After the Storm

Pastel on sanded Arches watercolor paper

Size - 29 x 21 1/2

Completed 9-8-2009

I have this painting on a bedroom wall - it's been there for years.  I have brought it out for reference and inspiration for work I'm currently doing.  Photo was updated 9/4/2026.

In May of 2009, Jacksonville Beach was hit with an unusually intense storm. After the storm had passed, I made a few sketches and took several reference photos of the waves. When I had done a preliminary pastel paining, "After the Storm - a Study in Waves" which pleased me very much, I rendered this work on a full sheet of Arches paper.

This scene intrigues me because of the complex directions and patterns of the waves, the subtlety of the veiled sunlight on the stormy water, and the churned sand near the beach.

While this is not at all a daily painting, I have listed it for reference.

Rick Petersen

Surf in Dawn Colors

 Surf in Dawn Colors, 6x6 Pastel

I am always intrigued by the silver and lavender of the early morning surf on the beach.  A few gulls have joined the party looking for breakfast in the 

Wind Rising

Wind Rising

Watercolor and Ink on Paper, 4x6

As the autumn storms move in, the dunes fall into darker colors, the wind rises, and the pounding waves drive the birds into the air seeking shelter inland.

On-Shore Breeze

On Shore Wind

Ink and Watercolor with Pastel on Cotton WC Paper, 5x7

In the mid afternoon when the on-shore breeze takes over, the sea oats hold their heads and bend with the wind.  A few seagull sail by waiting for the wind to drop and tide to go out.

Pastel saved this small painting - when the watercolor gets out of hand, I call in the cavalry - pastel cavalry, that is.