Beside the Sea No. 18 1962

"Beside the Sea No. 18" (1962) is an abstract painting by American artist Robert Motherwell (1915-1991). The artwork features a dynamic composition of bold strokes and splatters of blue paint on a white background. This style is characteristic of Abstract Expressionism, a movement that emerged in the mid-20th century and emphasized emotional expression and gestural abstraction. Motherwell's "Beside the Sea" series, which includes this work, explores themes of nature, the sea, and the human condition. The artist’s distinct use of color and form creates a sense of depth and movement, suggesting the vastness of the sea. The painting's expressive qualities capture the raw energy of the ocean, evoking a sense of both beauty and mystery.