Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules
Master's in Nautical Art and Marine Painting
This master's brings together the art of painting the sea and the knowledge needed to care for maritime artistic heritage. You will work with traditional and contemporary painting techniques applied to naval subjects, study the history of marine painting from the Dutch and English schools to Impressionism, learn the materials, coatings and finishes used on historic vessels, and apply scientific diagnosis, conservation and restoration methods, while building a personal style and a professional portfolio for the nautical art market.
Duration1,500 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules11
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About the program
What is the Master's in Nautical Art and Marine Painting?
This master's prepares you to represent, study and preserve the artistic heritage of the sea. You will learn how color, perspective and composition capture light, movement and atmosphere on the water, how to read nautical terminology, charts and plans so that vessels are depicted accurately, and how marine painting evolved from the Netherlands and the English school to Romanticism, Impressionism, Spanish naval painting and ship portraiture. Alongside the artistic side, you will study the materials, pigments, resins and anticorrosive coatings used on historic vessels, scientific diagnosis with spectroscopy, XRF and thermography, cleaning, consolidation and chromatic reintegration, preventive conservation in museums, 3D documentation and the international ethical standards set by bodies such as ICOMOS, UNESCO and ICCROM.
What sets this master's apart: it joins artistic practice and conservation science in a single program, so you can both create marine artworks and understand how painted surfaces on historic ships are protected and restored; it covers the technical management of painting projects on heritage vessels, from surface preparation grades to nondestructive testing; it explains how the nautical art market works, including appraisal, authentication, collecting, auctions and curating exhibitions; and it ends with a Final Project in which you plan a complete conservation, restoration and artistic design project for a historic nautical work.
Program typeMaster’s degree
ModeOnline
Duration1,500 hours
Modules11
Start1 December
Program highlights
- Art and science together: marine painting practice combined with conservation and restoration of maritime heritage.
- Painting the sea: color theory, atmospheric perspective and composition in oil, acrylic and watercolor.
- Historic vessel finishes: pigments, resins, anticorrosive coatings and surface preparation standards.
- Scientific diagnosis: spectroscopy, XRF, thermography, dendrochronology and nondestructive testing.
- Marine art history and market: Dutch and English schools, ship portraits, appraisal, collecting and curating.
- Final Project: a complete conservation, restoration and design plan for a historic nautical work.
Syllabus
Syllabus of the Master's in Nautical Art and Marine Painting
11 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Module 1
Advanced Marine Painting Techniques, Boat Design and Maritime Art Heritage
- 1.1. Introduction to advanced marine painting: history, evolution and contemporary uses in vessel preservation and restoration
- 1.2. Specialized marine paint materials and pigments: chemistry, corrosion resistance, durability and selection by vessel type
- 1.3. Surface preparation and pretreatment: stripping, polishing, anticorrosive primers and latest-generation marine sealers
- 1.4. Paint application methods: dipping, electrostatic spraying, roller and brush, with a focus on even, professional finishes
- 1.5. Aesthetic and functional design of boats: composition, nautical color theory, historical symbolism and corporate or cultural identity
- 1.6. Traditional and modern materials in boat ornamentation: fine woods, treated metals, synthetic composites and mixed techniques
- 1.7. Conservation and management of maritime art heritage: authenticity, cataloging, preventive maintenance and ethical restoration
- 1.8. International rules and standards for marine painting and heritage conservation: SOLAS, MARPOL, applicable ISO standards and maritime museum practice
- 1.9. Digital technologies for design and art documentation: 3D modeling, laser scanning and augmented reality for project planning
- 1.10. Case studies and critical analysis of landmark restorations and art projects on classic and contemporary boats
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 2
Innovative Materials and Finishes for Restoring Historic Vessels
- 2.1. Chemistry and mechanical properties of traditional materials in historic marine painting: woods, metals and natural fibers
- 2.2. Innovations in resins and polymers: thermosets and thermoplastics in restoration and their compatibility with original substrates
- 2.3. Nanotechnology in protective coatings: nanomaterials for corrosion resistance, water repellency and self-cleaning
- 2.4. Functional pigments: anticorrosive, photosensitive and bioactive pigments in the conservation of maritime works
