Imagine a time before cameras! How did people capture the amazing ocean? Artists used their magic to paint pictures of the sea, the waves, and all the cool creatures that live there.

From the beginning of civilisation, cave paintings showed fish and other sea animals, showing us that people have always been fascinated by the ocean. Ancient Egyptians painted pictures of the Nile River, which was very important to them. When people started exploring the world by ship, artists painted pictures of their adventures. They showed stormy seas, brave sailors, and exciting new sea creatures they discovered.

Some artists even painted how the ocean makes them feel – powerful and scary, or beautiful and peaceful. Some artists even use their art to remind us how important it is to take care of the ocean.

Here are some of the most famous paintings of the ocean:

"The Ninth Wave" by Ivan Aivazovsky: This painting shows a huge wave crashing down on a group of sailors. It's a bit scary, but also really powerful.

"The Monk by the Sea" by Caspar David Friedrich: This painting shows a monk looking out at the ocean. It's a bit mysterious – what is he thinking about? Also, notice how small he looks compared to the vastness of the sea. It makes you realize how powerful and immense the ocean truly is.

"The Great Wave off Kanagawa" by Katsushika Hokusai: This Japanese painting shows a giant wave that looks like it's about to crash down on some boats. It's both scary and beautiful! How does it make you feel?

"Fishermen at Sea" by J.M.W. Turner: This painting shows a ship battling a storm. It's a reminder of how powerful the ocean can be.

"Fish Magic" by Paul Klee: This unique painting by Paul Klee uses a combination of colours and textures to create a magical underwater world. It's almost like looking through a window into a secret underwater garden!

Beyond Paintings: A Book of Fantastical Fish

While not strictly a painting, it's worth mentioning "Fish, crayfish and crabs…" by Louis Renard. The book, published in 1719, features illustrations of marine creatures from the East Indies. Renard never actually visited these regions and he based his illustrations on notes, and drawings from other artists. As a result, many of the creatures depicted in the book are quite fanciful, but they are all beautiful. Don't you think so?

These examples show us how artists have seen the ocean throughout history. Some are exciting, some are scary, and some are just beautiful. By looking at these paintings and illustrations, we can learn more about the ocean and how people have connected with it over time.

Sculptures Beneath the Waves

Did you know that there are entire museums underwater? Here is one!

The Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA) in Mexico is a collection of sculptures submerged off the coast of Cancun. These sculptures are designed to attract marine life and promote coral reef growth. Visit the website to learn more at MUSA

Archaeological Wonders Underwater

Believe it or not, there are ancient cities and civilisations hidden beneath the waves!

The ancient Roman port city of Baiae in Italy is now mostly submerged. Here you can learn more. This underwater archaeological site offer a glimpse into the past and remind us of the ever-changing relationship between humans and the sea.

Get Creative!

Draw your own underwater scene: Imagine you're a deep-sea explorer. What amazing creatures would you encounter? 

Create a sculpture: Use clay or recycled materials to build a sea creature or a representation of the ocean.

Research: Learn more about a famous seascape painting or an underwater archaeological site that interests you.

The ocean is a vast and mysterious place, full of wonder and inspiration. Through art, we can explore its beauty and learn more about its secrets.

Here are some fun activities for you!

Imagine you are an artist living in a different time period! How would you capture the amazing ocean without a camera? Let's travel through history and create our own "ocean art"!

Choose Your Time and Tools:

Pick one of the following time periods and imagine what art supplies you might have had available:

• Cave Painter (Ancient Times): Your "canvas" is a cave wall or a large rock. Your "paints" are made from natural materials like charcoal (burnt wood), okra (earthy clay for reds and yellows), and ground-up minerals mixed with animal fat or water.
• Ancient Egyptian Artist: You're painting on papyrus (an early form of paper) or on the walls of a tomb. Your paints are made from ground minerals mixed with a binder like egg white or gum. You'll focus on the Nile River and the creatures you see there.
• Age of Exploration Artist (15th-18th Century): You're on a ship sailing to new lands! You have paper, ink made from soot or plants, and maybe some watercolours. You'll sketch the stormy seas, the brave sailors, and any new and strange sea creatures you discover.
• Feeling Artist (19th Century - Inspired by artists like Aivazovsky or Klee): You have paints and canvas. Think about how the ocean makes you feel. Is it powerful and scary like a huge storm? Or peaceful and beautiful like a calm, colourful underwater garden?

Your Artistic Mission:

Create a piece of art that captures the ocean as someone from your chosen time period might have seen it.

• Cave Painter: Draw simple but powerful outlines of fish, seals, or other sea animals you might have seen near the coast. Use your "natural paints" to add colour.
• Ancient Egyptian Artist: Paint a scene from the Nile River showing fish, birds, or even boats. Use flat, bold colours and try to tell a story with your picture.
• Age of Exploration Artist: Make a sketch or watercolour painting of a dramatic ocean scene from your voyage. Show the waves, the ship, and maybe a surprising sea creature you've just encountered. Don't worry about being perfectly accurate – capture the excitement!
• Feeling Artist: Use colours and shapes to show how the ocean makes you feel. If it's powerful, use dark, swirling colours. If it's peaceful, use calm blues and greens with flowing lines.

Share Your Masterpiece!

Once you've finished your "ocean art from the past," share it with your friends, family, or classmates! Explain which time period you chose and why you decided to capture the ocean in that way.

Bonus Questions to Ponder:

• What do you think were the most amazing things about the ocean for people in your chosen time period?
• How might their understanding of the ocean be different from ours today with all our cameras and scientific knowledge?
• Do you think art can help us understand the ocean differently than science? How?

Think creatively, step into the shoes of people from the past, and connect with the history of how humans have viewed and represented the ocean through art!