Hull art

Sailors are not known for their ‘arty’ ways. Rather, it’s practical, logical thinking that defines them as a hardy, no-nonsense, very competitive bunch.

But, anyone with an eye for colour, design, natural patterns and shapes will find, hidden on hulls rudders and keels, some unique beauty. Frances de Saint Germain is working on it.

“I look for beauty in the mundane,” says Frances, wielding her Lumix camera and tramping around boatyards wearing her trademark newsboy cap. More of an artist than a photographer, she has a special interest in the amazing colours on keels, rudders and hulls. “I find colours below the waterline so fascinating. They have a richness and intensity hard to find elsewhere.

“There’s also the shapes, curves and angles I like to work with. Keels and rudders, propellers and through-hulls, they add depth and perspective, and allow me to explore new dimensions, away from the relatively flat surfaces found on the undersides of a typical racing yacht,” she explains.

Frances’ work in this unusual area of maritime art began in 2022, during Covid. “I used my husband’s boat, Mozzie, as a starting point and it progressed from there. I now receive commissions from local yachtsmen to produce artwork of their boats’ features beneath the waterline."

“And, for the record, I never use Photoshop. I don’t need to with my Leica 2.8 lens. Yes, I sometimes push the colours and sometimes sharpen the images but I make a point of using natural light with no special effects."

Frances has immersed herself in this relatively ‘unique’ area of visual art and has recently announced that many examples of her work will be on display at an exhibition in the Eastpro Gallery in Wanchai. It begins on the 29th of January and continues till the 11th of February 2026. Find out more on her website www.fsg852.com