Art that Lets You Feel the Beauty of the Ocean | Alexandra Telgmann

Alexandra Telgmann is a German fine art painter known for her breathtaking paintings of the ocean, marine life, and the human form. Her art captures the beauty of water, its movement, and how it reflects light, creating a sense of peace and wonder.

In this interview, Alexandra shares her journey as an artist, from studying goldsmithing to finding her true passion in painting the sea. She talks about what inspires her, how she brings water to life on canvas, and why she believes art can help people slow down and appreciate the world around them.

Alexandra opens up about how deeply connected she is to the ocean—not just as a subject but as a source of inspiration and meaning. She hopes her paintings remind people of nature’s beauty, the importance of conservation, and the simple joy of pausing to take it all in.

Alexandra Telgmann is a German fine art painter renowned for her contemporary figurative and marine wildlife paintings. Her work invites viewers to connect with the wonders of the aquatic world, highlighting the profound relationship between the female form, marine wildlife, and water. Each piece encourages reflection and fosters awareness of marine conservation. Alexandra is working on her “Ocean Reflection” series, inspired by her profound love for the sea, further enhancing her connection to the aquatic world and enriching her artistic expression.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m Alexandra Telemann, a German fine art painter specializing in contemporary figurative and marine wildlife oil paintings. My work captures the beauty and serenity of the ocean, inviting viewers to connect with the wonders of the aquatic world. I have been honored with the Best Wildlife and Animal Award from the International Realism Guild and have been a finalist in several international competitions. My paintings have been exhibited at prestigious venues, including the Mall Galleries in London and the Salmagundi Art Club in New York, and have been featured in American Art Collector and Fine Art Connoisseur magazines. I am creating my Ocean Reflection series, inspired by my deep love for the sea.

I am captivated by the fluidity of water—a dynamic element that can both carry a ship across vast distances and slip effortlessly through our fingers.

Alexandra Telgmann

2. What is your creative process like from start to finish?

My creative process begins with a profound connection to my subject, often drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the natural world. I meticulously plan my compositions, considering the interplay of light, water, and form. Layering oil paints allows me to achieve depth and realism, with particular attention to the reflective qualities of water. In some of my works, I incorporate 24-carat gold leaf to depict sunlight reflections, adding an intense and captivating shimmer that enhances the visual impact.

My master’s degree in goldsmithing has honed my attention to detail and understanding of intricate patterns, which seamlessly integrate into my artistic process, enabling me to create visually striking and meticulously crafted works. I also prioritize the longevity of my art. Using the highest quality materials ensures that my paintings maintain their visual impact and will continue to captivate viewers for generations. I employ premium oil paints, durable canvases, and select pigments that ensure longevity. This commitment to quality guarantees that my work will look just as vibrant and meaningful in 300 years, offering beauty, strength, and tranquility to the homes of my collectors for generations to come.


3. Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

For the past five years, my primary source of inspiration has been the ocean, particularly its interaction with the human body and marine wildlife. I am captivated by the fluidity of water—a dynamic element that can both carry a ship across vast distances and slip effortlessly through our fingers. The interplay of light and reflections on the water’s surface inspires me. I spend considerable time observing water daily and immersing myself in the ocean with goggles to study the underwater world. Witnessing the constant, rapid changes—the movement of water influencing the human body and marine animals—reveals a mesmerizing dance of light and motion. Painting water is akin to capturing a moment in motion, a fleeting glimpse frozen in time. Through my art, I aim to inspire viewers to pause, appreciate the intricate patterns of water, and embrace the lightness of being.

4. What role does experimentation play in your art practice?

The entire process of my creation is an experiment. With water, nothing is static. I let myself be guided by the light and the movement of water, experimenting with various images in my mind. To paint water and the sunlight dancing on the surface, I always experiment to achieve this interplay with real gold leaf and paint into moving shapes. It takes layer over layer, and I’m not afraid to try new visions and approaches. I trust my experience and strive to add something new—a vision, technique, or strategy. Art, for me, is a long journey of experiments that aim to enhance style and vision. It truly fascinates me to travel this road, to dive deeper into the world I like to bring to life with all the sources, ideas, and creative inspiration I have at this particular moment when I’m painting.

Painting water is akin to capturing a moment in motion, a fleeting glimpse frozen in time.

Alexandra Telgmann

5. What do you hope people take away from experiencing your art?

Through my art, I aim to inspire viewers to pause and embrace the lightness of being, highlighting the constant interplay between humans and nature. Elements like the sunlight’s patterns on the skin often go unnoticed in daily life. Water offers an intensified perspective on these phenomena, as does breathing. The structure of water forms complex and beautiful patterns that change every second, inviting amazement in the details of the elements surrounding us. By capturing the beauty and serenity of the ocean, I invite you to connect with the wonders of the marine world. In our fast-paced society, stepping into a realm of wonder is essential. For instance, breathing is a daily act we often overlook, yet underwater; it creates beautiful patterns and interacts uniquely with water. I strive to depict these magical moments, highlighting our bond with nature—an element fundamental to life that we sometimes forget.

Alexandra’s paintings remind us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of water and nature. Through her art, she tells stories of connection, light, and movement, encouraging us to see the world more wonderfully. More than just an artist, she’s a storyteller, using paint to bring the ocean’s magic to life. To learn more about Alexandra, click here.