Point Fermin, Long Beach, California Selena P Allan

The canvas presents a coastal scene dominated by a turbulent expanse of water and rugged terrain. Here we observe a dynamic interplay between land and sea, rendered with a visible impasto technique that lends texture and vibrancy to the composition. The artist employed short, broken brushstrokes, particularly evident in the depiction of the sky and waves, creating an effect of shimmering movement and atmospheric instability.
The foreground is defined by a rocky outcrop, its surface built up from layers of ochre, terracotta, and touches of green, suggesting vegetation clinging precariously to the stone. These rocks appear almost monolithic, their forms sharply delineated against the lighter tones of the water. The coastline extends into the distance, gradually diminishing in scale and softening in detail, hinting at a vastness beyond the immediate view.
The sea itself is rendered with varying shades of blue and turquoise, punctuated by whitecaps that convey a sense of energy and force. The artist’s use of color isnt representational; rather, it serves to evoke an emotional response – a feeling of untamed power and natural grandeur. The sky above mirrors this dynamism, filled with billowing clouds painted in similar short strokes, reinforcing the overall impression of movement and change.
The composition is structured around diagonal lines, directing the viewer’s eye from the lower right corner towards the distant horizon. This creates a sense of depth and perspective while simultaneously emphasizing the vastness of the landscape. The light source appears to be diffused, casting soft shadows and contributing to the overall atmospheric effect.
Subtly, theres an underlying tension between the solidity of the rocks and the fluidity of the water. It suggests a constant negotiation between stability and change, permanence and impermanence – themes inherent in the natural world. The painting doesn’t offer a serene or idyllic view; instead, it conveys a sense of raw power and the sublime beauty found within natures unrestrained forces.