Thursday, February 02, 2012

On the rocks


The sea is on my doorstep and I can take it for granted, being so close. I see it every day, but more as a marker for weather than the body of every changing water that it is. As I drive past the ocean, I always look towards it and note the colour of the water reflecting the sky, the movement of the waves and if there are any ships on the horizon. But it isn't an indepth look.

When I go closer, to the edge of the water, is when detail becomes apparent and I take note of other, perhaps more painterly, things. The colours in the water as it shifts, reflecting sky and revealing the hidden depths and the rocks, always present, that surround the shore. The colours and shapes carved by thousands and millions of years of ocean and weather and glaciers become sculptures of the sea.


This 8" x 8" oil is on a gessoed wood panel of the view over the edge of the cliff at Pouch Cove. It wasn't high and I was far back from the edge. The height shows the ocean's movement and how it changes colour as it is close to shore. It can look almost tropical at times, this wild Atlantic.

4 comments:

Susan said...

Love this viewpoint - its almost dizzying! And love your colors. You have such a feeling for the sea - and it shows.

Unknown said...

Another of your paintings making me dizzy :) I like the softness is this one, reminds me of early summer mornings.

Lisa Le Quelenec said...

Great composition, the shifts in colour are beautiful. Looks like home sweet home :o) we are so lucky to have this on our doorstep.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Funny how a simple bit of perspective brings the viewer to a different level Susan. Thanks for your comments.

Don't fall over the edge Sue! :) It was an overcast day in this piece, always more challenging to paint I think than strong shadows.

We are lucky Lisa. I should spend more time exploring my coastline in closer detail. Of course now its heaped with snow.