Crab’s Bouquet

Crab’s Bouquet an Oil Painting by Christian Hammer

In ‘Crab’s Bouquet’, the artist Christian Hammer invites us to take a magical journey beneath the waves, where a crab swims gracefully through the water, reaching for a bouquet of flowers. The crab is rendered in exquisite detail, its shell glistening in the light.

The surface of the water is alive with movement, rippling and shimmering as if it were alive.

As we watch the crab, we can’t help but feel a sense of wonder at the hidden world beneath the surface of the water. The artist’s use of color and light creates a dream-like quality, transporting us to a place where anything is possible.

In this alternate reality, even a crab can grasp a bouquet of flowers, as if it were a water nymph reaching for a gift from the sea.

The artist believes that those who live and work in the Salish Sea region have a deep connection to the animals that call it home. The paintings have sparked conversations about the importance of preserving and protecting these creatures and their habitat.

For many, the paintings have evoked a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world, and have served as a reminder of the intricate web of life that we are all a part of.

Original available for purchase $2000

Thirsty Crab

16″x20″ Acrylic and Oil on Canvas

“Thirsty Crab” an Oil Painting by Christian Hammer

The inspiration for ‘Thirsty Crab’ came from the artist’s love of the natural world and concern for the impacts of human activity. While the painting is lighthearted and whimsical on the surface, there is a deeper message about our relationship with the environment.

Using a Dungeness crab as the subject, the artist Christian Hammer invites us to reflect on the ways in which our actions can have unintended consequences.

In the painting, the dungeness crab is drawn to a bottle of wine, representing the allure of human luxuries and comforts. However, the crab is also literally and figuratively ‘steaming’, a subtle reference to the impacts of climate change.

By juxtaposing these elements, the artist encourages us to consider the complex and often paradoxical relationship between humans and nature. The painting invites us to reflect on our own choices and actions, and to consider how we can live in harmony with the natural world.

In ‘Thirsty Crab’, the artist uses the contrast between the peaceful, idyllic setting and the underlying message to create a sense of tension and unease. The viewer is left with a feeling of uncertainty and even foreboding, which encourages reflection and introspection.

The simple yet powerful style of the painting makes it both accessible and thought-provoking, inviting the viewer to contemplate their own role in the issues it raises.

Original Available for Purchase $1000

Light Beer by Christian Hammer

16″x20″ Acrylic and Oil on Canvas

“Light Beer” an Oil Painting by Christian Hammer

One of the striking things about this painting is the use of light and color. The darkness of the background makes the clear glass bottle stand out, and the light it emits is almost ethereal.

This creates a sense of mystery and wonder, as the crab seems to be drawn to the light, almost as if it’s mesmerized by it. It’s as if the bottle represents something beyond the crab’s understanding, something more than just a discarded object. In this way, the painting is a commentary on human waste and pollution, but also on the wonder and mystery of the natural world.

Original available for purchase $1000

Koi Bounded and Content

Oil Painting on reclaimed wood panel by Christian Hammer

In this painting, the artist Christian Hammer explores the idea of boundaries and contentment, using the metaphor of a koi fish living within the reclaimed wood panel. The koi’s acceptance of its limited space represents the idea that contentment can be found within any boundaries, and that true happiness comes from appreciating the present moment.

The koi’s peaceful posture further convey the idea of contentment and acceptance. The reclaimed wood panel, with its rough and textured surface, suggests the passage of time and history. The imperfections of the wood are celebrated, adding beauty and interest to the painting.

The koi seems to embody the spirit of the wood, finding beauty and meaning within its limits.

The wood was once part of a living tree, with its own journey from seedling to maturity. Then, it was harvested and used for a practical purpose. Finally, it was reclaimed and repurposed into a work of art.

Each stage of its existence has given it new meaning and value, and this adds depth and complexity to the painting.

The fact that this is the third painting on this panel adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the artwork. The previous paintings, though mostly erased, still leave their mark, like the shadows of past lives. They add depth and texture, both physically and metaphorically, giving the koi’s journey a sense of history and resonance.

It’s as if the koi is not only content in its present moment, but also accepting of the journey that led it there.

Original is sold, prints are available: $400

California Poppies

California Poppies Abstraction – Oil on canvas painting

The artist Christian Hammer was inspired by the wild poppies that grow on his farm, finding joy and gratitude in their unassuming yet vibrant beauty. The painting captures the ephemeral nature of the poppies, their brilliant colors set against the dark field. The artist’s careful attention to detail and precise brushwork are evident in this painting, despite its subject matter of wildflowers.

