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Whales & Seascape Paintings

 

Whales & Seascape paintings by  Janice Lyall.

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'Antarctic Landscape'

'Antarctic Landscape'

Colour. Is it important? What is the colour of snow in its true form? Do we always see it white? Just like still water reflects its surroundings, snow does too, however in a less mirrored form and with different colour shifts - not surprising with all those crystalline structures. Cool colours though! Do you see the whale? Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Antarctic Mountains'

'Antarctic Mountains'

When I stood back from the painting, the Sphinx came to mind, albeit a family of stripey ones. In a way, these massive mountains guard the landscape too, in this case against the harsh winds and ice that blast Antarctica. Is it the sunlight that encouraged the orca to leap above the surface? 'Stark, hard, cold mountains, Covered in blankets of snow, Bracing icy winds' #haiku poem Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Antarctic Mountaintops'

'Antarctic Mountaintops'

Have you ever wondered about the changes over the life-time of this planet? Even in the Antarctic, the mountaintops show significant signs of glacial erosion, presumably stemming from the closing stages of previous ice ages, as glaciers began to melt, pulling down the sides of mountains. Or is this erosion happening now just by the ravages of wind and ice? As its cold enough in the Antarctic now, what did the Earth look like then?  Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Humpback Whale'

'Humpback Whale'

'Leaping high in air, Drops of water cascading, From rubbery grooves' #Haiku poem Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Blue, Humpback Whale'

'Blue, Humpback Whale'

'Mighty, blue mammal, Bursts through the sea's surface, And pounds down again' #Haiku poem Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Antarctic Orca'

'Antarctic Orca'

'Antarctic Orca, Hunts through stormy sea showing, Tall, black dorsal fin' #Haiku poem Mixed media painting by Janice Lyall

'Arctic Ice'

'Arctic Ice'

The sky isn't always blue and ice packed snow isn't always white, particularly if its been around for a while. How long did this iceberg take to form? Why are there tunnels and what's it like to swim inside them? Why are ice bergs not salty? What is that humpback whale trying to see? Watercolour painting by Janice Lyall

'Blue Whale in a Blue Sea'

'Blue Whale in a Blue Sea'

Blue Whales are extremely long, but fairly straight, reminding me of a traditional submarine. Their flukes are reasonably short, but adapted well to enable them to thrust and dive down deeper than most other whales. Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Bowhead Whale'

'Bowhead Whale'

I think of a bowhead whale as short and dumpy, almost bell shaped. Its large, wide, powerful fluke is needed to navigate its mass through the ocean's currents. Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Diving Deep'

'Diving Deep'

'Strong, sleek & streamlined. Positioning itself for, Diving Deep beneath' #haiku poem Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Chains of Gold'

'Chains of Gold'

How to portray the immensity of the whale's fluke? By the volume of water dripping from the fluke? I was reminded of beautiful waterfalls in Wales. In this painting, rather than a backdrop of rocks, the morning sun casts light across the open sea, through the cascading 'golden chains' Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Shower of Blue'

'Shower of Blue'

Peaceful, tranquil, calm? Are these seas and weather brought to mind when you think about the polar regions? How are whales affected by the weather? Do they prefer sunny days? Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Into the Blue'

'Into the Blue'

'Clear, cold water, Icebergs float in tranquil blues, Whale dives gently' #haiku poem My thanks go to the brilliant photographers who capture images of whales in places that few of us can venture ourselves. Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Northern Right Whale'

'Northern Right Whale'

Named by whalers due to their tendency to float on the surface once slaughtered, rather than sink to the bottom. I think these right whales of the northern oceans deserve additional protection (As indeed do Southern Right Whales). Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Sperm Whale Fluke 2'

'Sperm Whale Fluke 2'

At first sight, the broad shape of the fluke reminded me of a moth. I suppose both species have evolved their shapes for their dynamics (fluid and aero). Although, perhaps for attraction purposes too? Such power! My thanks to intrepid photographers who bring us wonderful images of whales and dolphins - you are very much appreciated! Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Twist and Dive - Sperm whale'

'Twist and Dive - Sperm whale'

Such broad, flat, huge flukes enable the sperm whale to churn up the waves as it dives into the ocean in a spiralling motion. Perhaps the fluke's shape gives it power to alter direction quickly below the waves. Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Tranquillity dives deep'

'Tranquillity dives deep'

'Thick coats of blubber, To protect against the wet, Icy ocean waves' #haiku poem Oil painting by Janice Lyall My thanks to intrepid photographers who bring us wonderful images of whales and dolphins - you are much appreciated!

