Underwater Encounter

Just this morning I was talking to one of my students about what inspired this painting (and a number of other sea life paintings). Several years ago we went on a family vacation to Maui. On my favorite day of the entire trip, my father-in-law rented a glass-bottom catamaran and we went snorkeling near a huge coral reef. It was completely mind-blowing to find yourself nose-to-nose with this whole underwater world we'd never otherwise see! Once I caught my breath (!) I loved being surrounded by all these beautiful, tropical fish, visiting them right where they live. On the way back to shore, a big school of giant sea turtles followed our boat all the way back, swimming and bobbing alongside us like long lost friends. It was an unforgettable day! And so I bring you...Underwater Encounter, a UWS award-winner, and on display at the AmBank Invitational show opening Thursday, November 13.

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