Artist Peter Laughton’s paintings of sea and shore explore the movement and beauty of the skies overhead. To see more of his stunning seascapes, please visit his website.
!["SingularBoat" Oi, 48" x 36" by artist Peter Laughton. See his portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/••SingularBoat.Oil_.48x36-2.jpg)
“SingularBoat” Oil, 48″ x 36″
I painted my first significant watercolors almost thirty-five years ago. Since then I’ve attempted to juggle a professional design career with painting. In 2010, I sailed single-handedly from Boston to Florida, abandoning much of the corporate world and financial security in favor of having more time to paint.
!["LowLands" Oil, 36" x 48" by artist Peter Laughton. See his portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/••LowLands.Oil_.36x48-2.jpg)
“LowLands” Oil, 36″ x 48″
My objective was to develop my work from small watercolors to using oils almost exclusively for my large paintings of seascapes and landscapes. My early work was heavily influenced by a well-known artist in New England. She became my mentor and friend who offered helpful, honest critiques of my work.
!["Clearing" Oil, 36" x 48" by artist Peter Laughton. See his portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/••Clearing.Oil_.36x48-2.jpg)
“Clearing” Oil, 36″ x 48″
As I became more confident, I developed a more personal style which continues to evolve. I fully intend to keep pushing the envelope by developing new, fresh techniques and appealing subject matter.
!["Foggy Maine" Oil, 12" x 16" by artist Peter Laughton. See his portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/••FoggyMaine-2.jpg)
“Foggy Maine” Oil, 12″ x 16″
It is not enough to just paint a seascape; it needs to be infused with my emotion and my energy. I want my audience to feel and respond to that.
!["Terra Firma" Oil, 48" x 36" by artist Peter Laughton. See his portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/••Terra-Firma.Oil_.48x36-2.jpg)
“Terra Firma” Oil, 48″ x 36″
This body of new work has evolved slowly from a mostly impressionistic style to one that is a bit more abstract. This difference is achieved largely through unusual textural innovations in otherwise uniform surfaces.
!["Beach View" Oil, 48" x 36" by artist Peter Laughton. See his portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/••BeachView.Oil_.48x36-2.jpg)
“Beach View” Oil, 48″ x 36″
I have found that layering very wet layers of paint and tilting the canvas to allow for a degree of blending has resulted in some unusual textures as the layers dry. The challenge is that the outcomes are not always predictable.
!["Beach View" Oil, Detail by artist Peter Laughton. See his portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/••BeachView.Detail.Oil-2.jpg)
“Beach View” Oil, Detail
It usually takes a few tries to achieve the right combination of color and layering. Only when it is almost dry can I see the result. The beauty of oil paint is that I can then go back and rework areas before the paint fully dries.
!["Red Sail" Oil, 36" x 48" by artist Peter Laughton. See his portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/••RedSail-2-2.jpg)
“Red Sail” Oil, 36″ x 48″
When I start a canvas, no matter the size, I usually have no idea what will evolve beyond deciding that it will be a sea or landscape. All my work is drawn from my imagination and memory, which is fueled by the incredible world around me.
!["Distant Hills" Oil, 24" x 48" by artist Peter Laughton. See his portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/••DistantHills.Oil_.24x48-2.jpg)
“Distant Hills” Oil, 24″ x 48″
Every walk on the beach and every ride inland leave complex impressions that somehow become the ingredients of inspiration. I usually start a painting with the sky. This often sets the mood.
!["Two Trees" Oil, 36" x 48" by artist Peter Laughton. See his portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/••TwoTrees.Oil_.36x48-2.jpg)
“Two Trees” Oil, 36″ x 48″
The hardest part for me is deciding what belongs below that defining horizon line.
Beautiful images. Very serene and peaceful. Lovely work.
I LIKE THE PEACEFUL EMOTION WHEN LOOKING OUT OVER THE LANDSCAPE. IT IS VERY CALMING. THE PAINTINGS ARE WELL DONE THAT TRANSMIT THIS FEELING.