Reenactment of Brunch at Captain Sam’s Inlet ~ In loving memory of Big Stew!

Several years ago a good friend of ours and avid art collector was so happy for us, knowing that we had witnessed up close three strand feedings. He loved seeing my photographs. He mentioned how he and his wife had been kayaking many years earlier and had witnessed a strand feeding from afar. He mentioned how it took National Geographic 2 years to record this most unusual phenomenon.

His excitement became a vision. Tall, with a commanding presence, yet always a twinkle in his eyes and kindness in his heart, Big Stew enthusiastically described the strand feeding scene that he would love to have and wanted me to paint!

Brunch at Captain Sam’s Inlet depicts three famous Kiawah dolphins beaching themselves as they corral a school of mullet fish for a feeding frenzy. In real life it is a powerful moment that happens ever so quickly. Their tails propel them up onto the bank of the inlet beach as they devour the airborne fish.

Brunch at Captain Sam’s Inlet by William R. Beebe, commissioned

It was such a fun project to work on. I never would have thought to paint it on my own.

Sadly, Big Stew passed away last week. We lost a very close friend. He lived a wonderful full life with a big beautiful family. To me he was an iconic figure. He left an indelible mark.

We woke up yesterday to cooler temps and a crystal clear blue sky. A perfect day to head down to Beachwalker Beach and Captain Sam’s Inlet to see if we could perhaps get lucky and witness another strand feeding. All the while on the long beach walk thinking of Big Stew and saying to each other wouldn’t it be amazing if the dolphins showed up and showed off for us again?

Well our good friend must have been looking down and smiling at us as four dolphins stranded themselves almost right in front of us, two times!!!

As I said it happens in a flash so my pics are so so. While I was snapping away Jen pulled out her iPhone and captured one of the strand feedings on video. You can hear the powerful splashing as they quickly push their way back from the shore.

It was a wonderful way to remember our friend Big Stew and to feel closer to him. Art brought us together for which I will always be grateful.

Thank you for reading my journal and your interest in my art. It is appreciated very much.