Rick Youmans, artist of water: 36th America's Cup Match - Luna Rossa vs Emirates Team NZ

Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli - Rounding the Mark - 36th America's Cup - March 2021 © Rick Youmans

Rick Youmans has harboured a passion for creating things ever since he was young, whether it’s art, architecture or design.

Rick has exhibited in New Zealand and Australia with paintings sold in Singapore, England and America. Over the coming weeks Sail-World will be presenting a series of his works covering many aspects of the sea and sailors.

"During my artistic journey, I have completed numerous private commissions, spanning from the waters of New Zealand to Cape Horn.

Rick Youmans - Marine artist and designer - photo © Youmans Studio

"As a passionate sailor, I enjoy creating sea-themed images and working on commissions that evoke real memories or feelings for my clients through my art. Think about a special memory, something meaningful to you that will bring you joy for many years.

"I have always been very interested in the America's Cup, and I wanted to capture the essence of this event in my painting. A few years ago, I presented the Wind and Sails exhibition in my studio. I chose to create a piece related to the 36th America's Cup in Auckland, a major current event at that time.

"While the painting was in its early stages, a previous customer, who also owned one of my paintings from the 35th America's Cup in Bermuda, collected unique sporting memorabilia and wanted to add it to his collection alongside the other one.

"I start the process by conducting thorough research and working with different compositions made from various images with the right angles. I then merge them into the composition I need. This allows me to create an original idea and composition which can be adjusted and improved to achieve the desired effect.

"In this painting, I aimed to capture a scene that showcases the differences in the boats, their sailing techniques, crew positions, and flight control. I also intended to leave some open interpretation to encourage debate and discussion about which boat is in the lead.

"It could be debated that Prada rounded the top mark first, but TNZL rounded the bottom mark and headed off in the lead, which increased over the rest of the race. In your perception, who is the leading team?

"Luna Rossa may have rounded the top mark first, but Te Rehutai rounded the bottom mark and took the lead, which they extended throughout the race."

Rick has exhibited in New Zealand and Australia with paintings sold in Singapore, England and America.

A painting provides a unique view, memory or talking point, covering everything from a unique moment or place, in sailing or personal history, or by describing a sailor or organisation's career in a single comprehensive image that would require a wall of photographic images of varying quality.

The options are limited only by the imagination of whoever commissions the work. The artist's role is to give effect to that vision, in a way that can never be done in photography.

Have you ever thought about owning a custom painting of your boat? Something that is meaningful to you and will bring you joy for a lifetime and beyond.

Commissioning a painting is straightforward. We'll discuss your ideas and requirements, including size, subject, and budget. Subsequently, I will propose sketches for your approval before proceeding to create the full-size painting.

Find out more in rickyoumans.com/painting/commissions

Got an idea of some event, boat or incident from your, or someone special's life, that could be recreated into a unique painting? Contact Rick Youmans

or at rickyoumans.com/enquire