In the late 1960s, Vija Celmins began her renowned series of ocean drawings, a pivotal moment in her career that marked a shift from her earlier work focused on still life and war imagery. This series consists of highly detailed depictions of the ocean's surface, created using graphite on paper. These drawings are distinguished by their lack of a horizon or focal point, presenting an uninterrupted, edge-to-edge view of the ocean that immerses the viewer in the texture and movement of the water (MoMA) (SFMOMA).

Celmins’ ocean drawings are based on photographs she took of the Pacific Ocean near her studio in Venice Beach, California. By meticulously translating these photographs into drawings, she captures the intricate play of light and shadow on the waves. Each drawing in the series is an exercise in precision and patience, with Celmins often spending months to complete a single piece. The repetitive nature of the waves and the absence of a clear perspective or depth create a mesmerizing, almost abstract effect, emphasizing the surface texture and tonal variations of the ocean (MoMA) (SCMA).

The significance of these drawings lies not only in their technical brilliance but also in their conceptual depth. Celmins' choice to eliminate the horizon line and any contextual landmarks removes the traditional cues that provide a sense of scale and location. This approach challenges the viewer’s perception and invites a deeper contemplation of the image itself, detached from its real-world references. This method reflects Celmins' broader interest in how we perceive and represent the natural world (MoMA) (SFMOMA).

Despite the hyperrealistic quality of her drawings, Celmins maintains that these works are not intended to convey any symbolic meaning or personal narrative. Instead, she views them as studies in the process of image-making and the physical properties of her chosen medium. By focusing on the act of drawing itself and the meticulous rendering of details, she creates works that are both visually stunning and conceptually rich, encouraging viewers to engage with the materiality and surface of the images (SCMA).

Celmins' ocean drawings have been celebrated for their ability to capture the essence of the ocean’s surface with such precision and sensitivity. These works have been exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide, solidifying her reputation as a master of contemporary drawing and a significant figure in the art world (MoMA) (MoMA).