Breeze Off the Marsh ~ Changing Conditions!

It started off a gray day, but a gentle breeze moved the bank of clouds across the sky in a slow and deliberate manner. Gradually, some blue appeared in the sky as the sun struggled to poke through. Movement in the water hinted at changing conditions!

Will the weather turn nice or is a storm rolling in? In my painting, Breeze Off the Marsh, I attempt to capture a peaceful moment in time, appreciating the gentle breeze, the bank of billowing clouds, and the gentle turns in the water, while indicating that everything could change quickly.

Breeze Off the Marsh by William R. Beebe, 12 x 16, Oil on Linen, $950

Breeze Off the Marsh by William R. Beebe, 12 x 16, Oil on Linen, $950

The Lowcountry is a place of serenity to many and the attachment becomes spiritual, just like the ocean is to beachgoers. Changing weather conditions can fill the senses and affect ones emotional state. It is a place for soulful reflection and appreciation of one’s natural surroundings.

In my painting I used both brush and palette-knife. I wanted to create a plein-air quality to the painting to help give a sense of immediacy and capture the moment. I like the way the hint of blue in the sky struggles with the layers of gray to let the sun shine through.

Breeze Off the Marsh by William R. Beebe, detail shot

Breeze Off the Marsh by William R. Beebe, detail shot

I used a traditional palette and focused on creating atmospheric, soft edges and toned down colors to create distance.

I hope you like Breeze Off the Marsh and can identify with that feeling of wanting to soak in a moment in time, knowing that time is fleeting and ever changing.

Thank you for reading my journal and for your interest in my art. What’s next on my easel? I’m thinking another marsh scene! :)


One of the joys of being an artist is having the freedom to follow my passion….
— William R. Beebe
What’s next?Drawing by William R. Beebe

What’s next?

Drawing by William R. Beebe