Moby

Another thing that moved me during the painting week was the extraordinary news that a humpback whale had been spotted off the coast of Noordwijk. The idea alone brought a certain magic, as if nature itself had added an extra brushstroke to our week. Despite my many hours at the high-water mark, where I was intensively busy painting, I unfortunately did not see the impressive whale with my own eyes. 

Funny enough, at the beginning of the week we had jokingly suggested incorporating a whale into our artwork. Who would have thought that this joke would have a touch of reality? Fortunately, the weather cooperated quite nicely; most days we were able to work undisturbed on the beach, with only the occasional light rain shower. However, the sea kept its secret well hidden, and the humpback whale remained invisible, hidden in the waves.

Despite that, I secretly kept hoping for a glimpse of "Moby", as I called him to myself. My improvised song, "My Moby is over the ocean", quickly became a beloved running gag within our group. 🎶 It made even the gray skies take on a cheerful note. That week at the coast, painting, nature and unexpected inspiration, remains an experience full of wonder and creativity.