Morning in the Solent

On looking at a black and white photo of this work in 2021:

When I first looked quickly at this, I just saw the broad divisions of light and dark on the picture’s surface and it was only gradually that I noticed the prone, lone figure and other details like the plane, the dark ridge of a wave on the horizon and the way the shipping seems to ride just above it. The headland on the right is part of the Isle of Wight, and behind it is the entrance to Cowes harbour. I find myself peering at the old photo…. one day I hope to see the actual painting!