Introducing AQUATERRA: A New Painting Series Exploring Two Worlds

I’m excited to share the beginnings of a new painting series I’ve been working on, titled Aquaterra. The name comes from the Latin words for water (aqua) and earth (terra), which perfectly captures the essence of this collection.

Each painting in the series is visually divided in half: the top portion features scenes above the water — sunlit beaches, gentle waves, sky, clouds, and distant horizons — while the bottom half reveals the hidden underwater world teeming with marine life, coral, and shifting light. I’ve always been fascinated by the contrast and connection between what we see on the surface and what quietly thrives beneath it.

With Aquaterra, I want to create a sense of harmony between these two environments. Above the surface, we find familiar beauty and calm; below, there’s mystery, movement, and wonder. Painting both realms side by side lets me explore not only visual contrasts — texture, light, and color — but also the deeper symbolism of duality: seen vs. unseen, known vs. unknown, land vs. sea.

This series is both a technical and emotional journey for me. It challenges me to balance realism with imagination, detail with atmosphere. Most importantly, it invites the viewer to experience the full story of a moment by seeing what’s usually hidden from view.

This is my first painting in the series titled BETWEEN WORLDS, oil on gallery-wrapped canvas, 20” x 20” x 1.5 .

Stay tuned — I’ll be sharing sneak peeks and progress shots as Aquaterra comes to life. I can’t wait to take you with me on this journey above and below the waterline.