'Fluke's Flip'

'Fluke's Flip'

'Whale dives, flips its Fluke creating waves which push Curtains of water' #haiku poem Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Humpback's Fluke'

'Humpback's Fluke'

'Breath-taking Humpback, Majestic leviathan, Fluke waves above waves' #Haiku poem Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Humpback Whales by Starlight' - Copyright

'Humpback Whales by Starlight' - Copyright

There is something exciting, almost magical, about seeing the silhouettes of whales against their plumes. In this instance, the water droplets are lit up against a clear, starlit, night sky. Can you guess by their silhouettes how the name 'humpback whale' was derived?​​​​​​​ Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Showers of Gold'

'Showers of Gold'

Whilst I was painting these orcas, I kept thinking about witches and wizards. I wonder why? Perhaps the showers of gold are really puffs of magic, glistening in the morning sun. Either way, I had an enchanted time painting this scene. Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Orca's Spray'

'Orca's Spray'

'Refreshing blowout, Droplets float in crisp, cold air, Showering its wake' #haiku poem Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Orca lunch patrol'

'Orca lunch patrol'

Survival. Choices? The Orca whale, which is really a larger dolphin, than a whale, has evolved as an efficient, large carnivore - hence its other name, the 'Killer Whale'. 'Killer Whale'? Is it aggressive and cruel by nature? It is certainly a threat to an unwary penguin. Perhaps less so, to those that keep a watchful eye and stand away from the edge. Its aim - to take what it needs to survive. Watercolour painting by Janice Lyall

'Polar Nights'

'Polar Nights'

Do these colours shout polar regions? Do these colours shout midnight? Icebergs float seemingly immovably, silhouetted against the golden backdrop of a midnight, summer, polar sky. All is still and serene. Suddenly, plumes of golden droplets rise up. Bursts from a highly camouflaged, pod of whales. All is surreal. Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Leaps of Joy'

'Leaps of Joy'

What is the discernible reason why these wild dolphins leap together? Because they can? It feels like 'play' to me. Such freedom, such joy! Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Whale of a Swim'

'Whale of a Swim'

'Together as one, Rearing and teaching offspring, Natural instincts' Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Dolphin - freedom'

'Dolphin - freedom'

'Delights of dolphin, Spraying droplets of water, Leaping and diving' #Haiku poem Watercolour painting by Janice Lyall

'Where pink ice flows'

'Where pink ice flows'

What colour are icebergs in the low sunlight? Sometimes they may appear a cool pink in the distance, set against the orange sea and burnt yellow sky. Oil painting by Janice Lyall

Orca

Orca

'Orca slowly glides Across water surface like Submarine patrol' #Haiku poem Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Breakfast on the Hurtigruten'

'Breakfast on the Hurtigruten'

How long does the trail of a ship remain in its wake? The scenery off the Norwegian fjords is spectacular, especially in the early morning. The sea really did reflect red from the dramatic, Northern sky! Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'End of Day on the Coast'

'End of Day on the Coast'

'Darkness descends on Cliffs cloaked in velvety black, Waves reflect last light' #Haiku poem Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Red Sky at Night'

'Red Sky at Night'

'Red skies at night can, Bring good omens to sailors, Of weather and tides' #Haiku poem Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Island - St Ives'

'Island - St Ives'

'The Island - St Ives, Once cut off by sea and tides, Protects Porthmeor' #Haiku poem Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Porthgwidden Beach - St Ives'

'Porthgwidden Beach - St Ives'

'Soft sand, craggy rocks, Caressed by crystal blue waves, Cornish, coastal bliss' #Haiku poem Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Godrevy Lighthouse 2'

'Godrevy Lighthouse 2'

'Godrevy Lighthouse, Ten seconds to white light flash, Red flash lights warning' #Haiku poem Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Godrevy Lighthouse 1'

'Godrevy Lighthouse 1'

'Godrevy Lighthouse, Ten seconds to white light flash, Red flash lights warning' #Haiku poem Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

Ripples on Wet Sand

Ripples on Wet Sand

Wet sand reflects the drama from the sky above. Can you feel your toes sinking into the wet sand? Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

Moments after the Sun goes Down

Moments after the Sun goes Down

When the sun finally drops, there is a brief moment when water lights up, before being plunged into darkness. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Breakfast Porthmeor Beach'

'Breakfast Porthmeor Beach'

'Rolling clouds gather, Darkening the sea and beach, Waves curl, lapping sand' #haiku poem Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Calm Evening'

