Textured Impasto Paintings Perfectly Capture a Beautiful Day at the Beach

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From having the sun on your face to feeling the sand beneath your feet, there’s nothing quite like a day on the beach. Australian artist Sally West captures those summer moments in her series of textured beach paintings that depict the seascapes of her home country. From Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach to New South Wales’ lesser-known Elizabeth (aka Lizzie) Beach, West has traveled far and wide to paint her scenes en plein air.

Lizzie Beach, in particular, has a special place in West’s heart, as it’s an area where she and her family spend a lot of time. “It has a club house which I used to do yoga at, the kids did nippers there for a couple of years,” she reveals. “It never really gets big waves and is famous in the area for its crystal clear waters, safe swimming for young kids, and white sands. Truly beautiful.” West’s Lizzie Beach series captures the coast’s peaceful atmosphere in the artist’s distinct, impasto style. Canvases are loaded with thick swatches of oil paint in pastel hues, resulting in bold, textured surfaces that entice the viewer.

Many of West’s works are painted from an aerial perspective, as if the artist is perched high on a beach cliff, looking down at the shore. Waves are rendered in sweeping blends of blue and thick daubs of white, while surfers and sun-bathers are depicted as tiny smudges of color.

Check out some of West’s fantastic beach paintings below and find more from her growing portfolio on her website. Inspired to paint your own surrounding landscapes? Here’s our guide to painting en plein air.