Art to me is very reminiscent of the ocean. At times can be fleeting, but always finds its way back to the shore. The reference photo used in this painting brings me back to a beach I visited last summer in Santa Cruz and despite its peaceful image, I struggled consistently when creating this piece.

I kept reminding myself not to focus on the tiny details but instead to observe the painting as a whole altogether. Because, that’s the true reason why I make art, not as perfection but expression. And while this painting may have certain flaws that could be improved upon, I can still feel the beaming sun on my skin, the smell of the salty mist from the sea, and the sound of crashing waves colliding, just as they did on that summer’s day.