Introducing Jess Douglas ‘The Yacht Artist’

Jess Douglas, from Lyme Regis in the beautiful Southwest of England is currently embarking on a unique journey with her husband, residing full-time aboard their sailing boat after liquidating all their possessions. Their next adventure is set to take them southward to the Mediterranean, where they aim to establish a new chapter in their lives aboard.

We pick up with Jess, ahead of her article in the forthcoming issue of Relentless Magazine this spring.

My journey thus far has been a diverse one. Graduating from the University of Plymouth in 2009 with a degree in Illustration, my upbringing was steeped in maritime culture, thanks to my parents’ ownership of a sailing boat, which they navigated around the Mediterranean before my time.

Despite my artistic background, I ventured into the world of commercial fishing, earning my powerboat instructor certification along the way. Subsequently, I pursued a career in super yachting, navigating the challenges of breaking into a predominantly male-dominated industry. Though I faced hurdles, my passion for the sea persisted.

Personal circumstances led me back to the shores of the UK, where I found solace in my artistry once more. In 2016, a chance encounter with a local fisherman sparked a creative resurgence. Painting his new trawler ignited a newfound purpose, leading to a cascade of orders from fellow seafarers eager to immortalise their vessels on canvas.

Eight years on, I am honoured to have been entrusted with the task of immortalising some of the most esteemed Superyachts in the industry. Whether commissioned directly by owners, yacht brokers, or crew seeking bespoke gifts, each piece is a testament to the unique connection between vessel and sea.

My medium of choice? Nautical charts, onto which I delicately paint each masterpiece by hand. Ensuring exclusivity, I never replicate a piece, making each creation one-of-a-kind.

For those intrigued by the prospect of having their vessel captured in this distinctive fashion, I invite you to reach out through my website or Instagram. By sharing a photo of your vessel, I can tailor a quote based on its unique characteristics, ensuring a personalised and cherished piece of maritime artistry.