From the very popular 010: COAST series, this ultra realistic new painting features a handsome lifeguard who the artist observed at Noosa Beach, Queensland, Australia - a place Watson has continued to return to since his childhood.
Having previously painted the lifeguard in First Flag, Black and White and Lifeguard with Cockatoo, this is the first painting of him to reveal his face and strong torso. Vermillion red and cadmium yellow in the clothing and flag spectacularly pop against the blues and greens of an energetic ocean.
Late afternoon sunlight illuminates, reminiscent of a film set spotlight, as the lifeguard appears to pause and focus on something which remains mysterious to us in the distance. This outstanding artwork embodies great impact, and demands attention despite its smaller scale.
