Humans have always been fascinated by the
sea and the animals that live in it. For artists, in particular, this subject has not only incited wonder, but
fascination, as well. Underwater art gives viewers a glimpse into a world that is partly familiar but also so alien as to be completely apart from the reality of those that dwell on land.
These works of art can contain mythical creatures, sunken ships, surrealistic impressions, and all manner of
marine creatures, ranging from sharks to coral. However, underwater art is typically confined to two categories: photography and paintings.
Underwater photography art is meant to educate and astound. This type of art usually features the living features of the underwater kingdom, such as coral, fish, squids, octopi, and other types of ocean life. These pictures are haunting and are usually meant to inspire people by providing them a unique viewpoint unlike their own, as well as to help educate the painting's viewer on the wonders that lie below the surface of the water in both temperate and tropical areas.
Paintings of underwater art have been explored in almost every style imaginable and, unlike underwater photography art, can feature land as well as water. These paintings can be true to life or fanciful and many artists explore the mythological creatures of the deep. Though subject and style varies, underwater art is typically a positive representation of the world we live in.
