Ocean Calm, Canvas Beauty: The Art Behind My Coastal Creations

Stride Coastal: My Story

stride /strīd/ noun

1. A confident, purposeful step toward a destination

My brand name reflects my mission: Helping you take that intentional step away from the stress of everyday life and a meaningful stride toward the healing calm of the shore through coastal art that makes a difference.

My Deep Ocean Connection

Cherie on the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park with the Atlantic Ocean in the background

 

 

Acadia National Park, revealed to me the magnificent duality of the Maine coast. Standing on rocky cliffs of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard, watching Atlantic waves crash against ancient granite formations, I felt a powerful sense of awe—then just a short distance away, I experienced the surprising delight of Sand Beach, where I could sink my toes into cool golden sand sheltered within the rugged coastline. This fascinating contrast within a single park is a great example of how diverse our shores can be. It was entirely different from the warm, expansive beaches of South Carolina where the Atlantic waters felt like a bath, or the pristine stretches of Cape Cod that seemed to extend into forever.

Each coastline I've explored—from Pensacola's sugar-white shores to Navarre's emerald waters, from Gulf Shores' family-friendly beaches to South Padre Island's wild stretches of the Gulf—has left its imprint on my soul. The Pacific coast brought different sensations entirely: Santa Monica's vibrant energy and San Diego's perfect blend of rugged cliffs and gentle coves.

These coastal experiences haven't just been vacations for me. They've been a continuous education in how water, sand, and sky can combine in countless variations to create moments of perfect peace. I've studied the way morning light catches the crest of waves, how afternoon sun transforms ordinary sand into a field of diamonds, and how twilight softens every edge along the shoreline.

What draws me to coastal environments goes beyond just their beauty—it's the

profound effect they have on me personally. I've experienced it myself countless times—arriving at the shore with a mind full of to-do lists and tensions, then feeling my shoulders drop and breath deepen with the first sight of the horizon. I've seen the same transformation in my family and friends. 

There's something deeply restorative about this ocean connection, and it's what inspired me to create coastal wall art that could bring that same feeling into people's everyday spaces.

A Creator's Evolution

The need to create has always been part of who I am, to think, figure, plan, do. For years, I channeled this through photography and digital design, capturing moments and crafting visual stories. Twice before, I attempted to turn this passion into a business when my children were young, but the timing wasn't right. Life was full with family responsibilities, and my creative dreams needed to simmer a bit longer.

 

As my children grew older, that creative urge intensified. I found myself drawn back to my design work with renewed purpose and clarity. I knew I wanted to create something that would bring beauty and peace into people's everyday lives. 

Canvas art felt like the perfect medium—I've always loved the clean, sophisticated presence it brings to a space. Almost everything hanging in my own home is canvas, and I appreciate how it transforms digital work into something with physical dimension and texture.

The decision to focus Stride Coastal primarily on canvas prints wasn't just a business strategy—it was a reflection of what I personally value in art. There's something wonderfully direct about canvas. It doesn't hide behind ornate frames or distract with unnecessary elements. Instead, it lets the colors, textures, and emotions of the artwork speak directly to you every time you enter the room.

Each piece I create is born from a combination of personal experiences and devoted research—from beaches I've walked myself, shores I've studied through countless photographs, and coastal scenes I've come to know through careful research. 

While I've been fortunate to experience many coastal areas firsthand, I don't limit my artistic vision to only places I've physically visited. Instead, I immerse myself in studying locations through images, maps, and descriptions to capture their essence. This approach, combined with skills developed over decades and the joy of finally having the space in my life to pursue this creative calling, makes Stride Coastal more than just a business—it's the culmination of a lifetime of loving the ocean and wanting to share that connection with others.

My Creative Approach

I don't believe in creating coastal art that merely looks pretty hanging on a wall. Anyone can photograph a beach or paint a seascape, but capturing the essence of what makes us love the ocean requires something more—it requires research, understanding, and emotional connection.

Before starting any new piece, I immerse myself in research. I study photographs of specific locations, noting how light plays across the water at different times of day, how the colors shift with changing weather, and what unique qualities make each coastal area distinctive. I look at historic images and contemporary scenes, trying to understand the timeless elements that have drawn people to these shores.

But technical research is only half the equation. I also try to understand what people truly love about their beach memories. Is it the sense of freedom when standing at the edge of the vast ocean? The nostalgia of childhood days building sandcastles? The romance of sunset walks along the shore? These emotional connections inform every color choice, every texture, every composition in my work.

