Gulls and Spray

Eva Auld Watson, an American printmaker associated with the Arts and Crafts movement, is noted for her bold, decorative compositions that often feature natural and coastal subjects. Gulls and Spray exemplifies her graphic style, combining rhythmic design with strong contrasts to depict a dynamic maritime scene.

The artwork features seagulls in flight amid cresting ocean waves, rendered with stylized forms and energetic line work. Watson’s use of simplified shapes and contrasting tones emphasizes movement and atmosphere, capturing the power of the sea and the grace of the birds. The print reflects her distinctive approach to natural subjects, shaped by both modernist aesthetics and traditional printmaking techniques.

Artwork details

Artist: Eva Auld Watson

Title: Gulls and Spray

Date: Early 20th century

Style: Arts and Crafts, Modernist Printmaking

Medium: Originally linocut or woodcut

Subject: Seagulls and ocean waves

Features: Bold lines, high contrast, stylized natural forms

Dimensions: 30x30 cm / 12x12″