The dark blue background and abstracted elements contrast with the vibrancy of the poppies, giving the painting a dynamic and visually interesting composition. The contrast between the representational flowers and the more stylized background creates a sense of depth and movement, drawing the viewer’s eye into the scene.

The painting is a reminder to appreciate the simple and fleeting pleasures of life, and to find beauty in the everyday.

Original is sold, prints are available for purchase: $100

Koi Duo – Oil on Canvas 18″x24″ Painting

I’ve enjoyed painting Koi for some time, they are a fantastic creature to indulge composition studies with as they flow and interact with each other in their liquid medium. Koi are a topic I return to on regular basis. This was a simple study and an attempt to make a more abstract and graphical composition with the ripples and interaction of this pair.

Oyster Shooter /Crab Dinner Painting

Oyster Shooter /Crab Dinner – Oil on Wood Panel painting

The artist’s use of reclaimed wood adds an extra layer of meaning to this painting. The history of the wood, with its previous use and imperfections, brings a sense of life and character to the piece. It’s as if the wood itself has a story to tell, and the crab and oyster are part of that story.

The wood’s history and the crab’s sympathetic expression create a narrative that is more than just a still life. Overall, ‘Crab Dinner or Oyster Shooter’ is a whimsical and thought-provoking painting that captures a private moment in nature. The expressive crab, the use of color, and the reclaimed wood all come together to create a narrative that is both humorous and poignant. The painting reminds us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and to never take it for granted.

The Original is available for purchase: $1000

Grumpy Fish

Ever so infrequently the idea and what appears in the first few brush strokes coincide. This was a quick study I did for the ‘Sense of South Whidbey’ painting. I love this little grump. I ended up changing the expression and pose for the final large painting, but this little guy has to be shared.

Sense of South Whidbey – Oil Painting

A Raven within a setting of liquor bottles and a glass containing a goldfish. 30" x 40" Oil painting on Canvas by Christian Hammer in 2022 — 30″ x 40″ Oil painting on Canvas by Christian Hammer in 2022

My Sense of South Whidbey Island

Oil Painting by Christian Hammer 2022

Through a series of studies and explorations of the island’s culture, the artist created a visual love letter to Whidbey Island. The painting brings together elements of the local businesses and wildlife capturing the essence of the island in a single scene. The artist hopes to convey a sense of connection and belonging, even in times of isolation and separation.

The painting is a celebration of the island’s unique character and a reminder of the importance of community and connection.

The painting’s composition, with its balanced arrangement of elements and its vibrant colors, draws the viewer in, inviting them to explore the scene and discover its hidden details. The painting is a testament to the power of art to connect us to each other and to the places we call home.

The artist hopes that viewers will take the time to slow down and appreciate the details of the painting, and perhaps see their own experiences reflected in its imagery. They may find themselves transported to the rugged shores of Whidbey Island, or simply inspired to explore and appreciate the beauty of their own surroundings. Ultimately, the artist hopes to convey a sense of hope, belonging, and possibility, even in uncertain times.

This painting is available for purchase:

SOLD – Original

$300 – for a limited run, signed print

Octopus in a Purple Mason Jar – Oil Painting

16" x 20" Oil Painting on canvas by Christian Hammer 2022 of a Pink Octopus in a Purple Mason Jar — 16″ x 20″ Oil Painting on canvas by Christian Hammer 2022

Oil Painting by Christian Hammer

In the painting ‘Octopus in a Purple Mason Jar’, the artist invites the viewer into a world of quiet wonder and discovery, where even the most ordinary objects can take on a life of their own.

The octopus, with its intelligent eyes and curious tentacles, seems to peer out from the mason jar, drawing us into its realm.

The artist’s use of color and texture gives the painting a dreamlike quality, as if we’re peering into another world. The purple mason jar, with its jewel-like hue, adds to the sense of magic and wonder.

The octopus, in all its complexity and otherworldliness, is a symbol of the mysteries that surround us, waiting to be explored.

The octopus, with its eight arms and bulbous head, has long been associated with mystery, intelligence, and transformation. In many cultures, the octopus is seen as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, with its many arms representing the many paths we can take in life. The mason jar, with its glassy transparency and airtight seal, is often seen as a symbol of protection and preservation.

In this painting, the octopus and the mason jar come together to create a metaphor for the way we protect and nurture our own inner wisdom and potential.

This painting is available for purchase:

$1000 – Original