'Calm Evening'

'All is calm and serene, No frantic sea energy, No scudding grey clouds' #Haiku poem Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Cornish Cliffs'

'Cornish Cliffs'

'Far South West Cornwall, Rugged headland, rocky cliffs, Hold back roaring tides' #Haiku poem Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Curl Wave'

'Curl Wave'

The power of surface tension, enabling water to hold itself together, forming shapes and tunnels, enjoyed by surfers. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Ebbing Tide - St Ives'

'Ebbing Tide - St Ives'

'Ebb tide, waves relax, Recede in to deeper seas, Then return with force' #Haiku poem Mixed media painting by Janice Lyall

'Ripples in Moonlight'

'Ripples in Moonlight'

'Hauntingly peaceful, As silvery ripples lap, Gently on the shore'. #Haiku poem Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Beach in Lockdown'

'Beach in Lockdown'

'Lockdown, no-one to Catch waves, tread feet in wet sand, Or enjoy paddling' #Haiku poem Oil painting by Janice Lyall

Sunset on Water

Sunset on Water

The fading sunset light is caught on the reflecting water, contrasted by the dark rocks beckoning the night. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Horizon at Sunset' - wide version

'Horizon at Sunset' - wide version

Colours emblazon the sky, reflecting onto the sea. A black, velvet veil is cast over land. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Horizon in Moonlight'

'Horizon in Moonlight'

Moonlight seemingly touching the surface of water, broadcasting silvery highlights towards the colourful shore. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

Derwent Water Colour

Derwent Water Colour

Every day the scene differs, as water reflects the colours in the sky, creating a wonderful kaleidoscope. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

Arctic, Winter Whispers'

Arctic, Winter Whispers'

Can you feel the tingling nip on your teeth, as you breathe in the frozen air? Can you feel the sting in your eyes, as icy, white particles form with each breath?  Visibility is reduced to vague, frost-bitten outlines. Cold, muted colours describe a harsh, frozen, ragged edged landscape.  The silence.... just whispers of an arctic winter. Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Storm over the Baltic'

'Storm over the Baltic'

'Black, grey, indigo, Looming, roiling, threatening, Light penetrates through' #Haiku poem Oil painting by Janice Lyall

'Dark Blue Horizon'

'Dark Blue Horizon'

Sometimes the horizon is light, sometimes not visible at all and sometimes it is dark. Constantly changing mirroring weather. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Light over a Dark Blue Horizon'

'Light over a Dark Blue Horizon'

Where is 'over the horizon'? What is over the horizon? Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Horizon after Sunset' - wide version

'Horizon after Sunset' - wide version

Its getting dark quickly, but still, there is much colour to be seen. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Purple Horizon'

'Purple Horizon'

Watch a kaleidoscope of colour, as the sun sets. Wait a few moments more and everything changes. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Sea and Sand Ripples'

'Sea and Sand Ripples'

Ripples of sea or ripples of sand? Squint and it could be a shoal of fish! Abstracted, acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Winter Fog'

'Winter Fog'

Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Winter Mist'

'Winter Mist'

Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

'Winter Storm'

'Winter Storm'

Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

Energy by Janice Lyall

Energy by Janice Lyall

Waves, movement, Moon and Earth gravitational pull, wind, pressure, temperature changes, currents, swell...so much energy unleased onto rocks. Acrylic Painting by Janice Lyall

Sculpted by the Moon

Sculpted by the Moon

Earth's coastlines are battered and caressed by waves, the ebb and flow of which, obey the wax and wane of the moon. Acrylic Painting by Janice Lyall

'Aqua Horizon'

'Aqua Horizon'

The sun doesn't always go quietly into the night! It shouts out with vibrant colours to broadcast its farewells vividly across the vast sky. Echoes of its dismissal reverberate across the sea. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

Seascape Colour

Seascape Colour

No rainbow in sight, but still the complete colour spectrum can be seen in certain seascapes. Acrylic Painting by Janice Lyall

'Dunkirk Boat - Queen Boadicea II'

'Dunkirk Boat - Queen Boadicea II'

Now used by the National Waterways Museum to provide trips for tourists, Queen Boadicea II has a long history to tell. Who were brought home by the brave sailors? Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

Sunset

Sunset

The fiery sunset arcs across the sky and appears to singe the clouds and scorch the deep waters below. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

Colour at Sea

Colour at Sea

The end of a warm day at sea. Cooler, nightime colours wash over the seascape. Watercolour painting by Janice Lyall

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