72°F
weather icon Windy

Artist takes unique approach to oceanscapes

Boulder City Art Guild member Jeff Oldham loves the ocean. The breaking waves and the sandy beaches always have been things that inspired him, which is why when he became the guild’s featured artist for November he knew oceanscapes were what he wanted to paint.

“I love the ocean and everything about it, so the idea of painting seascapes came to me instantly,” Oldham said.

Many artists who put their work on display do so with the idea of getting as many pictures out to the public as possible. This means filling every bit of space they are given for display. Oldham decided he wanted to take a different approach.

Instead of placing a high number of horizontal pictures for his display, he opted instead for a smaller number of large vertical paintings. According to Oldham, this gave him a larger palette to work with and the opportunity to create bigger oceanscapes.

The vertical orientation of his paintings even motivated him to title his work “Vertical Horizons.”

“I loved the idea of using the space vertically because most of the time myself and other artists are just trying to get as much of our work up as we can,” Oldham said. “But this time I wanted less paintings that could create an entirely cohesive design.”

Oldham considers himself a visual painter in the sense that he enjoys crafting landscapes from real areas he sees in the world. He has found inspiration for paintings from pictures, including a California harbor and a Las Vegas sunset. He even combines the beauty of those conflicting areas.

In one piece, Oldham painted the Pacific Ocean with strong waves caused by a great blue whale along with a sunset inspired by the colors of the Mojave Desert.

“I have always found inspiration from the areas around me. If I see a picture I love or a beautiful sunset, I try to remember that so I can paint it later,” Oldham said. “It allows me to work with the best of both worlds: a tropical ocean and a desert sky.”

Oldham considers himself an activist. He is passionate about protecting oceans that he feels are being overly polluted, and the seascapes he painted are a symbol of what he believes oceans should be.

“We need to take better care of our oceans, and I try to portray that in my paintings,” Oldham said. “My work is a bit more idealistic because I think it is a better message to show a beautiful ocean than one that is covered in trash, and I hope when people look at my painting they think about taking care of our bodies of water.”

You can find his work in the art guild’s gallery at the Boulder Dam Hotel, 1305 Arizona St., or on his website at oldhamart.com, where you can find a number of paintings he has created from seascapes to endangered creatures.

Oldham’s exhibit continues through Friday. On Saturday, Holiday Memories featuring work by many guild members will open.

Contact reporter Max Lancaster at mlancaster @bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9401. Follow him on Twitter @MLancasterBCR.

MOST READ
LISTEN TO THE TOP FIVE HERE
THE LATEST
Rating reflects teachers’ commitment and determination of students

There’s no better way to begin this school year than by celebrating a truly incredible accomplishment of Garrett Junior High School officially earning a 5-Star school rating. This distinction represents the highest level of achievement under Nevada’s School Performance Framework and recognizes not only strong academic performance, but also growth, teamwork, and a positive school culture.

Everything from A to Z available at Country Store

Whether you call it a garage sale, yard sale or tag sale, Grace Community Church’s Country Store is one of the largest of its kind in the area.

Homecoming: Small town tradition

There’s something special about Homecoming in Boulder City.

Student achievement main focus at Mitchell

Mitchell Elementary has enjoyed a great beginning to our school year as our staff continues to serve our students and families as their children learn and grow their leadership skills.

What is a PSA test and why you need one

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a protein produced by the prostate gland, which is found in small amounts in the blood. The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test used to screen for prostate health and to help detect prostate cancer.

Wurst Fest kicks off fall event season

For nearly three decades it kicks off a very busy event season in Boulder City; one that goes up into the holidays.

Chugging Along

Photos by Ron Eland/Boulder City Review

Class In Session: Bobcats hit the ground running

The 2025-2026 school year is off to an exciting start at Garrett Junior High School. From impressive academic growth to new STEAM classes, our Bobcats are showing what it means to learn, lead, and succeed.

BCHS going strong at 85

The 2025–26 school year is off to a fantastic start at Boulder City High School.

Falls at home place seniors at significant risk

We may crack up watching slip and fall accidents on TikTok or “America’s Funniest Home Videos”, but in real life, especially for seniors, it’s no laughing matter.