Shadows and canals

Alt text: Turquoise and blue abstract with a white horizontal skyline and dark blue boat silhouettes

Detailed description: Shadows and canals

Acrylic on canvas, 40 × 50 cm.

The painting is composed in turquoise, deep blue, white, silver, and muted grey-green tones.

The background consists of layered washes of turquoise and blue paint with darker vertical drips descending from the upper edge of the canvas.

Across the middle of the composition, a wide white horizontal band stretches from left to right.

Within this band, a pale turquoise shape appears in the center. Its upper edge forms a sequence of rounded domes and pointed spire-like silhouettes, creating the impression of a distant architectural skyline.

Behind it rises a large silver geometric structure composed of rectangular blocks and stepped forms.

The lower half of the painting is dominated by dark blue shapes, suggesting boats gathered closely together. These forms are elongated and curved, with visible brushstrokes and irregular edges.

Vertical dark lines rise throughout the lower half of the composition, resembling posts or poles standing in the water.

Near the left side of the painting, a small human figure appears standing on one of the dark shapes. The figure is rendered in black and white with minimal detail.

A time for us *

A rusty yellow tub was bobbing by the pier. Strictly speaking, it was a vessel, of course, but sometimes you have to face the truth: it had been a vessel many years ago, but now — well, maybe you could just drift about in it near the shore.

And yet, there’ll be a time for us yet, you and I, she thought, stroking its rough side, watching the crust of old paint — once the color of a happy summer sun — flaking away. Someday there’ll be a time for us, she said softly aloud, stepping onto the deck up a ladder that seemed to be held together by nothing but air. We’ll dance again, she said tenderly, tilting her face to the sea spray from the waves breaking against the side. But for now — well, for now, I’ll just sleep here. You don’t mind, do you?

*  The title refers to the song “A Time for Us” (alt. “Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet”, 1968). Music by Nino Rota, lyrics by Eddie Snyder and Larry Kusik. Most widely known in the instrumental arrangement by Henry Mancini, covered extensively by various artists.