Shane Couch

Marine Artist and Schooner Historian

As the official Artist to the “Classic Yacht Experience” and the “International Schooner Association” My work specialises in paintings that depict the great Racing Schooners both past and present.

Since childhood I have had a fascination with Classic Racing Schooners. They have been the inspiration behind my artistic journey. As a self-taught artist I have developed the skills best suited to capture these beautiful yachts. I work in oils, a medium I have found to both suit my personality and best represent both the detail and power of these unique yachts. My paintings are inspired by my time participating in the various classic yacht regattas around the Mediterranean and by time spent aboard these beautiful yachts kept in such beautiful condition by their owners, Captains and crew.

I was born in Lancashire and worked for 15 years in the Aircraft industry. During this time I taught myself to paint with a focus on marine subjects. In 1995 my love of yachts drew me south to Cowes, the historic home of yachting on the Isle of Wight, where I have since worked as a professional Marine Artist.

My paintings draw on my engineering background, many of my historical works are based on 3d models built on my computer from original lines plans and inspired by original race reports. With the current rebirth of Schooner Racing in the Mediterranean I now spend a lot of my time racing onboard today’s classic racing schooners and in recording the history these beautiful yachts are making.

The focus of my work centres on light and movement. I hope to tell the story of these historic yachts in all their beauty, power and splendour.