Underwater Painting: A Unique Journey Beneath the Waves
Underwater painting is a new, fast developing direction of contemporary art. The first Underwater painting was made in1867 by Eugen von Ransonnet, Austrian artist. And the modern famous representative of this genre is Andre Laban. Olga is his follower and has already made a significant contribution to the development of this direction.
Olga Nikitina’s journey into underwater painting began in 2016 while she was working as a diving instructor at Shams Safaga Diving Center in Egypt. This passion led her to create a stunning collection of paintings inspired by the vibrant underwater world of the Red Sea. Painting underwater is a rare and challenging process, demanding immense energy, focus, and adaptability. The ever-changing sea conditions—currents, visibility, and depth—add an unpredictable yet exciting element to the creative process.
Unlike traditional painting, creating art beneath the surface comes with its own set of surprises. At greater depths, colors fade due to the filtering of light, so Olga never fully sees the true colors of her work until it emerges on the surface. This makes each underwater painting a moment of discovery, capturing the unexpected beauty and raw emotion of the ocean.
Her early underwater works showcase the breathtaking seascapes, coral reefs, and marine life through the lens of underwater impressionism, reflecting the delicate balance and vivid hues of aquatic ecosystems. Over time, Olga has transitioned to a more intuitive style, using expressionism to convey the feelings and emotions she experiences in the moment—floating weightlessly, surrounded by the vastness and mystery of the underwater world.
Committed to preserving the environment she loves, Olga uses eco-friendly materials, including high-quality paints made from organic and mineral pigments. As a responsible diving instructor, she ensures her techniques and presence underwater are safe for marine life and ecosystems.
Because of the complexity and physical demands of painting underwater, Olga’s collection of underwater artworks is limited, making each piece truly rare and special. Whether inspired by the beauty of coral reefs or the serenity of drift dives, Olga’s underwater art invites viewers to feel the magic of being submerged in a world of wonder.
