Original Irish landscape painting in Acrylic inspired by the dramatic cloudscape

I have done a little bit of dingy sailing and a few trips on a tall ship, not enough to be experienced or competent, but enough to have a very healthy respect for the power of the sea and the elements. I’ve been on a tall ship in a storm that raged overnight on the Irish sea and experienced being pummelled by strong winds and huge seas. I’ve seen the ocean beautiful and serene and how quickly she can change to raging savage beast.

At first glance, this painting is all about the atmospheric dark purple clouds and the light. It reminds me of a Turner seascape. Look more closely and you will notice the little sailing boat.  The sails are down and furled, it’s tied up by the rope to the shore. The crew are tucked up safe and warm. 

The title prompts the viewer to look for the boat hidden in the shadows. It is also a reminder in challenging times that all we are asked to do is to survive, to weather the storm and stay afloat.