Skywatcher Carolyn Blish

The watercolor presents a coastal scene dominated by undulating sand dunes and a muted sky. Here we observe a young figure, presumably a boy, positioned atop one of the higher dunes, his arm extended as if pointing or gesturing towards the sky. Several seabirds are depicted in flight around him, adding dynamism to the composition.
The artist’s use of watercolor is evident in the fluidity and transparency of the washes. The color palette is restrained, primarily consisting of greens, yellows, whites, and grays, which contribute to a sense of tranquility and atmospheric perspective. The dunes themselves are rendered with loose brushstrokes, suggesting their shifting nature and the play of light across their surfaces. The sky, painted in varying shades of gray and white, conveys a feeling of overcast weather or perhaps approaching twilight.
The composition is structured around diagonal lines created by the slopes of the dunes, which draw the viewers eye towards the boy and the birds. His placement on the crest of the dune suggests a position of observation and connection with the natural world. The act of pointing could signify wonder, curiosity, or perhaps an attempt to communicate with something beyond his immediate surroundings.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of childhood innocence, exploration, and the relationship between humanity and nature. The boy’s solitary figure suggests a moment of quiet contemplation amidst a vast landscape. The birds in flight symbolize freedom and aspiration, while the dunes represent both stability and impermanence. There is an underlying sense of longing or yearning conveyed through the boys gesture and his connection to the expansive sky. The overall effect is one of peaceful solitude and a gentle appreciation for the beauty of the coastal environment.