The paintings are inspired by the beautiful beaches

My name is Shan McLoughlin, but I’m also known as Tidebreak Art. I am an acrylic and mixed media artist from Australia and my paintings are inspired by the beautiful beaches along the East Australian coastline. I love exploring the dramatic morning and evening skies over peaceful seas. I feel so lucky to live by the ocean and spend most of my time sitting on the sand and staring at the water. Taking mental notes of colour and light, I always find myself inspired to paint after spending time by the sea.

I have a small studio in my beachside apartment in Wollongong, Australia. I’m currently working as a high school English Literature teacher and paint in my free time. My paintings feature a lot of blue, which I didn’t realise until I started taking photos of my studio! I love all things art and drawing was always my craft of choice. I’ve only recently started painting and I can’t believe it’s taken me so many years to find something that brings me such fulfilment. My love of painting started with occasional ‘paint and sip’ classes – you know the ones – BYO wine and they supply the canvas and paints. Over the past year, I’ve accumulated a variety of different painting materials as I searched for my own style. I believe that painting moody skies and calm seas are what I’ve been building towards.

I use a variety of different paints when composing my art. My favourite paints are the Mont Marte Dimension paints, but I use whatever suits the individual painting. I use canvas which I prime and, when the piece is completed, finished with vanish. I paint around the sides of the canvas for a wrap-around look and all artworks have my signature on the front (normally bottom right of the canvas). These paintings are designed to last, which is why I use a varnish finish, and are ready to hang on walls at home. My artworks are completed over an extended period of time and are not mass produced. It’s been such a fun experience following my passion and finding something which brings me so much joy. I’m still learning and exploring as an artist and enjoying every moment I spend with a brush in my hand. ~ Tidebreak Art