There is something ever-so appealing about the sea. The sound of waves crashing, the smell of salt air, the gentle blue horizon; it all conjures something inside all of us: freedom, adventure, nostalgia. It's front and centre as to why marine decor, art and fashion are all eternally in vogue. There is no question, when it comes to creative hobbies, we are all subconsciously drawn to the maritime aesthetic. This is true of Painting by Numbers, too!
So what is it about the maritime theme that allows it to hold some value in the art world, especially in the painting by numbers niche? Why do ships, lighthouses, waves and coastal landscapes continue to inspire the everyday hobbyist year after year?
In this blog, we will explore how maritime-based art curiosities continue to stimulate satisfied generations of artists, why they lend themselves perfectly to painting by number kits, and how you, too, can make them part of your decor, wellbeing and inherent yearning to be on the open seas.
From ancient maps to modern photography, the sea has long captured the imagination of humanity. The nautical world is imbued with mystery, adventure, and serenity. Maritime art embodies all of this and provides meanings and feelings that resonate across time and culture.
From the drama of a ship navigating through raging waters to the peaceful light at the top of a lighthouse at twilight, maritime art resonates with people in personal ways. These settings and scenes may remind us of vacations, seaside locales, family getaways, and perhaps a longing desire for a tranquil escape from everyday life.
This emotional link is one of the reasons why images of the sea remain popular in all kits of art supplies.
Not all themes are created equal when it comes to paint by numbers. Some subjects are too abstract or complex to suit the structured format. Maritime themes, however, are a perfect fit. Here’s why:
1. Strong Visual Contrast.
Maritime landscapes often provide bold lines and distinct areas - sails against the sky, waves breaking on rocks, and lighthouses rising from cliffs shape up very well using the numbered sections of a paint by numbers canvas.
2. Soothing Colour Palette.
The typical blues, greys, whites and sandy colours in nautical scenes are calming anyway, not to mention beautiful, and are industrially acceptable for interior decorating, and visually remind us of the tranquillity near water.
3. Emotional Values
Each maritime scene has its story—whether that story is about loneliness, endurance, or exploration. The act of painting such a scene becomes more than recreation, as it is emotionally significant.
Most of us would love to be by the coast but cannot get there as often as we would like. Painting a maritime scene is a mental voyage - you are travelling in your mind!
Imagine: it is a quiet evening. You are playing soft music, and your brush is covering the sky surrounding the coastal lighthouse. Your problems of the day are melting away as you concentrate on the tempo of your brush strokes. Each added colour breathes life to the image, and you feel a little closer to the sea.
That is the beauty of maritime paint by number, and it has nothing to do with art. It is an experience.
One of the advantages of marine art is that it is not only a timeless style to use for home décor. Whether or not you live by the coast, you can easily incorporate nautical accents into your home for a fresh and tranquil feel in any room.
Once you are finished with your painting, you can frame it and put it in a location that could use a calming effect. You might consider placing it in:
Living Rooms: Infuse your main gathering area with a coastal breeze.
Bathrooms: Nautical themes are a perfect fit for water-based environments.
Home Offices: Discover the tranquillity and focus in your workspace.
Entryways: Make it a welcoming, peaceful first impression for your guests.
As marine imagery complements natural materials like wood, jute, and linen, your painting will fit seamlessly with the various styles of interior decor you are using: from rustic coastal to modern minimalism.
Artists and hobbyists are still drawn to ocean themes not only from their visual beauty but the emotions they conjure. Maritime painting kits still reflect the vastness of the world, the calm beneath the chaotic surface, and intuitively convey the eternal beauty of water. In a world of constant change, the ocean remains a symbol of constancy and freedom.
Even people who never stepped onto a boat often feel a connection to the sea. It’s a universal symbol like mountains or sky, even more expressive because of its flowing and limitless nature. The act of painting the sea becomes a meditation, and as shoreline curves are connected with the stroke of a brush, or as the horizon slowly comes into shape, nothing else seems to exist.
While the desire for everything nautical continues, the trend of personalisation is here too! Artists can now create a paint by numbers kit from their coastal pictures, which is incredibly personal.
Think about how you could transform that photo of your best beach vacation, a family fishing day, or your view from a cabin into a paintable canvas. You get to revisit that memory while you paint, and you have an original piece of art that is personal to you.
Custom kits allow you to keep the structure of paint by numbers while having the experience of relating to your personal story - it creates an even richer creative experience!
In need of a thoughtful and creative gift? Maritime themed paint-by-number kits are perfect for:
Beach lovers
Retired people who enjoy sailing
People who enjoy staring out at the ocean
Individuals seeking a calm, screen-free hobby
Added a kit with a mini easel or wood frame, and you have a thoughtful gift that promotes creativity and relaxation.
If you're new to paint by numbers, a simple nautical scene is a great place to start. A simple image of a calm harbour, sunset over water, or an image of a sailboat up close. As you become more comfortable, you could move on to more detailed compositions that include crashing waves, seagulls in flight, and a busy seaside town.
Here are a couple of tips to improve your experience:
Choose a brightly lit area to paint.
Keep each session short and relaxing- don't rush.
Play ocean sounds or soft music for ambience.
Keep brush tips clean and paint containers tightly sealed.
Keep in mind that you're not trying to finish quickly; it is whatever you make of it- enjoy each moment as you paint.
Themes of the sea are timeless for a reason. They combine beauty, meaning, and broad applicability; for these reasons, they are so popular and flexible in the paint by numbers world.
It can be a lighthouse at sunset, a calm sea under the moon, or a sailboat that carries you away. In each case, painting your sea scene is more than putting colors on a canvas; it's a story you share, a memory you reflect on, or a way to find peace.
Maritime Paint by Numbers allows you to not just decorate, but bring the ocean into your life. Even more uniquely, you can always order a custom paint by numbers kit, which adds an even more personal connection in invitation from the sea (custom options offered).
So grab your brush, pick your favourite sea scene, and let your imagination navigate the waves of creativity. The coast will always call.