- 2.5. Advanced surface preparation: mechanical, chemical and laser methods for the adhesion and durability of new finishes
- 2.6. Choosing compatible restoration materials: reversibility, stability and accelerated aging criteria
- 2.7. Structural consolidation without altering historical integrity: structural adhesives and concealed internal reinforcement
- 2.8. Case studies of restoration with innovative materials: long-term results and side effects
- 2.9. International rules and technical standards for the conservation and restoration of maritime heritage
- 2.10. Post-restoration monitoring and preventive maintenance: embedded sensors and control of environmental conditions
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 3
Scientific Diagnosis and Advanced Treatments for Historic Nautical Works
- 3.1. Chemical and structural composition of materials in historic nautical art: woods, pigments, varnishes and metals
- 3.2. Advanced damage diagnosis: noninvasive imaging, spectroscopy and chromatography applied to maritime conservation
- 3.3. Latest-generation resins and adhesives: properties, compatibility and use in restoring marine works
- 3.4. Advanced consolidation and stabilization of painted and sculpted supports in marine environments
- 3.5. Assessing and mitigating corrosion in metal elements of vessel structures and ornaments
- 3.6. Nanotechnology and biotechnology in protection and restoration treatments: principles, effectiveness and practical cases
- 3.7. Sustainable, eco-friendly restoration materials: innovative formulations and international rules
- 3.8. Chromatic reintegration and retouching with photocatalytic pigments and spectral methods for authenticity and durability
- 3.9. Preventive conservation in museum and exhibition spaces: environmental control, lighting and microclimates
- 3.10. Technical documentation and advanced digitization: 3D capture, augmented reality and specialized archive systems
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 4
Technical Management of Painting and Finishing on Historic Ships
- 4.1. Corrosion in historic ship structures: electrochemical mechanisms, corrosion types and environmental factors
- 4.2. Selecting and formulating anticorrosive coatings: epoxies, polyurethanes, phenolics and advanced barrier systems for harsh marine settings
- 4.3. Pre-application assessment: surface analysis, profilometry, blast cleaning and preparation grades under ISO 8501 and SSPC
- 4.4. Advanced application techniques: traditional methods and modern electrostatic, airless and thermoplastic equipment
- 4.5. Color and aesthetic control in historic ship restoration: color management, special pigments and fidelity to historical maritime palettes
- 4.6. Rules for painting heritage vessels: MARPOL, IMO guidelines, ASTM standards and specific ISO guidance
- 4.7. Planning painting projects: schedules, resources, risk assessment and industrial safety protocols
- 4.8. Nondestructive testing of coatings: ultrasound, acoustic emission, infrared thermography and advanced visual inspection
- 4.9. Durability monitoring and predictive maintenance: wear analysis, periodic inspections and adaptive protection
- 4.10. Technological innovation and sustainability: eco-friendly coatings, nanotechnology, biofouling control and lower environmental impact
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 5
Conservation of Nautical Surfaces in Harsh Marine Environments
- 5.1. Corrosion in maritime environments: electrochemical mechanisms, corrosion types and accelerating factors
- 5.2. Materials for nautical surfaces: metals, alloys, treated woods and advanced composites
- 5.3. Advanced surface condition diagnosis: nondestructive techniques, microstructural analysis and predictive assessment
- 5.4. Specialized cleaning: physical, chemical and safe abrasive methods for nautical materials
- 5.5. Formulating and applying anticorrosive and protective coatings: epoxy, polyurethane, vinyl and multilayer systems
- 5.6. Preventing biofouling: biocides, antifouling coatings and eco-friendly strategies
- 5.7. Technical procedures for restoring artistic and decorative finishes in marine paintwork
- 5.8. International rules and technical standards for conservation in marine environments: ISO, ASTM, IMO and environmental regulations
- 5.9. Managing conservation projects: planning, execution, quality control and thorough documentation
- 5.10. Monitoring and predictive maintenance: sensors, IoT and remote management systems for harsh environments
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 6
Restoration Methods for Historic Nautical Artworks
- 6.1. Advanced foundations of nautical restoration: historical analysis, cultural context and technical appraisal of works
- 6.2. Traditional and contemporary materials in marine painting: identification, physicochemical properties and compatibility
- 6.3. Modern diagnostic techniques: spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), chromatography and electron microscopy
- 6.4. Structural stabilization and preventive conservation: environmental and biological damage in historic vessels
- 6.5. Innovation in cleaning: from mechanical to advanced chemical methods, risks and criteria for delicate surfaces
