This work is called ‘Steps to the Cottesloe pylon’ because of the way the glassy ocean creates steps in the waves – and there some physics to this. It happens on rare wind-less days when the water transmits and reflects light like glass. I used a series of layering techniques to create the effect.

My fascination is with the physics – where one part of the wave face transmits light from distant underwater objects, like the Pylon, while just above it reflects the sky, giving the banding effect.

In this work I am also playing with perspective with the foreground zoomed into the very edge of the foam wash and in the background going to the horizon – giving the sensation of rocking in a boat as you view the work – if you are open to that notion.

I enjoyed painting this work very much in particular making the sunlight reflections on the sand lead the viewers eye into the work.