American Artisan Art  >  Nautical Art

Nautical Art

Themes and Types of Nautical Sculpture

Those who find inspiration in water and the sea often find themselves attracted to the many themes and variations of nautical sculpture. Although the nautical subjects vary, the overall look and emotion of a nautical piece can range from peaceful to exciting. Those who collect or decorate with this style of sculpture often use the pieces as part of an overall theme for a room. However, even in a room without an overall nautical theme, one well-chosen piece can add a strong focal point. Nautical sculpture can include pieces that are purely art, as well as pieces that use sculpture as part of a functional piece of home decor, such as the base of a table or lamp, or as part of a clock.

Nautical Wildlife Sculptures

There is a certain grace and beauty to be found in fish, whales and other types of wildlife that live in or close to water. These animals and fish are often the subject of sculptures, whether as a realistic representation or as the overall inspiration for a more modern or Impressionistic piece of art. These pieces can range from a small piece of table sculpture, all the way up to large pieces of art that would be best displayed outdoors. Birds such as seagulls are also a popular subject for nautical pieces, either being realistically portrayed or more loosely interpreted. Nautical art can even include such whimsical and imaginary subjects such as mermaids or interpretations based on mythology.

Nautical Landscapes

In addition to depicting animals, birds and fish, many pieces focus on the water itself. Art that is inspired by the water is often full of movement and grandeur, and many times can be best described as truly awe-inspiring. These nautical pieces of sculpture can range from realistic representations of the shore, or might even include ships or boats. Wall art sculptures depicting ships and sailboats are often favorite subjects for pieces that are part of an overall nautical decor. However, some pieces of abstract sculpture, although not specifically designed to represent the water, can often seem to evoke the overall feeling of water. As such, many people do add a piece of abstract art to a room that is based upon a nautical theme, with very successful results.

Materials Used for Nautical Sculptures

There really isn't any kind of limitation on the types of mediums and materials that can be used in nautical sculptures. The materials can vary widely, and could include materials such as metal that have been cast into shapes to specifically craft the sculpture. However, there are also pieces that utilize many different materials, and might even include actual nautical objects, such as the wheel from a ship, pieces of chain and rope, anchors, or actual rocks from a shore. Although various types of metal are often popular mediums for nautical art, wood is also often used, and can include created shapes that have been specifically sculpted by the artist for use in the piece, as well as found shapes and objects, such as a pier post or pieces of driftwood.

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