IS8 036 Ruth A R Lombardi 00 (Beach Belles) Ruth A R Lombardi

The pastel drawing captures a fleeting moment on a beach. Here we observe two young girls engaged in what appears to be playful interaction with the waters edge. The composition is dominated by cool tones – blues and sandy yellows – which evoke the atmosphere of a coastal environment.
One girl, positioned centrally, is captured mid-squat, her body angled towards the viewer. Her posture suggests an active engagement; she seems poised to either enter or retreat from the water. The artist has rendered her form with a focus on anatomical detail, highlighting the curves and contours of her physique. This attention to physicality lends a certain realism to the depiction.
The second girl is partially visible behind the first, her face turned away from the viewer. She appears to be leaning forward, perhaps observing or participating in the same activity as the foreground figure. The loose rendering of her hair and clothing contributes to a sense of movement and spontaneity.
The background consists primarily of water, rendered with broad strokes that suggest its fluidity and reflective qualities. The horizon line is indistinct, further emphasizing the immediacy of the scene and drawing attention to the figures themselves.
Subtly, the work explores themes of childhood innocence, playfulness, and connection to nature. The girls unselfconscious postures and expressions convey a sense of carefree joy. There’s an underlying narrative implied – a shared experience between these two individuals, captured in a brief, unguarded moment. The artist’s choice of pastel medium contributes to the overall impression of lightness and transience, mirroring the ephemeral nature of childhood memories and seaside encounters.