Sailboats and Sunlight: A Coastal Escape By David Wagstaff-Myers


There’s a special kind of stillness that comes with watching boats drift quietly on a sunlit harbour. Sailboats and Sunlight is a piece inspired by that exact moment — a peaceful pause, caught between tide and sky, painted straight from memory and affection for the Yorkshire coast.

This artwork, like so many of my coastal scenes, was born from time spent watching light play across the water at Whitby Harbour. It’s a place that always calls me back — as a photographer, as a painter, and as someone who just finds calm in the sea’s quiet rhythm.

The Beauty of Whitby Harbour

There’s nowhere quite like Whitby Harbour. A mix of fishing boats and pleasure craft, aged piers and salty air — it’s full of character. That soft clatter of rigging, the glint of morning light off wet wood, the gentle sway of the tide. These are the moments I try to capture in my coastal art — not just what it looks like, but how it feels to be there.

For me, marine scenery isn’t just a subject. It’s a way of bringing people back to those rare, reflective moments. Whether you’re familiar with the Yorkshire coast or not, the atmosphere of a working harbour at rest is something that resonates.

Why Sailboats?

There’s a kind of quiet poetry to sailboats. They carry so much symbolism — freedom, tranquillity,
even a sense of adventure. Sometimes they’re in motion, sometimes they’re still. But they always feel like they’re going somewhere, or returning from somewhere meaningful.

In marine paintings, they often act as anchors for our own imaginations — a starting point for a story. In Sailboats and Sunlight, they’re resting. Safe. Waiting for the wind. That’s the feeling I wanted to hold on to and share.

A Calm Coastal Palette

The colour palette of this piece is deliberately soft — pale blues, gentle greys, and touches of reflected gold from the early morning light. I’ve always believed that colour affects how we feel, and with this one, the goal was calm. Stillness. Ease.

It’s a subtle blend, but an intentional one. The tones are chosen to echo the experience of a quiet morning on the harbour — no rush, just presence. A moment to breathe.

Reflections of Nature

Water and light. That’s what it’s always about. In my work, I’m often chasing the way reflections ripple, soften, and shift the world around them. In Sailboats and Sunlight, it’s that relationship between man-made vessels and the sea that frames everything.

This isn’t just a picture of boats — it’s a moment of coastal life, and a gentle reminder of our place within the natural world. Still, small, connected.


Bringing Coastal Calm into Your Home

A piece like this fits naturally into spaces that crave peace. Whether it’s your hallway, living room, bedroom or even a reading nook, coastal art can completely shift the mood. Add some linen, light woods, and maybe a shell or two, and suddenly your home breathes easier.

If you’re curating a coastal-inspired interior, or just want a visual escape to return to at the end of the day, this painting is designed for that.

About Me

I'm David Wagstaff-Myers — a photographer and visual artist based on the Nottinghamshire–Yorkshire border, not far from Doncaster. My creative life is rooted in real places and lived moments, usually found on coastal paths, in harbours, or just sitting still with a camera or sketchbook in hand.

My passion has always been capturing the quiet beauty of coastal scenes, both through the lens and on canvas. Each piece I create is about distilling a feeling — a pause, a breeze, a certain light — and sharing it with someone else.

View or Buy the Artwork

If Sailboats and Sunlight speaks to you, you can view and purchase the piece directly via the DWM Photography Art Store
(Prints and framed options available.)

Whether you're decorating a home, giving a thoughtful gift, or just need that breath of sea air in your daily space — I hope it brings a little calm your way.

Let’s Stay Connected

Do you have a favourite harbour or coastal view that brings you peace? I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment or drop me a message — I genuinely enjoy hearing how others connect with the coast.

To keep up with new releases, behind-the-scenes sketches, and where I’ll be exhibiting next, follow along on Instagram or Facebook:
📸 Instagram – @dwmphotographyuk
🌊 Facebook – DWM Photography

Thanks for reading. And here’s to a little more light and stillness in all our days.


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