Robert Wyland

While the call of the ocean has long stirred the hearts of artists and conservationists alike, few have turned that passion into a global movement quite like Robert Wyland. Internationally acclaimed for his sweeping murals, expressive marine life portraits, and commitment to environmental advocacy, Wyland has become a defining voice in ocean-inspired art.

Wyland’s journey began in the early 1980s with his first “Whaling Wall,” a monumental mural that brought the beauty of whales to urban landscapes and sparked a worldwide series of 100 public works. These immersive pieces, painted on buildings across the globe, fused activism with accessibility—bringing marine conservation into everyday life through art.

Beyond his murals, Wyland’s studio work reflects the same depth of connection to the sea. His original paintings on canvas are bold and immersive, capturing the motion and energy of dolphins, whales, and reef life. His original sumi ink paintings showcase his mastery of minimalism, drawing from Eastern techniques to convey powerful movement with refined brushwork. In contrast, his original watercolor paintings on deckle edge paper offer a gentler, more intimate look at marine life, with flowing lines and delicate transparencies that evoke the rhythm of waves.

For collectors seeking accessible options, Wyland’s giclée prints offer museum-quality reproductions that preserve the vivid color and detail of his originals—perfect for introducing his work into your space.

A passionate environmentalist, Wyland continues to support ocean preservation through the Wyland Foundation, which promotes education, sustainability, and a deeper understanding of our blue planet.

Explore Robert Wyland’s unique vision and shop available works—paintings, prints, and more—exclusively at Robinhood Auctions.

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About the Artist

Robert Wyland (b. 1956), known simply as Wyland, is a world-renowned marine life artist, conservationist, and muralist whose work has bridged the gap between fine art and environmental awareness. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Wyland developed a fascination with the ocean at a young age, which later became the driving force behind his life’s work. After studying at the Center for Creative Studies, he moved to California, where his proximity to the Pacific Ocean deeply influenced his artistic vision.

Wyland rose to international acclaim in the 1980s with the creation of his “Whaling Wall” murals—massive public artworks celebrating the majesty of whales and the need for ocean conservation. Over the course of three decades, he completed 100 murals around the globe, making them one of the largest art-in-public-places projects in history.

His studio work includes original paintings, prints, sculpture, and photography, all centered around themes of marine life and environmental harmony. In addition to his art, Wyland is the founder of the Wyland Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting clean water and healthy oceans through education and community outreach.

Wyland’s work is held in private collections, museums, and public spaces worldwide. His ability to combine artistic excellence with environmental advocacy continues to inspire a global audience.