Beyond Brushstrokes
By Maria Victoria Rufino
The island offers a brief interlude from the oppressive urban congestion and frenzy. One finds instant relief. The city’s opaque toxic haze blurs and dissipates in the distance. The white cumulus clouds and the cerulean blue sky are a serene sight for world-weary eyes.
Gradually, the body and mind relax.
The sea breeze whirls like a bracing tonic of exotic scents in mint and citrus. A heady whiff of oxygen reawakens the senses. It is easy to breathe, to stretch and expand.
Floating on the pulsating sea calms the spirit as it empties the mind of thoughts. The rhythmic swell and ebb of waves washes away the clutter and cobwebs.
Gazing at the horizon where sky and sea meet and blend into cobalt, azure, and ultramarine blue, can be a startling experience. Accustomed to the artificial glare of indoor lights, the eye is overwhelmed by the brilliant colors. One’s vision adjusts to the subtle nuances of the seascape.
The churning clear water turns into a frothy wake of salty and foam as a boat cuts the shimmering surface. White-capped waves ripple for miles and miles until they break against the craggy coastline cliffs.
Seagulls swoop to catch fish and soar around like kites. Sometimes, a flying fish springs up and plunges, playing hide and seek. Close to the surface, the electric blue and yellow angelfish dart and weave patterns in the water.
The tiny fish vanish as one plunges in.
It is a different world. Sounds are muffled and figures are blurry. One can hardly hear anything save the bubbles exhaled from the snorkel tube.
The colors of nature are brighter, more vivid in a marinescape composition. Blues, greens, yellows, and pinks shimmer and glow from a phosphorescent palette.
A solitary sea star clings to the bottom near the corals. When it is brought to the surface it turns to brown and it gasps for breath. Tossed back into the sea, the seastar instantly turns bright blue, revived once again.
One listens to the eclectic symphony of wind and water at sea. Depending on the weather, the music of nature can be dramatic as the fortissimo passage of a piano concerto or as relaxing as the well-loved strains of a Brahms lullaby.
On a mild day, the tableau of fluffy cumulus, cirrus, and nimbus clouds move across the powder blue sky. One can discern furry shapes of animals — sheep, lions, and a mirage of angels drifting.
During a storm, the clashing cymbals, pounding drums, and percussion instruments mingle with the crescendo of the woodwinds and brasses heard in the flash of lightning and roll of thunder.
One see, hears, and feels the powerful climax as the clouds unleash angry torrents, tossing flimsy boats on the heaving ocean.
The breeze fades abruptly. The air is heavy with moisture. The clouds gather into towering layers of gray.
A heavenly growl sounds like distant rolling thunder and marching drums. A flash of lightning and electric streaks brightens the graphite sky. A loud clap echoes over the island. The rain pours like a waterfall onto the forest and the beach.
A strong gust of wind ruffles the sea’s surface, causing waves to cover the sandbars and islets.
On the beach, kids frolic — defiant of the wind and rain. Blue kingfishers and yellow orioles seek shelter in their favorite trees and swimmers take cover in scattered gazebos.
The rain suddenly stops and the crickets begin to chirp. The clouds dissipate and the sky is a clear pale canvas.
Sailboats float along the seashore. People gather in clusters to watch the dramatic command performance of light and sound.
The golden orb begins to descend. Fiery gold turns to orange, vermillion, tinged with crimson.
A river of yellow gold reflects glinting specks on the sea. It spills on the ripples and fades as the sun vanishes into the horizon. The afterglow now has streaks of violet, tangerine and peach.
Twilights casts a magical spell. The colors are elements of a divine work in progress.
A strong gust rustles through the palm and coconut fronds. As night falls, tiny fireflies light up a lone tree. The crickets chirp more loudly in a staccato rhythm counterpointed by the croaks of frogs.
The full moon rising is a silver spectacle to behold. She commands attention in the dark sky. One bright star dares to peep through a translucent veil. Then the constellations start to light up the sky.
Late at night, one can hear a distinct melody — the soothing song of the sea.
Maria Victoria Rufino is an artist, writer and businesswoman. She is president and executive producer of Maverick Productions.
