Ocean Wash – St. Augustine Art Association

Ocean Wash and Acrylic on Canvas by Deborah Lightfield (13 in. x 17 in.)

"Art reflects the artist’s surroundings, beliefs, and experiences. My artistic intention is for my art to interpret these subjects while using a variety of expressive, interesting, and bold colors and textures. Art is a multilayered experience with many perspectives. In Relaxing Restoration, I wanted to create the ultimate feeling of relaxation…imagine sitting at the ocean’s edge while the salty water caresses the body with gentle waves, feeling the sun shining warmly while allowing the mind to be in harmony of the moment. Perhaps all the senses are joining the moment with rhythmic waves, salty air, chirping gulls and refreshing breeze. Enjoy the moment and restore your soul. Hopefully, my visual interpretations will relate to the viewer with the joy I had in creating each piece of artwork. The Ocean Wash technique is a process I started doing 30 years ago. In this process, the ocean helps create the artwork. First, the art surface is taken directly into the ocean waves where the first layer of random patterns is deposited in sand. Then, the surface is taken away from the ocean and acrylic paint is poured onto the wet sand patterns. The colors are mixed by the wind and wet sand patterns. The drying process takes a few days. Once the acrylic Ocean Wash is dry, the excess sand is wiped away. The ocean has provided the images and inspiration which are then painted. Occasionally I add objects the ocean has provided or other accents. The ocean helps make these decisions. After experimenting, I have occasionally painted the surface first or added a modeling compound to change the possibilities." Artwork purchased online can be picked up AFTER the exhibit ends, on or after October 1, 2023 -- or shipped to the buyer (ALL SHIPPING COSTS TO BE PAID BY THE BUYER).