Approaching Tutuila captures a moment of silence and hope on the open ocean.

The Pacific Ocean as a mirror showing the hypnotic quality of an undulating ocean in a pattern of concentric circles, capturing a sense of perpetual motion. The phenomenon happens on relatively calm days when the surface is free of wind, while gentle waves move the surface.

Even though the island is in view, little wind also means it is at least half a day away by sail. Crossing an ocean on sailboat requires patience. I sailed from San Francisco to New Zealand on a 40′ boat with a friend and witnessed this phenomenon multiple times. I remember them as ‘winking blue donut days’ because they were so fine.

Bridging the gap between realism and abstraction a tiny maritime landscape grounds the painting. A full range of blues with translucent white mimic the optical distortion of water in constant motion. Soft clouds convey the atmospheric haze of a steamy South Pacific sky near the equator, imbuing the painting with a sense of peace, the mystery of landfall and the vastness of the journey.

Unfortunately, the original painting succumbed to the ravages of the equatorial climate over it’s years in American Samoa where the painting was created and sold. Termites ate the stretcher bars, geckos laid eggs in the safe confines of the back, the varnish clumped, streaked and cockroaches chewed trails through the cotton canvas.

Fortunately I had taken photographs before time and climate worked it over, with a little help from Photoshop the painting is available as prints.

Tutuila is the main island in the small chain of islands that form the United States Territory of American Samoa that lies just south of the equator in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It’s an amazing place with a vibrant, unique culture.

Please write to clbnyart@gmail.com for print sizes and prices or information about commissions,

I personally answer all inquiries and look forward to hearing from you.