The Sea Knew First

I’ve been spending more time than ever along the edge of the Monterey Bay, and the wildlife here keeps catching my breath in the best way. The pelicans especially, ancient, awkward, majestic, have become part of my daily rhythm. This piece came after a moment I’ll never forget: one lone pelican gliding low across the water, wings brushing the shimmer like it knew exactly where the wind lived.

I started painted it the same day, while the light was still etched in my memory. The thick textures and palette knife strokes hold that feeling, of stillness, movement, and a kind of unspoken permission to let go.

This isn’t just a pelican painting. It’s a portal into a moment that reminded me how alive and in sync I can feel out here. The sea, the sky, the birds, they’ve all been teaching me something about grace.

24 x 36 × 1.5”D inches

• Oil on gallery-wrapped canvas (unframed)
• Palette knife impasto texture
• Wired and ready to hang
• Signed on the front and back
• Certificate of Authenticity included