About Marina

Marina Syntelis is one of the greatest living contemporary seascape artists in the world today and we are proud to be her UK agent.

We have never known anyone have the ability to create so much emotion in her audience through her incredible paintings, than it has been for the last five years with Marina. After many UK National Solo shows we know that she is a sensational talent and below Marina herself explains her source of inspiration, her technique and her love of the sea!

THE SEA

"The sea has been my ultimate source of inspiration. Growing up near the coast, I have spent countless hours immersing myself in its ever-changing movements. Even before I started to paint the sea, it had always been there for me; a comforting presence whenever life became o overwhelming.

When I finally decided to capture the essence of the sea on canvas, I aimed to convey the deep connection I felt with it through the language of art. It has always been a challenging endeavour, a constant battle that I know I will never truly conquer. However, I am always eager to engage in this artistic competition, purely for the sake of the process itself. ​

Along this artistic journey, I stumbled upon the therapeutic nature of expressing my profound bond with the sea. I realized that while creating art, I could relive the same emotions and sensations that the sea evoked within me.

The canvas became my realm of control over the waters, allowing me to manipulate its temperament according to my mood - whether it be an angry or calm sea, a dramatic or serene scene, or a vibrant or subdued palette. This newfound realization became an addiction, a form of therapy that enabled me to communicate my innermost thoughts and feelings through my artwork, reaching out to anyone who could listen.

Different people have different interpretations of my seascapes. Some see them as incredibly realistic, capturing every detail with precision. Others view them as hyper-realistic, almost like a heightened version of reality. However, I personally don't pay much attention to these labels. For me, it's not about copying what I see in front of me.

When I start a new painting, I feel like an abstract expressionist. I let my emotions guide me, allowing the canvas to become a reflection of my inner world. As the work progresses, I transform into an impressionist. I become more attuned to the play of light. Sometimes, my art takes on a surreal quality. It's as if I'm bending the rules of nature, creating images that defy logic and challenge the viewer's perception. When people discover hidden elements in my work or are intrigued by the unconventional aspects, I feel like a true surrealist, pushing the boundaries of possibility. ​ ​

MY TECHNIQUE

After creating a series of large 3D installations, incorporating polyester resin elements, which forever shaped my perception of space, I decided to retrace my steps back to the world of traditional, two-dimensional painting. It's fascinating to observe how, as time goes by, I find myself delving deeper into the realm of tradition. Surprisingly, the further I delve, the more exciting and captivating my artistic discoveries become. ​

The foundation of my oil painting technique is rooted in a resin recipe that dates back to the 17th century. This particular medium was favored by the renowned European masters of art, whose paintings have stood the test of time and continue to captivate audiences even today. Through a close friendship with a talented Dutch painter, Mr. Sef Berkers, I was fortunate enough to gain access to the secrets of this technique. It goes beyond being just a mere method; it is almost a ritual that demands dedication, patience, and commitment. ​

The process of creating each painting involves the application of multiple layers of thin oil paint. What sets it apart is the fact that despite its thin and transparent nature, the pigment retains its strength and endurance. It's truly fascinating to witness how each glaze remains visible, adding to the overall uniqueness and complexity of the artwork. Although it may take several months to complete a single painting, the end result with its remarkably vibrant colours and a captivating depth, makes every moment spent on it well worth it. ​

I prefer not to use varnish on my paintings. The authentic radiance of the layered glazes simply cannot compare to any glossy or matte varnish. For me, the artwork is alive and breathing. While varnishing may enhance certain contrasts, I feel the painting suffocates; it appears flat and dull, natural energy flow is restricted. ​

With each step in my artistic journey and the ever-growing dominance of technology, I find myself drawn back to the roots. I take great joy in preparing my own canvases, using techniques that have been passed down through the centuries. I prefer to use natural fabrics and I even entertain the idea of making my own oil paints in the future.

In a society that often idolizes artificial flawlessness, I see it as my purpose to emphasize the true value that lies within the unique and imperfect beauty of nature. "

Marina Syntelis