Only in recent times have we been able to go beneath the surface due to advancing technology. Therefore, underwater paintings have only been around for the past eighty years or so. This is why we don't see any underwater paintings from any of the past great master painters. It is a relatively new art form.Because of this reason it has yet to gain the respect from art critics it most rightfully deserves.
Some underwater habitats do seem encourage the terrible artists-mostly tropical and Hawaiian habitats—and these prints or original paintings abound on sites. These range from airbrushed fantasy poster-art of dolphins and whales floating in blue water with bubbles and neon colored tropical fish floating around them to cartoon-like cats with diving masks and snorkels. Some of the most famous of the kitschy artists are Chiu, Mackay, and Annenberg.
Although the most common to popular culture, tropical underwater art is by no means the only habitat seen in underwater art. Some artists feature Australia and the Asian-Pacific. A few artists feature Northern California or the US Pacific Northwest Scuba divers like underwater art.Variations to actual underwater paintings include glass, acrylic, or Lucite knickknacks of diving or leaping dolphins and whales, and even BIG knickknacks (sculptures?) of the same, paintings on plates, mirrors, and portholes (the diver's version of saw-blade paintings). One artist does underwater art inlays on electric guitars, some do silk paintings, and one does both silk paintings and embroidery art.
Prices vary, but paintings of the underwater run more expensive than other paintings; even galleries giving “half off” on kitschy quality paintings charge upwards of $1000, and most good quality paintings run more than $15,000 and are considered an investment.
