The Atlantic Collection: Abstract Art Inspired by the Ocean
The Atlantic Collection is a series of original paintings, inspired by the steel blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
These abstract works celebrate the essence of America’s Northeast coast, through color, shape and brushstroke. Christina Contaldi depicts the emotional range of these waters; embodying both rising tides of vigor and strength, and gentle moments of welcoming peace in her art.
With a focus on the beaches of New Jersey, where the artist spent summers in her early years, these works are layered with whimsical childhood memories and mindful moments of reflection.
View the full collection online: The Atlantic Collection
Christina works both outdoors, immersed in the environment, and in her home studio.
The Atlantic Collection’s color palette is inspired by the ocean’s edge—blue skies, steel blue waters, and sandy creams with both warm and cool tones. To capture its intangible energy, she uses sweeping gestures and layering, creating a sense of movement and flow. It's a dance between the controlled and the chaotic, mirroring nature's unpredictability.
She shares more of her process and artistic journey on Instagram at @christinacontaldiart.
View the full collection online: The Atlantic Collection
The Atlantic Collection Highlights
Sunrise Over Steel Blue Waters, 30 x 40”, acrylic on canvas.
Original painting, hand signed. Maple frame included.
Encapsulating the essence of the glowing sunrises that hover over the Atlantic Ocean, this color combination offers an energizing contrast. Because orange sits opposite to blue on the color wheel, they are natural complements. This piece evokes the light, expansive feeling of awe. Awe makes us feel small in a marvelously good way, to be humbled by the natural beauty and powerful presence of the fascinating world that surrounds us.
View this original painting online: Sunrise Over Steel Blue Waters
Fine art prints are now available here.
Lifeguards Off Duty, 30 x 40”, acrylic on canvas.
Original painting, hand signed. Maple frame included.
At 5pm, the lifeguards blow their whistle, and call the swimmers out of the ocean. They lay down the tall, white lifeguard stands, and drag them up towards the dunes.
As the lifeguards retreat from their post, for the evening, the people linger for a bit until they too head home for showers and dinner time. The beach grows sparse, and the noise of crowds is replaced with the simple, meditative sounds of rolling waves on the shore. Orange tones enter the sky as the sun begins to set, signifying the end of day.
View this original painting online: Lifeguards Off Duty
Fine art prints are now available here.
About the Artist
Christina Contaldi is an American artist based out of New Jersey. She majored in Visual Arts at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University and graduated in 2003.
From there she began a career in Graphic Design, where she worked as a Senior Designer for a leading global law firm at their NYC headquarters, for nearly a decade. Deciding the corporate world was not for her, she slowly transitioned out, taking a job as an Art Director at a tech start-up, until she left altogether to pursue her own entrepreneurial creative dreams.
Christina describes herself as multi-passionate, which is reflected in her artwork. She is inspired by both the simplicity and complexity of nature, and layers in parallel nuances from the human experience. Themes like environment, internal worlds, memories, emotions, and spirituality are integrated into her art. She has met many iterations of herself, and is always evolving, as is her exploratory creative expression.
View Christina’s recent work at www.christinacontaldi.com
Email inquiries to info@christinacontaldi.com
Follow her creative process and story on Instagram at @christinacontaldiart