As the pace of contemporary life increases, art collectors are looking for more than simply an attractive piece to hang on the wall. More and more collectors say they want paintings that provide a space of relaxation in their hectic lives -- artwork that allows them to escape their everyday stresses by immersing themselves in the beauty and serenity of nature.
In turn, many artists are using the medium of their work to soothe viewers' spirits and encourage their sense of environmental responsibility. Wyland, for example, uses his paintings to increase awareness of the marine environment and its creatures, and the need for their preservation and protection.
Guy Vincent of Sarasota's Wyland Gallery concurs that ocean art is achieving an increasing importance as far more than a just a source of physical beauty.
"Wyland believes that making people aware of the beauty in our ocean environment will stimulate them to feel an increased sense of responsibility for preserving and protecting it," he says. "And the response to his work is proving him right."
Wyland has long been a pioneer of the environmental art movement. His commitment to ocean preservation is rapidly being adopted by the mainstream as the "green movement" sweeps the nation.
"We cannot stress enough that the 21st century must be an environmental renaissance," said Wyland, whose Wyland Foundation offers programs to provide young people with information to spark environmental responsibility. "Our hope is to inspire children and classrooms everywhere about the beauty of our water planet."
To view new ocean- and nature-inspired works by Wyland, and other artists who love and respect the natural world, contact your art consultant at Wyland Galleries in Key West or Sarasota.
