Sam Askin Coral Beach Sun Shower Ala Full

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Coral Beach Sun Shower by Sam Askin

When I snap reference photos, I’m often drawn to an object or feature that either doesn’t quite seem to fit, or that draws your attention away from the overall beauty and feel of a landscape. This little piece really screams that tendency that I have as an artist. I can get totally lost in the whole scene here; the rocky coral beach wrapping around the coastline, the abrupt end to the rainforest and subtle colour changes in each hillside that really brings out the depth, the reflections of trees on the water and play of bright light with misting rain, slightly blending colour and contrast. And in the front, the bright and not-fitting-at-all umbrella! It announces its presence in a way that looks so out of place but fits so perfectly at the same time. You know it’s both bright and raining because the umbrella is out. The woman holding the umbrella is walking slowly along the beach, taking time to inspect the coral, so the whole mood of the work slows down. It brings out that sense of holiday that accompanies that slower pace, weather and time. All the while, interrupting the endless ocean, beach and forested hillsides that are otherwise devoid of human interference. I LOVE this tension and perfection in how these components fit together… it really just feels more “real” to me. And if it feels real, then it feels like a more connectable escape when hanging on the wall.