As a digital creator, I'm constantly learning new techniques to bring these coastal visions to life. The digital techniques evolve quickly, offering exciting new tools and approaches. I dedicate significant time to mastering these techniques—whether it's creating the perfect texture, capturing the translucent quality of shallow water, or rendering the way sunlight filters through sea spray.

What emerges from this process isn't just pretty beach scenes, but art that resonates with real emotional connections. My goal is to create sophisticated coastal artwork that avoids clichés while still evoking authentic feelings about the ocean. I want each piece to serve as a daily reminder of that sense of peace and possibility we feel when standing at the shore, watching waves roll in endlessly from the horizon

.

The Science Behind Ocean Joy: Why Coastal Art Transforms Spaces

There's a scientific reason we feel better near water—it's called the Blue Mind effect. Researcher Wallace J. Nichols extensively studied how water environments influence our brains and emotions. The science shows that being near, in, on, or under water can literally change our neurochemistry, increasing feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin while reducing stress hormones like cortisol.

 

 

This isn't just about relaxation—it's about fundamental changes in how our brains function. Water environments help us enter a "mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness," as Nichols describes it. Our brains evolved with a deep connection to water, and even today, the sight, sound, and presence of water can trigger powerful physiological responses.

The fascinating connection between art and wellbeing extends beyond just water scenes. In their groundbreaking book "Your Brain on Art," Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross reveal how engaging with art—whether creating it or simply viewing it—activates neural pathways associated with pleasure, focus, and emotional regulation. They explain how visual art can serve as a form of "neurological nutrition" that our brains crave. This research perfectly complements the Blue Mind theory, showing how coastal art delivers a double neurological benefit: the calming effects of water imagery combined with the brain-enriching experience of artistic engagement.

What fascinates me most is how coastal canvas wall art can trigger these combined neurological benefits. While nothing completely replaces being at the actual beach, the right visual representation of water and shore can activate many of those same calming neural pathways. This is why thoughtfully chosen coastal prints can transform not just the look of a living room, but also how people feel within that space.

I've heard countless stories from customers about how their new beach wall art has become more than just decoration. A piece hanging in a home office becomes a visual escape during stressful work days. Serene coastal scenes in bedrooms help people fall asleep more easily. A large ocean print in a living room creates a daily moment of calm for the entire family.

 

 

 

 

 

The right coastal artwork becomes a portal—a visual anchor that reminds us to breathe deeply, slow down, and reconnect with that sense of peace we feel at the shore. This isn't simply about making spaces look prettier; it's about making them feel better to live in every single day.

What Makes Stride Coastal Different

In a world full of mass-produced wall art, I wanted to create something that stands apart—coastal canvas art with meaning, quality, and authentic connection. When you strip everything away, here are the 3 key reasons that makes Stride Coastal truly different:

• 100% Original Art with Thoughtful Craftsmanship – Personally designed with intention, gallery-quality materials, ready to hang.

• Deep Emotional Connection – Art that reflects authentic coastal feelings: calm, nostalgia, escape, belonging

• Art as Well Being – Backed by neuroscience showing how art and water imagery reduce stress hormones

 

I have build Stride Coastal so that it isn't just decor—it's a daily stride toward coastal calm, created by someone who understands exactly what you're seeking when you bring the shore into your home.

 

 

The Benefits You'll Experience

What does this mean for you? Here's what you'll gain when you bring Stride Coastal art into your space:

✔️ Experience that peaceful, toes-in-the-sand feeling daily – That moment when your shoulders drop at the first sight of the horizon, available with every glance at your wall

✔️ Enjoy lasting quality with premium canvas and fade-resistant colors – Your coastal investment maintains its vibrancy and impact for years, not months

✔️ Transform your space with sophisticated coastal style – Not kitschy beach themes but refined, contemporary art that elevates your environment

✔️ Improve wellbeing through art that triggers natural relaxation – Tap into the scientifically-proven "Blue Mind" effect that reduces stress hormones and enhances mood

Why You Can Trust Stride Coastal

Unlike the sea of cheaply made, bulk-produced commodity art flooding the market with generic coastal scenes, I create each design with intention before professionally printing on premium materials. I stand behind every aspect of my work.

• Created by a fellow beach lover with over 20 years of design experience

• 100% original designs made personally by me

• Backed by a 30-Day Beach Joy Guarantee

• Consistently 5-star rated by ocean enthusiasts

• Supported by neuroscience research on art and wellbeing

 

 

Discovering My Collections

My coastal art is organized into three distinct categories, each capturing different aspects of our connection to the ocean and shore.

