Water Colors: Marine Artist Robert Lloyd

‘Krania’-courtesy of Neda Maritime Agencies Ltd

By Kathryn Stone

Whoever said water and oil don’t mix clearly has never seen one of Robert Lloyd’s paintings. The 45 year old UK based artist has developed his career by rendering high-quality oil paintings of just about every maritime vessel conceivable. 

From the moment you lay eyes on one of his paintings, you can almost feel the spray of salt on your face as the impressive vessel in front of you cuts through the waves. You can bet that the ship or OSV or passenger vessel shown is true to life from the number of lifeboats it has, all the way down to the balcony rail placement. Known as both a technical and atmospheric artist for his painstaking attention to detail combined with his sweeping seascapes, Robert Lloyd has established himself as the premier maritime painter of our generation. In his twenty plus years painting, Lloyd has been recognized by the Queen of England and with an honorary postal stamp set of his work. He also counts some of the most influential movers in the maritime community such Cunard Line Ltd, The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), ABS, among his list of clients. 

‘Andrea Doria in the Mediterranean’ - courtesy R Faber

Robert’s love for the sea began at an early age. As a child he used to travel across the River Mersey into Liverpool with his family and cross the Irish Sea in small ferry boats.  “I remember standing on deck as the ferry crashed through heavy seas, whilst the rest of the family went below to their cabin. It was at that point I realized I didn’t suffer from seasickness and never have. I loved the vast openness of the sea, the sense of how small I was miles from land.”

His strong passion for the sea never waned, and as Robert grew older he considered becoming an officer with Blue Star Line. However, because he had a bourgeoning talent for art, his teachers encouraged him to follow this path instead. The painter began working as an illustrator for an advertising agency until one of the clients at the time, P&O Ferries, commissioned him to paint “Pride of Portsmouth”. Delighted with his work, P&O then commission two more paintings from Robert, and by that time the artist was well on his way to establishing himself in the maritime community. 

‘Alexandra’- Courtesy of Neda Maritime Agencies Ltd

Detail and ambiance are key in all of Robert’s work. He begins a project first by consulting with clients to determine sea state, weather conditions and location for the painting. Then, he produces a detailed sketch of the vessel for discussion. When all the details have been laid out with the customer, he begins painting the sea and sky, then moves on the vessel and finishes a painting by filling in the reflections and details on a ship’s hull. 

In many cases Robert is asked to produce a finished painting from old photographs or new-build design plans. “Having been painting for so long, often working from builder’s plans, the detail is to my mind important. When someone takes delivery of the painting of a ship they perhaps crewed on years ago, they say ‘at the end of my shift I used to stand on deck to have a smoke, I always stood near the ventilator aft of hatch four – and there is the ventilator on the painting – it brings back happy memories!’ then you know it is these little details that often count.”

There have been times, however, when Robert has come up against technical and artistic challenges. “Many years ago I completed a painting of a diamond mining vessel for DeBeers. It was converted from a large fish factory ship and in the end looked like an oil refinery with conveyors, bespoke winches all of which had specific functions; there was nothing to reference against and it took weeks to understand and complete. In the end, it looked exactly like the ship, but it was a challenge getting there!” 

‘Peace in Africa’ - courtesy of DeBeers Marine

While asking a painter what his favorite painting is can be akin to asking a parent to name their favorite child, Robert did admit that “The Three Queens at Southampton,” which hangs aboard the Cunard Liner Queen Elizabeth is special to his heart. “It was to say the least a technical challenge but was ultimately very successful. It is situated in a lounge and having traveled on the ship and I would sit quietly listening to passenger comments, unaware of whom I was.  The comments were highly positive, passengers loved it. In some ways I would have to say, that painting is closest to being a favorite.” 

'The Three Queens at Southampton' - courtesy of Cunard Line Limited

Robert’s experience working with Cunard subsequently lead to Queen Elizabeth II unveiling his painting “Coming Home” when her namesake, the QE2, was retired from service in 2008. “The Queen came on board to unveil her and said just how much she loved the depiction of her name sake; at the time I thought ‘I’ll bet she always says that!’ Some days later a request from Buckingham Palace, the Queen enjoys jigsaw puzzles and would very much like to have the painting reproduced as one. A special solid brass 2400 piece jigsaw was specially made, I hate to think what it cost but I do know they made two and I have the other one. I suppose she must really have liked the painting!”

Robert Lloyd speaking with the Queen at the Unveiling of ‘Coming Home’ commissioned by Cunard Line LTD. 

Many years have passed since a young Robert stood on the shoreline watching ships come and go; however, his love for the sea has remained constant.  So what’s on the horizon for the future? The artist describes his current list of paintings as three OSVs, two bulk carriers, a seismic survey vessel, a jack up rig, two cruise ships, a project tanker and two large LNG carriers. “I enjoy the variety of the paintings, some call for rough weather, some in hot and sunny conditions and a couple showing fitting out at the shipyard. I have quite a number of enquiries at any one time but still, after all these years I get excited at the prospect of what may be just around the corner.”

'GMS Endeavour' -courtesy Gulf Marine Services Ltd

To view additional paintings or find out more about Robert Lloyd please visit: http://www.robertlloyd.co.uk/