Artist Kathryn Stotler captures the beauty and intensity of the ocean with her loose, energetic painting style. Visit her website to see more.
![abstract coastal painting by Kathryn Stotler](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Cold-Ocean-Blues.jpg)
“Cold Ocean Blues” acrylic and graphite on paper, 20” x 16”
I moved to the far northern California coast thirty years ago with my husband and young son and my horizons wide open. It was here that I began to paint, and I have never looked back.
![abstract coastal painting by Kathryn Stotler](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Influence-of-Air-16-x-20-acrylic-and-graphite.jpg)
“Influence of Air” acrylic and graphite on paper, 20” x 16”
I began painting plein air seascapes with a close friend and mentor roughly ten years ago. Early on, I realized that I love to experiment and push the scenes in freer and looser ways than traditional plein air dictates. I enjoy pushing paint around on the paper or canvas and mixing my own colors.
![abstract coastal painting by Kathryn Stotler](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/blue-pool.jpg)
“Blue Pool” acrylic on paper, 20” x 16”
Muddy coastal colors are my favorites. I love the shapes and lines of grasses, rocks, and sand and I want to capture the essence of the shoreline and its unique components. The journey toward abstraction began as I painted to capture the influence of air, erosion, the power and elusiveness of the ocean.
![abstract coastal painting of wetland grasses by Kathryn Stotler](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/wetland-grasses.jpg)
“Wetland Grasses” acrylic on paper, 20” x 16”
Along the way I discovered that a paintbrush does not work for me. I’ve abandoned all but some chosen favorites for everything else that will hold and spread paint including my hands.
![abstract rainy coastal painting by Kathryn Stotler](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Rain.jpg)
“Rain” acrylic and graphite on paper, 20” x 16”
An essential part of my process is to draw into my paintings before, during and after the painting process itself. I liken it to writing notes. Using pencils, pastels, paint sticks and pointy objects, I record my experience of each place.
![abstract coastal painting by Kathryn Stotler](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/purple-swell.jpg)
“Purple Swell” acrylic on paper, 20” x 16”
I often paint from memory and I do use photos, taken by me and often not great as far as photos go. I am also a big fan of sketching.
![abstract coastal painting of fog by Kathryn Stotler](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/A-Walk-in-the-Fog.jpg)
“A Walk in the Fog” acrylic on paper, 20” x 16”
Each of these paintings has its own narrative. Sometimes there is a habitat. Sometimes there is too much fog and I am lost. And sometimes the water is about to crash down on whatever is in its way.
![abstract coastal painting by Kathryn Stotler](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/third-wave-2.jpg)
“Third Wave #2” acrylic on paper, 20” x 16”
I don’t, however, paint with these intentions; it is left to viewer to discover their story.
![abstract coastal painting by Kathryn Stotler](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/organisation-of-water.jpg)
“Organization of Water” acrylic and graphite on paper, 20” x 16”
My goal as an artist is to continually push my own boundaries with painting and mixed media. I find the qualities of acrylics, graphite and oil sticks quite satisfying to explore with.
![abstract coastal painting with a shipwreck by Kathryn Stotler](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Treasure.jpg)
“Treasure” acrylic on paper, 20” x 16”
To that end, I maintain a rigorous painting practice which includes professional development and wild experimentation. Although my studio is a private place, I am always happy to receive the occasional visitor.
Artist Kathryn Stotler invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
These are really interesting. My favorite is Third Wave.