Hello Shirley - painting of a seal on a rock

This painting by Ailsa Black is a delightful and whimsical coastal scene, characteristic of her charming art style. This is a playful, heartwarming, and peaceful artwork that captures the spirit of the Scottish coast. It’s a great example of a  scene that is both cozy and quietly joyful.

At the center of the painting, a grey seal with white spots lounges comfortably on a rock by the sea. Perched playfully on the seal’s nose is a small gull, adding a sweet and humorous touch. The interaction between the two animals conveys a sense of gentle companionship and joy.

Surrounding the foreground is a lush, vibrant mix of wild coastal flowers, including:

• Foxgloves in rich purples,

• Poppies and calendula-like flowers in orange,

• Cornflowers or anemones in shades of blue,

• And various other stylized blooms in pink and red.

The sea and sky are painted in soft, calming tones of aqua and light blue, suggesting a serene summer day. The sea forms a solid horizontal band behind the seal, creating a peaceful, balanced backdrop.

The composition is neat and symmetrical, with an almost storybook-like simplicity. Everything is outlined and filled with flat, bold colors, a hallmark of Ailsa Black’s illustrative technique. Her work often evokes themes of connection with nature, community, and tranquility — all of which are present in this piece.

The painting is framed in a hand painted muted grey wooden frame with a white inner border, which enhances the coastal tones while keeping the focus on the artwork.

Painting size 20cm square

Framed size 33cm square