- 6.6. Color recovery and reintegration: synthetic and natural pigments, layering and repainting that respects authenticity
- 6.7. Technical resins and polymers for long-term protection: durability and resistance to salinity and biocorrosive agents
- 6.8. Digital preservation and 3D documentation: laser scanning, modeling and files for virtual conservation and shared study
- 6.9. International rules and good practice: intervention criteria, professional ethics and rules for maritime heritage
- 6.10. Planning restoration projects: multidisciplinary management, schedules, budgets and impact on the museum or exhibition setting
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 7
Integrated Management of Nautical Heritage Conservation
- 7.1. Advanced principles of nautical heritage conservation: physicochemical and biological principles for historic materials
- 7.2. Comprehensive diagnosis of vessel elements: noninvasive inspection, spectroscopy and digital microscopy
- 7.3. Traditional materials and advanced composites in historic boats: properties, degradation and behavior at sea
- 7.4. Innovations in restoration: nanomaterials and smart polymers for stabilization and surface protection
- 7.5. Structural consolidation of woods and metals in nautical art: selection criteria and methods
- 7.6. Integrated project management: planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation with digital tools and BIM adapted to maritime heritage
- 7.7. Environmental control in conservation spaces: microclimate systems, monitoring and mitigation of degrading agents
- 7.8. Technical documentation and historical records: databases, technical reports and digital preservation
- 7.9. International rules and ethical standards: ICOMOS, UNESCO and maritime heritage legislation
- 7.10. Advanced case studies: restoring landmark ships, technical challenges and interdisciplinary solutions
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 8
Art and Science in the Restoration of Nautical Heritage
- 8.1. Core principles of nautical heritage conservation: definition, aims and scope
- 8.2. Traditional shipbuilding materials: wood, metals, fibers and finishes, with their degradation and typical defects
- 8.3. Scientific techniques for restoration: noninvasive methods, spectroscopic analysis, thermography and dendrochronology dating
- 8.4. Structural diagnosis and assessment: advanced visual inspection, ultrasound, endoscopy and microcrack monitoring
- 8.5. Artistic design for restoration: combining aesthetic and functional criteria in recovery projects
- 8.6. Chemical and biological conservation treatments: protection against wood borers, fungi, corrosion and marine pollutants
- 8.7. Traditional and modern marine painting techniques: enamels, varnishes and airbrushing on heritage boats
- 8.8. Intervention protocols: careful planning, photographic documentation and detailed technical reports
- 8.9. Applicable rules: MARPOL, UNESCO, ICCROM recommendations, museum standards and sector legislation
- 8.10. Technological innovation in nautical conservation: drones, 3D software, digital printing and augmented reality
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 9
Advanced Materials and Technology for Nautical Art and Maritime Heritage
- 9.1. Innovative composites: carbon fiber, Kevlar and nanotechnology in boat building and restoration
- 9.2. Physicochemical properties of epoxy, polyester and vinyl ester resins: choosing them for protection and durability at sea
- 9.3. Advanced application techniques: electrostatic spraying, 3D printing and layer design for coating adhesion and strength
- 9.4. Nondestructive diagnosis of nautical works: ultrasound, infrared thermography and electromagnetic methods to detect structural faults
- 9.5. Scientific procedures for preventive conservation of maritime heritage: environmental control, stabilization and surface treatment
- 9.6. Digital restoration: 3D modeling and augmented reality to plan and visualize interventions on historic boats and marine art
- 9.7. Innovation in marine pigments and painting techniques: organic and inorganic pigments resistant to salt water and sunlight
- 9.8. Combining traditional and contemporary techniques: oil enamels, marine lacquers and advanced multilayer systems
- 9.9. Sustainable conservation: eco-friendly materials and low-impact processes in restoration and maintenance
- 9.10. International rules and technical standards for conservation and design of boats and nautical art: ISO, ICOMOS and maritime specifications
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 10
History of Marine Painting and the Nautical Art Market
- 10.1. Marine painting in the Netherlands
- 10.2. The English school of marine painting
- 10.3. Romanticism and the sea
- 10.4. Impressionism and coastal scenes
- 10.5. Spanish naval painting
- 10.6. Ship portrait painting
- 10.7. The nautical art market
- 10.8. Appraisal and authentication
- 10.9. Collecting and auctions
- 10.10. Exhibiting and curating marine art
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 11
Final Project
- 11.1. Introduction to the integrated project: aims, scope and methodology for conserving and restoring historic nautical works
