The Art of Motion: Nathan Floyd’s Journey from Surfing to Dynamic Coastal Art

May 02, 2025

Where the Ocean Meets the Canvas

Some artists paint with brushes. Nathan Floyd paints with surf wax combs. Yes—you read that right. This local artist and surfer has found a way to blend his love of the ocean and the freedom of surfing into his art, using the same tools he carries to the beach.

His paintings, alive with color and energy, capture the raw, kinetic spirit of life where the sea meets the land. It's a place that calls to him daily—and now, through his art, calls to us as well.

Artist and Surfer, Nathan Floyd

Inspired by Movement and Nature

Nathan’s creative journey has always been tied to the water. As a surfer and nature photographer, he is drawn to open spaces, wildlife, land, and seascapes—the places where energy is constantly in motion. You can feel that energy in every piece he creates.

“My paintings are loose, freehand, and full of color,” he says. “They evoke a sense of energy and motion. You can sense the freedom in these pieces, as there is no beginning or end.”

Working mostly with acrylics, Nathan uses his surf wax combs to push, pull, and layer paint across the canvas, building vivid, textured compositions that feel spontaneous and alive. The combs allow him to create effects that brushes alone can’t replicate—ridges, sweeps, and unexpected blends that mirror the natural movement of water and waves.

Tidal Pull, Acrylic Painting by Nathan Floyd

Rather than planning every detail, he lets the painting unfold naturally, much like catching a perfect wave—you don’t control it, you ride it.

Surf, Sand, and Art: A Way of Life

When Nathan isn't painting or photographing the coast, he’s living it. His family owns Wind and Wave Watersports in Corpus Christi, a longtime local business outfitting Islanders and visitors alike for their water adventures. Since 1987, Wind and Wave has been helping people connect with the water through rentals of surfboards, kayaks, paddleboards, and more—offering everything you need to experience the energy of the coast firsthand.

It’s no surprise that the same spirit of adventure that fuels the shop also drives Nathan’s creativity. His paintings are not just colorful—they are alive with the feeling of salt air, sun, and the steady pull of the tide.

A Fresh Wave of Creativity at the Gallery

Having Nathan’s work at Padre Island Art Gallery brings a fresh, dynamic perspective to our growing collection of local art. His pieces are vibrant and bold, but also deeply rooted in the natural world around us. Each painting is a reminder that creativity doesn’t always have to be neat and orderly—sometimes it’s at its best when it’s free, spontaneous, and a little wild.

Vortex, Acrylic Painting by Nathan Floyd

To make the experience even more special, visitors can scan the QR code next to his paintings to watch a short video of Nathan in action—demonstrating how he uses the surf wax combs and sharing a little about his creative process. It's a fascinating glimpse into how each colorful, textured piece comes to life, and a fun way to connect more deeply with the artist behind the work.

Dynamic coastal art

From surfboards to canvases, Nathan Floyd captures the rhythm of life on the water and his work is well worth a closer look. His paintings remind us that, like the ocean, art doesn’t have to stay inside the lines to be beautiful.

So come by, catch a wave of inspiration, and experience the art for yourself.

The Art of Island Life will return next week with more stories and inspiration from our coastal community. Have a story to share or an upcoming event? Reach out to me at melissa@padreislandartgallery.com.