using them to skim over waves and perform tricks. By the 1960s, surfing was becoming more and more popular, and surfboard enthusiasts decorated their boards with a variety of colors and designs. When Surfer Magazine started in the early 1960s, it helped to popularize not only images and designs on surfboards but also the artwork that went along with the entire culture.
Surf Art Paintings
In their surf art paintings, artists used vivid colors, bold lines and a somewhat psychedelic style to channel both the freedom of the sport and the mood and culture surrounding the time. Some painters, such as Billy Al Bengston, even polished their paintings in order to mimic the slick, shiny surface of a surfboard. Many of the surf art paintings of the time had a surreal quality to them. The use of such intense colors, often in unexpected ways, as well as the eye-catching psychedelic elements mirrored how creative and adventurous the sport of surfing was.
Art that depicts surfing has remained popular over the years. Many artists still use the rich colors and striking contrasts the original surf artists utilized. The artwork has also been influenced by street art and, in later years, the punk subculture. Today, the style of surf art remains quite similar to what it was when it originated. Looking at surf art often brings one back to a daring, exploratory time when people had just begun to celebrate the sport and the culture surrounding it.
Surf Art for Sale
Surf art remains as popular today as it was in the 1960s. This artwork appeals to a wide range of people, from those who love ocean scenes to those who are interested in psychedelic art. Of course, the biggest fans of the genre are those who love surfing. Decorating a home, office or business with surf art is an excellent choice because the colors and lines stand out and create so much interest. However, finding the perfect surf art for sale can sometimes be challenging.
When searching for artwork, surf enthusiasts can opt to purchase either original pieces or prints. Original pieces are special because they are often one of a kind. However, original pieces can be quite expensive, so many people instead choose to purchase prints. Prints may not be one of a kind, but the lower price may allow surf art enthusiasts to purchase more pieces in order to fully decorate their space.
Surf Wave Art
Surfers are always searching for the perfect wave, and surf art enthusiasts are no different. There seems to be no more obvious or better way to show the thrill of surfing than by including a large, rolling wave cascading toward the shore. In fact, this image is what first comes to mind when many people think of surf art.
In surf wave art, artists display the classic conical wave shape but greatly vary the way the wave is painted. Many artists choose to add various shades of green, some even going so far as to color the wave in neon green and black for a striking contrast. Some use a more natural shape to depict the waves, while other people opt for more geometric shapes that speak to the original surf art genre. In addition, some artists paint only the waves, while others choose to place a stylized surfboard on the beach or a surfer in the water.
Retro Surf Art
Retro surf art is some of the most coveted art in the genre. This art is dialed into the original tone of the surf art that was created for Surfer Magazine in the 1960s. Retro can refer to pieces or prints of pieces from the 1960s time period. However, the term usually refers to more modern paintings or images made in a style that pays homage to the original artists. Retro surf art often features bold primary colors, geometric shapes, strong contrasts, and a simple overall style.
Because they are so daring, retro art pieces immediately draw the eye. Adding a retro piece to a room adds interest and gives the space a focal point. When a beautiful piece of surf art is used, whether it depicts a technicolored wave or a glowing sunset, many people may opt to decorate the room around the art, using it as a basis for the color and lighting scheme.
Framed Surf Art
When choosing art to display, the frame is almost as important as the painting or image itself. Choosing the right frame can help to balance a single piece. A set of similar or identical frames can also aid in tying together a collection of art. This is especially useful when it comes to surf art, as there are so many different styles, colors, and images for people to choose from. Choosing the perfect frame can also help people tie together a decorative theme in their home, office, or business.
Many art enthusiasts choose simple frames for their surf images. A solid black or brown frame with a white mat lets the painting stand by itself and does not detract from the image’s colors or subject. However, some people may prefer to get a bit more creative with their framed surf art. A frame made of old wood can mimic driftwood and may give more of a beach feel. A frame shaped like bamboo rods or a frame that is decorated with shells can also help to give a piece more atmosphere.
Vintage Surf Art
Vintage surf art is sometimes confused with retro art but the two are not quite the same. Vintage art can fall into the same age range as retro art. An item is usually called vintage when it is more than 20 years old but less than 100 years old, at which point it is considered an antique. However, vintage surf art is most often pieces of advertising art or magazine covers. These pieces could be the original artwork but are more often prints, as these are much less expensive and also easier to find.
Many people choose to display prints of vintage surfboard advertisements or logos. Covers from magazines that display the beach or surf culture are also popular. Vintage art pieces often feature slightly more subtle colors and a more relaxed layout. Blending a combination of retro and vintage pieces can create a unique look that captures the sport and culture of surfboarding as a whole.
Surf Art Prints
When purchasing art, many people choose prints. Surf art prints are different from originals in that they are high quality printed copies. While paintings may spill over onto the edge of the canvas, prints have clean, sharp edges. In addition, the individual brushstrokes of the paintbrush or the texture that the artist applied are not visible in a print. However, good prints are as vivid and beautiful as the original paintings they depict. They look stunning on a bedroom or living room wall or as the focal piece in a beachfront restaurant or business.
Another huge advantage of art prints is that they are also generally much less expensive than original pieces. This means that people who are interested in surf art can purchase several pieces instead of a single piece. Decorating with a variety of surf art prints can open up a creative world to those who are looking to change the appearance of a room or home.