Late Afternoon Light
March 2021
Oil on Linen Panel
9 x 12″
South Florida is known for the cleansing power of the beach. I live near Ft. Lauderdale, FL. You might remember, “where the boys are”. The home of crazy Spring Break. In early February we enjoy a peaceful beach of locals. As the month progresses, more people emerge from the frozen north. The beaches are more crowded and makeshift bars are set up for parties. It is more of a challenge to catch that “Late Afternoon Light”.
I have to wait in line for a parking place. Arghhhh. Last month, I snuck into the Wells Fargo parking lot for free whenever I pleased. And…there was shade!!! Now I need that awful app that never works to pay $3.00 per hour. Too many people in our beach restaurants and bars. Trying to fit lost years into five or six days. Old Jimmy Buffet song.
When it is cool and breezy the ocean kicks up. I love the Atlantic ocean. It cleanses my brain. The Gulf Stream is just offshore. That 2 knot current flowing north used to cleanse the corals and water. Now, ocean temperature has risen and acid has bleached the beauty. Still, an offshore passage forces you to re evaluate what is important in your life. I am so lucky to have sailed so much in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Crazy beautiful times.
If you walk on the eastern coast beaches at sunset the light plays games on the waves. Late Afternoon Light! As the sun sets in the west the light fractures into beautiful complementary glows. I love this time of day. Soon it will be too hot for the touristas and we will reclaim our heavenly beach. I love summer with it’s ferocious storms and the clarity that follows. I feel blessed to be so in tune with the ocean.
