🌊 Introducing my new series “On the Water” 🌊 Dive into the depths of the Pacific West Coast with my latest series of paintings, capturing the mesmerizing beauty of sea life on the canadian coast. Join me on this aquatic adventure as we explore the wonders above the surface. “On The Water” was inspired by a glorious day spent exploring the Strait Of Georgia, many summers ago! The memories of this day have been burning in my mind for years so I figured it was time to get them out!
- These Stellar Sea Lions were resting and enjoying the sun on a floating weather buoy. The sea lions leap out of the water onto the buoy usually upsetting the others and causing a commotion. The new intruder is usually given a loud telling off and pushed back into the water. It was a lot of fun to watch this group fight for a space on the buoy.
2. We were lucky to see this huge pod of Southern Resident Orcas. This group kept close to the shoreline, surfacing and diving, treating us to quite a show! The Southern Resident Orcas are now endangered with only 73 in their group. Their numbers are rapidly diminishing every year along with the Salmon population, the rise in water pollution, and the increase in shipping vessels in the Salish Sea. The marine boat activity causes underwater noise which makes it difficult for the killer whales to use their echolocation to navigate and hunt. The odds are against this group of orcas but scientists and conservationists are doing their best to preserve their habitat and ensure their survival.
3. Spy hopping is when whales pop up appear to bob on the surface on the water. Whether they are looking for their next meal or being inquisitive it is very cool to witness!
4. This beautiful scene unfolded early in the morning on our day out exploring the coastal waters. A quiet, secluded and safe place to anchor for the night.
6. These two images were captured above and below each other. So I decided to create a diptych! The top painting is of a Black Oyster Catcher on the rocky shorelines of the Pacific Coast – this is where they nest, eat, and come back to the same spot with the same mate year after year! The bottom painting is of a group of Harbour Seals sunbathing on an outcrop of rocks.
7. After a fantastic day spent exploring the coast, we sat on the rocky shore exploring the tide pools and watching the ships go by. Cargo Ships coming and going were a constant scene that day. Their impact can lead to significant disruptions in marine ecosystems, threatening the survival of various marine species and the health of ocean habitats. The southern resident orcas being one of the most affected species of noise pollution from boats.