Louise Levine

06 June 2025

A story of healing, sea air, and following joy through paint

Working in a light-filled spare room turned studio in England’s sunny south west, artist Louise Levine paints seascapes that speak not just to what the sea looks like, but how it feels — peaceful, vast, and alive.

Here, she shares how art became a source of connection to the coast, to others, and to herself.

I discovered my love of painting in 2017. I’d just been diagnosed with aggressive Rheumatoid Arthritis, given up my teaching job and I really needed some joy. My dad took me along to his art class and it ignited something in me. I knew I didn’t want to paint realistically like they were painting in the class. I wanted a sense of freedom and intuition in my art, which fully allowed me to express my creativity and escape from the pain and illness.

Initially, I started painting abstract backgrounds with positive affirmations, which felt like what I needed at the time. However, in 2022, I realised that what I really wanted to do was just paint without hiding it behind lettering.

During lockdown, I really missed being able to visit the sea as it brings me so much peace. I started painting in a very abstract way but every time I painted, I realised I was painting the sea – not exactly what the sea looked like but how it made me feel. The process of painting the sea allowed me to connect with the sea and the calm I feel when I’m walking along the shore.

The process of painting the sea allowed me to connect with the sea

It’s mainly just me in the day to day running of the business. However, my husband and parents are really supportive and are a great sounding board.

My parents very kindly help with packing bigger orders, especially if I’m having a tough day with fatigue. They also have a very cute Jack Russell called Martha Moo (because she looks like a tiny cow) who enjoys sitting by me while I paint and walking to the post office.

After covering the kitchen table in paint, we soon realised I needed a dedicated art space so I took over the spare room and turned one side into a small art studio and the other side into an office and packing area.

I’ve filled the room with all the things I love and over time, I’ve realised that keeping my space tidy and organised really helps me to create. I also found great freedom by culling my art supplies to leave just the paint and tools I use every day to avoid supply overwhelm, which can be a barrier to creativity.

I love listening to country music while I paint – normally Thomas Rhett or Keith Urban. I try to get out into nature each day, which always provides a peaceful reset.

My love for the sea is the inspiration for my art. I paint in a very intuitive way so I can never make the same piece twice! I think what makes my art unique is that I don’t paint what I see, I paint how it makes me feel, almost like I’m capturing the energy of the sea.

It’s really interesting that people who buy my work often tell me about the lovely emotions they feel when looking at my seascapes. One customer described it as a magical experience! It definitely feels as though they can connect to how they feel when they’re by the sea through my paintings.

during a tough day, my seascapes can bring a moment of peace

A turning point for me was joining in a large, collective event on a well-known platform, where my phone did not stop pinging with orders all weekend and I ended up being in the top 3 sellers for the event. It was a massive high and a huge confidence booster that people were enjoying my work.

The mission behind my art is to help people connect with the sea and all those amazing feelings of calm, awe, peace and joy that being by the wild and raw sea can bring as for many of us, we can’t get the sea every day. I love the idea that during a tough day, my seascapes can bring a moment of peace and that feeling of having to room to breathe that the sea offers.

My business also helps to provide an income, where I’m able to be flexible and rest when I need to, which is so important as I try to manage my illness.

I’m hoping to continue growing my art business whilst also enjoying the freedom of the creative process – with plenty of exploration for new ideas!

I’m so happy to share Louise’s story and introduce you to her calming, emotion-led artwork.

If her work speaks to you too, I encourage you to explore more, because these small abstract paintings have the power to transport you to the coast for a breath of sea air whenever you need it.

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