Oregon Coast is a breathtaking studio acrylic painting that captures the dramatic grandeur of the Pacific Northwest coastline from the iconic Ecola State Park Overlook in Oregon. This large 36″ × 24″ work, created in 2018, draws from reference photos taken during a memorable July 2016 vacation with Don Yaun’s wife. Flying into Seattle-Tacoma, they rented a car and spent three glorious days driving Highway 101 along Oregon’s northern coast, gathering inspiration before heading inland to explore waterfalls. The trip yielded countless photo opportunities, but the vista at Ecola State Park—overlooking rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and distant mountains—was truly unforgettable.
To convey vast depth, Don used sharp focus in the rocky foreground, gradually softening with atmospheric haze as the scene recedes toward the blue water and distant peaks. The ocean is the true subject: rich Cerulean Blue in the near waves, deepened with Ultramarine glazes along the coastline, fading to gentle pastels in the distance. The solid rocky overlook anchors the viewer, while grayed, lighter tones in the far mountains blend seamlessly into the sky. The sky itself proved the most challenging—too much contrast and cloud variation initially distracted, so Don simplified it to keep focus on the ocean below.
About the Scenic Oregon Coastline Oregon’s coastline, especially along Highway 101, is one of the most spectacular in the U.S., featuring rugged sea stacks, dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and old-growth forests. Ecola State Park, part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, offers panoramic views of Tillamook Head and the Pacific, with trails, wildlife, and historic significance (including the 1805 exploration by Lewis and Clark). The area is famous for its moody weather, tidal pools, and breathtaking sunsets/sunrises, making it a favorite destination for photographers, artists, and nature lovers.