Pelicans are quite a common sight in Jamaica, wheeling along the coast and diving into the water from a height to catch fish. I used to love to watch them from the dive boats, when I worked there as a scuba instructor. The painting was inspired by the feeling of being out in the sea, with the warm wind and spray on your face. The choppy surface of the water, with its many colours and variations on 'blue' invites a sense of excitement but relaxation at the same time. The sunshine on the sea foam breakers is so bright that the pelican is no more than a silhouette. I painted the sea with broad expressive strokes with a palette knife and thick paint. This, plus some gesso for texture, gives an interesting surface to the painting, which is complemented by the chunky box canvas.
The back is fitted with brass 'D' rings and cord ready for hanging.
This painting was recently in the SAA Artist of the Year Exhibition in Newark, having been awarded winner in the SAA Professional Artist of the Year 2018 - Seascapes or Water scene category.