 

The Beachscapes celebrate those expansive moments where sand meets sky meets water. These pieces capture the peaceful rhythm and breathtaking beauty of shorelines—the places where we stand at the edge of the familiar and gaze into the infinite. When I create a Beachscape piece, I'm thinking about that moment when you first arrive at the beach, take a deep breath, and feel every tension dissolve as your perspective shifts to something larger than daily concerns.

My Abstracts takes a different approach, using fluid forms and evocative blue tones to interpret the emotional essence of coastal environments. These pieces aren't literal representations but rather expressions of how the ocean makes us feel—the movement, the depth, the ever-changing patterns that captivate our attention. Abstract coastal art speaks to those who connect with the ocean on an intuitive, emotional level and want that feeling expressed in a more contemporary, interpretive style.

The Coastal Icons & Sea Life collection celebrates the recognizable elements that instantly transport us to beach memories—from the gentle curve of shells to the graceful forms of sea turtles, from delicate jellyfish to colorful coral formations. These pieces feature the ocean's living treasures and iconic symbols that have captivated beachcombers for generations. They create immediate recognition and emotional connection, making them perfect for beach house décor or for anyone who wants their coastal memories beautifully represented through the ocean's most beloved inhabitants and symbols.

What I've found is that different collections serve varied needs and spaces. Some customers seek a statement piece—a large ocean print that transforms an entire room with its presence. Others prefer smaller works that add a subtle breezy touch to a reading nook or hallway. Some are drawn to the calming blues and greens of seascapes, while others connect with the warmer tones of sunset beach scenes.

This diversity is intentional because I understand that bringing coastal joy home looks different for everyone. Whether you're browsing best sellers for proven favorites or exploring new releases, each piece offers a unique way to incorporate the essence of coastal living into your everyday environment.

Finding Your Perfect Coastal Match

Finding the perfect piece isn't just about loving how it looks—it's about how it fits your space, complements your existing décor, and creates the feeling you want to experience daily. That's why I've created tools to help you discover the ideal coastal artwork for your specific needs.

My Size & Style Finder helps you browse options based on what matters most to you—whether that's color palette, subject matter, size requirements, or the overall vibe you're seeking. This takes the guesswork out of finding a perfect fit for your space, ensuring your new coastal art will look as good in your home as it does in the gallery.

 

 

If you prefer a more personalized approach, take my Coastal Art Quiz for a fun and revealing way to discover your perfect match. The quiz asks simple questions about your preferences and lifestyle, then recommends pieces that align with your unique coastal style. It's particularly helpful if you're feeling overwhelmed by options or aren't sure which direction to go. 

 

 

 

Many customers tell me their coastal art pieces have become more than decoration—they're daily portals to cherished memories and feelings. Whether it reminds you of family beach vacations or solo walks along a distant shore, nautical wall art opens a new window to experiences that have shaped you. This emotional connection is what transforms a pretty picture into a meaningful part of your home.

What matters most is finding art that helps create that deep, peaceful, toes-in-the-sand feeling you crave. The right coastal piece will catch your eye across the room and momentarily transport you, providing a micro-dose of that Blue Mind calm even on the busiest days.

Continue Your Ocean Journey

If you've enjoyed this glimpse into my artistic journey and coastal collections, I invite you to explore further through my blog, where I share deeper insights into both the art and science of bringing ocean calm home.

In Gallery Wrapped Canvases: The Mirrored Edge Difference, you'll discover the craftsmanship details that set quality canvas art apart and why these seemingly small touches make a significant difference in how art presents in your space.

Before & After: Transforming Beachscapes with Coastal Art showcases real-life room transformations, demonstrating how the right piece can completely change not just the look but the feel of a space—from ordinary to coastal haven.

For those fascinated by the science behind our ocean connection, Why the Beach Makes You Happy: The Science of Coastal Serenity explores the Blue Mind theory in depth, explaining why that beach feeling matters so much to our wellbeing.

Every purchase is backed by my 30-Day Guarantee—because coastal art should bring you joy, and I'm committed to ensuring you love the piece you select. If you don't experience that rush of ocean happiness when you hang your art, I'll make it right.

I'd love to hear your own ocean stories and experiences, as these connections continuously inspire my work. The ocean touches each of us differently yet creates a shared language of peace, possibility, and perspective that transcends our differences.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of bringing ocean calm home. May your walls always remind you of those perfect moments by the shore, where time slows, breath deepens, and everything—for a little while—feels exactly as it should be.