High & Dry Docked

Displaced out of water and onto a dock for repairs, the enormous bulk of this fishing trawler conveys a form and energy despite its stable state. Viewed from below the water line, its curved form and bright warm color was contrasted by the cool blue sky. The pilot house red roof and blinding white surface contrasted, yet balanced, the focus and weight of the ship. The lost ground of the view suggests it’s almost floating on land. Painted en plein air, the brushwork is evident through the color fields, without losing subtleties of reflected light, textures and gradations. The rigging, platform and tool shed suggest workmen have just left – or will just return – to finish their repainting project; indicative of their ongoing efforts to keep ships afloat.