Jamie Medlin yacht painting auctions for $203,000 artist record

A stylistically typical yacht painting by Jamie Medlin - the contemporary Cornish artist responsible for such works as "Falmouth Sunbeams" and "Cannes, 2006" - sold for a record figure at Christie's on November 21.

The London sale featured Medlin's 30 x 40 inch oil painting entitled "The triumphant return of the J-class to British waters: the Solent, 18-21 July 2012", which sold to an anonymous bidder for £127,250 ($202,820), far exceeding its £50,000 ($75,000) estimate.

Medlin's record breaking maritime oil on canvas
Medlin's record breaking maritime oil on canvas

The painting, which showcases Medlin's talent for almost photo-realistic detail, figures four yachts, the largest of which is a British 1933 J-class. The yacht is pictured with the wind filling its red, white and blue sail; racing through the Solent's cerulean swell to victory.

Sarah Reynolds, a maritime specialist at Christie's, told the Portsmouth News: "What was particularly striking about this image was the light on the spinnaker and the sort of boldness of the image.   

"To be able to paint in that style requires a lot of time and work, more generally modern marine artists paint in a more impressionistic style."

Medlin's previous highest grossing painting, "Mariquita racing to windward during the Pendennis cup, 2010", sold at Christie's in London for £49,250 ($78,576) in November 2011, just within its £50,000 ($79,774) high estimate.

Wednesday's sale price therefore represents a 158.4% increase on Medlin's world record in 12 months.

For more information on investing in art, click here.  

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock