Royal Society of Marine Artists

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The Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA) is widely recognised as the focal point for much of Britain's finest contemporary marine art and many of the country's leading marine artists are elected members of the Society. The common theme is the sea and tidal waters although, within that remit, members work is wide and varied. Subjects range from deep water shipping to coastal scenes, competitive sailing to quiet harbours, marine wildlife to still-life. Some members specialise in carefully researched historical paintings; others paint en plein air, attempting to capture the essence of the scene at a particular moment in time; yet others work in their studio from copious notes and sketches made on location. The work is representational in the broadest sense and includes all the usual media: oil, watercolour, acrylic, pastel, pencil, pen and ink, as well as prints and the occasional sculpture. In 2014 the Society celebrated its 75th anniversary. Founded in 1939 as The Society of Marine