Storm at Sea with Lightning
Painting on paper or board • Unidentified contemporary artist; likely an amateur or emerging studio artist
Style & Movement
Expressive Abstraction / Neo-Expressionist influence
Medium & Technique
Acrylic or tempera; featuring gestural brushwork, splattering (action painting style), and wet-on-wet blending
Creation Period
Late 20th Century to early 21st Century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches; Vertical (Portrait) orientation
Subject Description
A turbulent seascape under a storm. The composition is divided by a sharp horizontal line representing the horizon. The top half depicts a dark, cloudy sky with jagged lightning bolts, while the bottom half shows churning waves. White splattered paint across the entire surface suggests rain, sea spray, or hail.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the surface appears stable with minor edge wear consistent with unframed work
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300 USD
Auction Estimate
$50 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Likely private collection; no formal exhibition labels or stamps are visible on the front
Art Historical Significance
The work demonstrates a contemporary engagement with the Romantic 'Sublime' tradition (reminiscent of Turner), translated through 20th-century abstract techniques. It serves as an example of expressive landscape painting focusing on energy and movement over realistic detail.
Notable Features
Prominent use of the 'splatter' technique to create a sense of atmospheric chaos; heavy impasto-like brushstrokes in the water section providing physical texture
Condition Issues
Slight bowing of the support material; minor pigment loss at the extreme edges; potential dust accumulation on the textured surface
Conservation Recommendations
Professional framing behind UV-protective glass with a mat to prevent the surface from touching the glass; keep in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight