Underwater oil painting is a rare and extraordinary form of art that merges creativity with the challenges of the ocean environment. Artists who practice this unique technique—like Addison Loomis—don’t just paint inspired by the sea; they physically descend beneath the surface and paint while submerged.

How Is It Even Possible?

It starts with specialized equipment and a whole lot of preparation. The artist wears scuba diving gear and brings a waterproof easel and canvas, which are often weighted or mounted to prevent drifting. Traditional oil paints are used because they repel water and can cling to surfaces even in a submerged environment. Brushes are sometimes attached to handles to allow for easier grip and movement while wearing gloves or navigating the resistance of water.

The Process

Painting underwater introduces a completely different rhythm. The water slows every brushstroke, and the play of light—filtered and shifting—adds complexity to color perception. Addison embraced these limitations, turning them into inspiration. Many of his pieces reflect not just marine life, but the surreal, dreamlike quality of being immersed in the ocean itself.
Each session is brief—limited by oxygen tanks and shifting underwater conditions—meaning these works are created in short bursts, often across multiple dives. That adds to their uniqueness: every piece is influenced not just by the artist’s vision, but by the ocean itself.

Why It Matters

Creating art underwater is more than just a visual experiment—it's a testament to the bond between human expression and the natural world. It requires not only artistic skill but also the courage and discipline of a diver. Few artists have ever attempted it, and even fewer have mastered it.
Addison Loomis was one of those few.
His gallery showcases not just art, but an experience—captured, quite literally, beneath the surface.