Where This Work Begins
Growing up in a beach town, the water was the center of my world. I was either swimming in it or standing on the shore, watching the harbor boats glide in and out, tracing their quiet rhythms. I was captivated by movement, light, and the subtle geometry of the natural world: the arcs of dunes, the pull of the horizon, the patterns of waves and tides. These early observations shaped the way I see and experience the world, long before I ever picked up a brush.
Today, I translate that fascination into geometric abstract paintings, collages, and limited-edition prints. I distill landscapes, harbors, and coastal scenes into form, color, and movement, creating work that balances structure with fluidity. My goal is to capture not just the visual appearance of a place, but the feeling of it: the rhythm of water, the tension between stillness and motion, the quiet energy of the coast.
Geometric Abstraction: Beyond Traditional Landscape Painting
This is not traditional landscape painting. There are no photorealistic waves or postcard sunsets. Instead, I use geometric abstraction to distill the coast into its essential elements:
- The gentle, sweeping arc of a dune
- The quiet horizontal pull of the horizon line
- The rhythmic interplay of light on water
Through this approach, the coastline becomes something more concentrated, more lasting, and deeply evocative, a contemporary vision of nature that balances structure with fluidity. If you're curious about how working within limits actually sharpens this process, I wrote more about that in how constraint shapes my geometric abstract painting practice.
What Collectors Are Acquiring
Each piece in this body of work is one-of-a-kind, created in acrylic or mixed media. Layered textures and thoughtfully chosen palettes make each painting and collage a visual study that rewards close looking. My color choices draw directly from the coastal landscapes I grew up in, and are deeply informed by color theory, particularly the work of Josef Albers and his influence on how I see and use color:
- Deep ocean blues
- Warm sandy neutrals
- Soft grays of overcast skies over Long Island Sound
A few works that speak to this approach: Ebb and Flow, a large-scale 36x48 abstract that captures the push and pull of the tide; Sailboat, a 36x36 study in geometric form and open water; and Harbor, a 30x40 painting that distills the quiet rhythm of boats at rest into color and line.
Works are available as:
- Original paintings
- Original collages on paper
- Limited-edition prints
- Diptych and multi-panel formats for larger installations
Every piece is framed and ready to hang, making it simple for collectors to integrate abstract coastal paintings into their homes or offices. New to collecting? I put together a practical guide to collecting geometric abstract art that covers what to look for and how to start.
Through my work, I hope to share the sensory experiences that shaped me: the patterns, rhythms, and colors of the shoreline, translated into abstract forms that invite viewers to feel the coast in a new way.
Why Geometric Coastal Art Works in Any Space
One of the qualities collectors consistently respond to is versatility. Because my geometric coastal paintings work through form rather than literal imagery, they complement a wide range of interiors:
- Calm bedrooms
- Light-filled living rooms
- Spa-inspired or editorial-style spaces
The balance of openness and structure in these compositions allows the work to bring a sense of place without being tied to a specific context, making it well suited to modern, minimalist, or layered interiors alike.
About Shilo Ratner
I'm Shilo Ratner, a New Haven, Connecticut-based artist working in geometric abstraction. My practice spans original paintings, collage on paper, and limited-edition prints, all rooted in a lifelong fascination with coastal landscapes and the geometry hidden within them. My work is held in private collections and is available directly through my online studio shop.
Start Your Collection
Whether you're purchasing your first abstract coastal painting or adding to an existing collection, I'd love for my work to find a place in your home. Browse available originals and prints, or reach out to shiloratner@gmail.com with questions about a specific piece, framing options, or commission inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is geometric coastal art?
Geometric coastal art distills the natural forms of the shoreline, such as dunes, horizon lines, and water patterns, into abstract shapes, color, and composition. Rather than depicting the coast literally, it captures the feeling and rhythm of coastal landscapes through structure and form.
How is geometric abstraction different from traditional landscape painting?
Traditional landscape painting aims to represent a scene realistically. Geometric abstraction strips that scene down to its essential visual elements, using shape, line, and color to evoke a place rather than illustrate it. The result is work that feels both contemporary and timeless.
What sizes are available?
Original paintings range from intimate works on paper to large-scale canvases up to 36x48 inches. Limited-edition prints are available in multiple sizes. Diptych and multi-panel formats are also available for larger installations. Contact shiloratner@gmail.com for specific sizing questions.
Are the works framed?
Yes. Every original painting, collage, and print is framed and ready to hang.
Can I commission a custom piece?
Yes. Commission inquiries are welcome. Reach out to shiloratner@gmail.com with details about your space, color preferences, and size requirements.
