Connection to Nature – How Water Art Brings the Outdoors In
Spring is finally here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re itching to get outside. The lakes are thawing, rivers are picking up speed, and there’s just this pull to be near the water again. There’s something about it that resets everything, you know? It’s calming, energizing, and just makes you feel more present. Since we can’t always be right by the water, I love thinking about how art can bring that connection into our homes.
Why We’re Drawn to Water
Have you ever noticed how being near water just makes you feel better? Whether it’s listening to waves, feeling the cool water on your skin, or just watching light dance on the surface, it’s like an instant reset. There’s actually science behind it—being near water has been shown to reduce stress and increase happiness (Nichols, 2014). That’s why so many people want to bring elements of water into their homes. It’s not just about how it looks—it’s about how it makes you feel.
How Water-Inspired Art Brings Nature Inside
For me, painting water isn’t just about capturing what it looks like—it’s about capturing that feeling of being near it. Here’s how water-inspired art can help bring nature into your space:
✅ Keeps the Outdoors Present – A painting of water can remind you of your favorite lake, a quiet ocean morning, or even a past trip. It’s like bringing a little piece of that memory inside.
✅ Creates a Calm Atmosphere – Studies show that even just looking at images of water can lower stress and increase relaxation (Ulrich, 1984). So having a water-inspired piece in your home or office can actually help create a more peaceful space.
✅ Works with Natural Elements – Water paintings pair beautifully with wood, stone, and other earthy textures, making them perfect for homes that already embrace natural materials.
Where Water Art Belongs
Water Lily Pond. - Claude Monet, French, 1840-1926. Date: 1917/19.
🏡 Lake Houses & Cabins – If you have a lake house, why not bring even more of that water energy indoors?
🌿 Nature-Inspired Interiors – Homes with warm woods, soft neutrals, and lots of natural textures feel even more complete with water-inspired art.
🧘 Relaxation Spaces – Yoga rooms, meditation corners, or anywhere you want to unwind—water-themed art is the perfect fit.
Artists Who Were Inspired by Water
Winslow Homer - Sandy Beach with Breakers (ca.1869)
I love looking at how other artists have explored water in their work. Monet’s Water Lilies series is a great example—he wasn’t just painting ponds; he was painting light, movement, and the way water constantly changes. Winslow Homer’s ocean paintings are another favorite of mine because they capture both the power and the peace of water. Seeing how other artists have approached water reminds me why I’m so drawn to it too.
Finding the Right Piece for Your Space
If you’re thinking about adding a water-inspired piece to your home, think about what speaks to you. Do you love the deep blues of the ocean or the soft, glassy reflections of a still lake? Do you want something with energy, like waves crashing, or something more meditative? If you’re not sure, I’d love to help you find a piece that fits both your space and the feeling you want it to bring.
This month is all about reconnecting with nature and finding ways to bring the beauty of water into your home. If that sounds like something you’d love, let’s find the perfect piece for you.
References
Nichols, W. J. (2014). Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. Little, Brown and Company.
Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420-421.
