DON’T SEAS THE DAY – A mixed media seascape about childhood memories
- dbwaterman
- Jun 7
- 4 min read
Remembering a time gone by
Do you remember? Long summer days at the seaside. Your feet in the foam, the salt on your skin, your mother's voice calling you for a sandwich with sand between the crusts. You were never alone, always together with friends, cousins, neighbors' children. The days seemed endless. And free. Truly free.
In the painting “DON'T SEAS THE DAY,” I tried to capture that feeling. The work shows two children running into the surf, completely absorbed in the moment. Their silhouettes are black, almost anonymous, and yet universally recognizable. They are an echo of who you were—or perhaps who you would like to be again. And at the same time, the work is a whispering warning. Because that time of carefree outdoor play, of getting lost in your own world, seems further away than ever.
More than nostalgia – an image with a message
My paintings are never created by chance. They are built from a combination of memory, emotion, and reflection.
“DON'T SEAS THE DAY” is not just about memories of the past. It also says something about the present. About how children are playing outside less and less, how the sea is literally changing due to climate change, how screens have taken the place of play and exercise.
We live in a time when freedom for children is not a given — and perhaps it never was, but it used to feel that way.
The title is a playful twist on “Seize the day.” Where we used to seize the day without realizing it, now it seems as if we are losing it. As if the sea, which in this mixed media artwork symbolizes freedom and endlessness, is becoming less and less accessible. The painting not only evokes memories — it also confronts us with what we are in danger of losing.
What do you see in this mixed media seascape?
Art is not a one-way street. You look at the painting, but the painting also looks at you. And what you see says something about where you are in life. Some people see a childhood memory. Others feel a sense of loss. Still others recognize their own children, whom they would so much like to grant the same freedom.
The technique I used to create this seascape is a mixed media technique. Different layers, including an initial image transfer layer with a 'concrete look', have been applied on top of each other with acrylic paint.
The background is almost abstract — as if time and the sea itself have weathered the image.
The foam of the waves fades into mist, as memories do. The figures are not detailed, but powerful. They run, move, live. You feel the energy, the simplicity, the happiness of being absorbed in the moment.
And precisely because you cannot see the children's faces, you can project your own image onto them. That of your brother. Your daughter. Your former self.
Why this painting touches people
When this artwork was first viewed by visitors to my studio, it immediately became a topic of conversation.
People didn't ask questions about the technique or the format — they shared stories. “This reminds me so much of our vacations in Brittany!”
"I miss those summer days on the beach in Zeeland. I want that feeling back.”
That makes me very happy, that people are moved by an image, precisely for the reason I created it. I don't want to make art for decoration, but to trigger something in people.
I believe that art is only truly valuable if it makes you think or feel. This painting does both. It is aesthetic, yes. But it is also a mirror.
For some, it's a piece of childhood. For others, it's a reminder of their own children, who are suddenly grown up. For yet others, it's a painful realization of how far we've strayed from simplicity and freedom. And for collectors and art lovers, that's precisely the added value of this work: it continues to speak to us. Even years later.
Art that lasts — and moves
Why should you buy this painting? Because it moves. Because it lasts. And because it changes, just like you. In the morning it seems light. In the evening melancholic. Sometimes you feel it as hopeful, then again as confrontational. That is the power of good art: it lives with you. It becomes part of your life.
It will be a conversation starter for all your visitors. And you can proudly tell why you bought this painting
“DON’T SEAS THE DAY” is an original work. One piece. No print. No repetition. With certificate of authenticity and signature. It is available through my webshop and studio and is shipped worldwide free of charge, professionally packaged and insured.
In addition, I offer every buyer, if desired, a handwritten explanation and background information about the work. Because I believe that whoever buys art, also buys the story. And that story is perhaps more important than the paint on the canvas.
What you can do now ?
Would you like to see the painting in real life?
I work in a large studio gallery in the Klokgebouw on Strijp-S in Eindhoven. This is a former Philips building on the old Philips industrial estate where mainly small start-ups and artists are now located. A beautiful environment and a beautiful building to work in.
You can view all available artworks as if you were in a gallery. And at the same time see the production process, because it is also a studio.
Send photos of your wall!
I would like to think with you about how the work best fits your living space. Ask me all your questions. And let me know your wishes.
Send me photos of the wall where you would like to hang the painting.
I will then digitally place the painting on your wall, so that you can see how it fits.
