While exploring the beach before turning my attention to the dogs, a patch of dune grass caught the wind in a way that felt intentional, as if nature was pausing for me to capture it. However, instead of a crashing wave or the expansive sea, simply a windswept patch of wilderness, reaching skyward in golden defiance. In that moment, the beach felt less like a coastline and more like a threshold, one foot entrenched in the familiar, while the other stepped through a doorway, entering a softer and dreamlike wonder.
Once that moment was over, the dogs, specifically Goose, captured my attention. If you see any images here that aren’t available on Natural Desygns or SM Desygns reach out to me through the Etsy store and I’ll add the image to the correct store. In the meantime, click any of the images to head over to DeviantArt to get a better look.
Despite bringing the dogs to the beach for their enjoyment, I couldn’t ignore the scenes that called to me. The tufts of wild grass scattered along the shoreline left a lasting impression. They reminded me more of an oasis in a barren desert than anything coastal. When a windswept patch caught the corner of my eye, it compelled me to pause and preserve the scene.
Beaches reveal themselves gradually, step by step. The long blades of grass reached toward the sky, swaying gently in the breeze. These golden stalks formed a natural curtain that softened the view of the shore. This barrier was porous enough to glimpse the sea beyond, where water and sky blur into a single, endless line. The watercolor treatment lends a soft, fleeting dreaminess, evoking something that cannot be held once plucked from memory.
This image, like others in the series, doesn’t aim to dazzle. It invites stillness. A breath before movement. A moment to notice what stands silent before the tide’s inevitable pull. The contrast between the rooted grasses and the distant sea becomes a gentle meditation on nature’s constant march. It’s a place caught between motion and stillness, land and sea, the seen and the remembered.
The following images are part of my premium gallery on DeviantArt, Man’s Best Friend. It’s filled with images of dogs, both mine and those I’ve found out about the world. With a single payment, you will gain access to all the existing images, as well as all the ones added in the future. However, here I will include the descriptions of the images, so please excuse the phrasing that may assume you can see the image.
Goose by the Sea 001
Following the capture of the compelling shots, I turned my attention to the real stars of the trip, the dogs. Ivy hesitated near the sand and water, unlike Goose, who appeared comfortable after a moment’s hesitation. Yes, he was leashed. You can see it attached to his harness, though I’ll circle back to that later. However, we were alone on the shore, so he was given the chance to explore.
In the first shot to feature him, I captured a grounded and contemplative moment, highlighting a moment of focused curiosity. Rather than a burst of action typical for him, he’s calm and subdued. Goose’s shadow partially obscured his face as he investigates the patch of dune grass, searching for something. While I’ll never know what he was seeking, his posture—low and still—suggests absorption rather than hesitation, making this a study in canine intent.
Visually, the watercolor effect enhances the contrast between the vibrant dune grass on the left and Goose’s darker form on the right. The grass stalks fan outward creating a golden fan effect, while the sand lends a dreamy, almost aged-paper quality to the background. The leash, a bold red ribbon, cuts through the frame adding a pop of color, anchoring him to his family. Altogether, this composition feels quiet but not still, rich with texture, and full of gentle observation.
Goose by the Sea 002
Once he’d finished his investigation, he abandoned the patch of grass and resumed his exploration of the shoreline. For the eagle-eyed among you: yes, his leash ended up beneath him. I’m not sure how he accomplished the feat, but if I had to guess, I’d say he likely stalked around the grass while searching for his prize, then doubled back toward me.
With his tongue poking out of his mouth and his tail in motion, Goose enjoyed his faux freedom with unmistakable enthusiasm. This image highlights him in mid-step against the watercolor-splashed sand, and the moment brims with energy. His bright blue shadow adds both visual weight and playfulness, anchoring his energy. Every part of the scene—the loose leash trailing behind, the soft fur, the texture of paw prints on the sand—celebrates freedom and the joy of small moments.
This image transcends a mere pet portrait. It celebrates the bond between humans and their canine companions, and the simple joys of the present moment. Goose’s open mouth and lively eyes invite you into his world, where the wind tastes like salt and the day stretches out filled with possibilities. The watercolor effect doesn’t dampen the emotion. It instead amplifies it, turning a fleeting gesture into something lasting, something worth remembering.