Aglow with cool vibrancy and showing the crisp clarity that was one of his important trademarks, William Trost Richards has painted a captivating seascape abundant with true marine color. A vast distant sky's holds open the fading days' luminescent window, contained by the deepening atmosphere as the sun sets.
Touched by the rocky outcropping, a swell breaks frothy as it curls, with the closer shore break full of the trapped air which creates the universally recognized white foam of all seas. The endless repetition of waves against the shore is the dynamic force which produces the white sand beaches. Just outside, the artist shows the rising head of the next set.
Through Richard's precise brush strokes and attention to detail, his skillful sense of light and reflection have combined in this painting for a very appealing result. The textured strokes of the brush are readily seen, yet blended in such manner as to add to the composition depth, giving motion and emotion to the surf.
The painting is stamped on the reverse of the board with the Eastlake Gallery, New York, marking and its original title. The highly carved and ornate gilt frame with wave motif corners has been professionally restored.