- 11.2. Technical and documentary analysis of vessel pieces and structures: materials, construction techniques and common defects
- 11.3. Advanced damage diagnosis: environmental, biological and human factors affecting maritime works
- 11.4. Restoration and conservation methods: choosing compatible techniques and materials for paintings and vessel structures
- 11.5. Artistic design applied to nautical heritage: historical reinterpretation and creation of original works with technical and aesthetic rigor
- 11.6. Project planning: phases, resources, schedules and budgets for multidisciplinary interventions
- 11.7. National and international rules for maritime heritage conservation: standards and professional good practice
- 11.8. Documentation and graphic recording: scientific photography, 3D scanning and detailed technical reports
- 11.9. Digital technologies in restoration: CAD software, virtual modeling and simulations to plan and track the project
- 11.10. Critical evaluation and justification of the approach: results, obstacles and proposals for future interventions
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your pacePlan your pace
Duration and format of the Master's in Nautical Art and Marine Painting
It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
29
months to finish
125 weeks
weeks in total
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Faculty
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives
Objectives of the Master's in Nautical Art and Marine Painting
01Represent navigation and maritime heritage artistically, interpreting traditional and contemporary nautical iconography and adapting it to different visual techniques.
02Master marine painting techniques on different supports, applying color theory, perspective and composition with acrylics, oils and watercolors on canvas, paper and wood.
03Research and document the history and evolution of nautical art rigorously, analyzing primary and secondary sources to understand its influence on maritime culture.
04Understand nautical terminology and apply it correctly in artistic work, interpreting charts and plans and identifying symbols, headings and references with pictorial accuracy.
05Develop a personal style in maritime scenes, using atmospheric perspective and color to evoke the vastness and movement of the sea in compelling compositions.
06Restore and conserve nautical artworks with specialized techniques, documenting the initial condition, materials and original techniques to ensure respectful, reversible interventions.
Careers
Career opportunities after the Master's in Nautical Art and Marine Painting
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the Master's in Nautical Art and Marine Painting
Yes. The history and theory of nautical art are studied alongside the practice of marine painting, so that you apply color, perspective and composition to naval subjects while building your own portfolio.
No prior nautical training is required. The program covers nautical terminology, chart and plan reading, and the materials and construction of vessels, so you can represent hulls, rigging and maneuvers with technical accuracy.
Yes. Most modules deal with the materials, diagnosis, cleaning, consolidation, chromatic reintegration and preventive conservation of painted surfaces and artworks linked to historic vessels, following the ethical criteria of ICOMOS, UNESCO and ICCROM.
No. It is a specialist program of Navalis Institute; where a country regulates conservation and restoration as a profession, the official qualification is issued by the competent authority or recognized institutions.
Yes. Module 10 looks at the main schools of marine painting and then at how the nautical art market works: appraisal and authentication, collecting, auctions, and exhibiting and curating marine art.
You plan an integrated project for a historic nautical work: technical and documentary analysis, damage diagnosis, choice of restoration methods, artistic design, schedule and budget, documentation and a critical justification of your approach.
It is taught online and comprises 1500 hours of study across 11 modules of about 136 hours each, with individual guidance on the development of your portfolio and a closing Final Project.
Related programs
More programs in Culture and heritage
Online admission
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
Entry requirements
- Profile: aimed at visual artists and painters seeking a maritime specialty, art historians and exhibition curators, collectors and gallery owners, merchant and naval officers with an artistic vocation, and graphic designers and illustrators working on editorial or audiovisual projects; a degree in fine arts, art history or conservation and restoration, or proven experience as an artist with maritime work, is recommended, and a portfolio of marine or maritime artwork is valued.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, camera and microphone, good lighting to present your artwork for review and, optionally, image editing software.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
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