Howard Gailey (XX) - Coastal Surf

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Howard Gailey (20th Century)
Coastal Surf
Signed lower right "H. Gailey"
Oil on canvas
Framed: approximately 57 × 47 × 3 cm

A vibrant coastal seascape depicting powerful waves breaking against a rocky shoreline beneath a luminous sky. Executed in cool shades of blue, turquoise, and white, the composition captures the drama and movement of the ocean through energetic brushwork and heavily textured impasto highlights. Thick applications of paint create a three-dimensional effect in the crashing surf, while distant hills and seabirds provide depth and atmosphere.

The work is characteristic of Howard Gailey's popular maritime paintings, which gained widespread appeal during the late twentieth century. Known for his decorative coastal scenes, Gailey focused on the interplay of light, water, and motion, creating compositions that emphasize both realism and visual impact. His paintings were frequently sold through galleries, framing shops, and home décor retailers throughout the 1970s–1990s.

Presented in a blue-painted wooden frame with gilt accents, complementing the painting's maritime palette. The canvas remains in good overall condition, retaining strong color and pronounced surface texture.

A classic example of late twentieth-century decorative marine art, combining dramatic ocean imagery with the textured techniques that made Gailey's seascapes popular with collectors and interior designers alike.


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