Rocky Shore

"Rocky Shore" features a rough black granite jetty on the New Jersey coast.  Jetties like this are a common sight up and down the Atlantic. Not only do they help to protect the shoreline from erosion, but they also provide a strong artistic focal point and a unique outcropping for a striking ocean view. From this point I photographed the long pier at Ocean Grove, NJ, and the peaceful sandy beach where a handful of people swam and played in the chilly waters of spring.

INSIDER INSIGHTS: These rocks are the main reason I was drawn to painting this scene. I chose a very limited palette of only three pigments created by Daniel Smith. Artists know that French Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Sienna combine in various ratios to create many shades of gray. I prefer those subtly colorful grays to any gray out of the tube. But I needed something even stronger for the deep tones of this painting, so I chose Daniel Smith's Sodalite Genuine for its natural blue-gray-black tones. The pier in the distance and the buildings along the far shore were softened and lightened so the main focus could remain on the rocks.

This painting was chosen by Stephen Quiller to be highlighted in the 2026 Colorado Watercolor Society State Show. More information about that can be found under EVENTS on my website.

This painting is for sale through CWS while it is in the show from June 2 through August 12, 2026 at the Lakewood Cultural Center, Lakewood Colorado. More information or questions may be directed to the artist: [email protected].