A bright and sunny morning is marked by the first safety flags being erected before a momentary calm and foamy ocean. Employing the dazzlingly bright colours and imagery so familiar to Australians, Watson transports us convincingly to Noosa Beach, as if we were laying on our towel, watching the lifesavers start their day.
Art critics and commentators have recently questioned the predominance of artworks featuring the landscape and desert in the current exhibition 'Australia' at the Royal Academy in London. It is true, as they point out, the great majority of Australians live on, or in cities near the coast.
Watson's current series explores contemporary life on the coast. This most recent painting skillfully and accurately illustrates a carefree scene, which embodies a cherished national passion: unrushed time spent at the beach.
