Lambase, Barbara – Donnatalee 03 (end Barbara Lambase

The composition presents a fragmented scene seemingly set at a beach or shoreline. The viewer is confronted with cropped figures and swirling water, creating a sense of immediacy and partial observation rather than a comprehensive view. A young girl, centrally positioned, appears to be struggling within the turbulent waves. She wears a distinctive checkered bathing suit, her expression conveying distress or perhaps surprise.
To her right, a figure in horizontally striped swimwear offers what seems like assistance, though their interaction is obscured by the waters motion. The upper left corner reveals another individual partially visible; they are clad in a yellow garment, suggesting a casual beach attire. A bright yellow bucket lies discarded on the sand near the bottom of the frame, adding to the sense of interrupted activity and potential vulnerability.
The artist employs a palette dominated by blues and greens for the water, contrasted with warmer tones – yellows, oranges, and browns – for the figures and sand. The brushwork is loose and expressive, particularly in rendering the waves, which appear almost animated. This technique contributes to the feeling of movement and instability within the scene.
Subtleties emerge upon closer inspection. Small details like the butterflies near the bottom edge introduce a touch of whimsy that contrasts with the apparent struggle of the girl. The cropped nature of the figures suggests an intentional distancing, preventing easy identification or emotional connection. This could imply themes of isolation, fleeting moments, or the subjective experience of memory. The overall effect is one of capturing a specific, transient moment – a snapshot of human interaction within a larger, unpredictable natural environment.